Ian P

Reviews and other content aren't verified by Google

5 years on I still remember this book vividly. It takes a while to get used to the style of writing. The first few chapters are more like poetry and focuses on describing the settings and cities rather than the characters or a plot. Once you get used to this, the story starts to unravel beautifully. I promise that you will be gripped and fall in love. Prepare to have your heart warmed… and broken. I hardly ever cry at books, tv or movies. This book, however, had me sobbing uncontrollably. It shines a light into the realities of war but from a different angle than most world war literature and other media. A definite must-read if you like historical, deep, beautiful stories.

A few points after episode 3 from a person who cherished the books from which they’re based off: 1. The enchanting, boisterous magic of The Golden Compass is completely lacking in the TV adaption. 2. Ma Costa in the TV adaption is nothing like the one I imagined in the book. I imagined a Mrs Weasley-type character in my mind. Her role in the story is also quite different too. Disappointing. 3. The style is completely off. It’s very modern looking and not the Victorian era-type setting I had imagined. 4. The whole thing is very BBC middle class. I’m not articulate enough to explain the exact words I’m looking for with this point but I think some people might understand. Its off-putting. 5. I completely respect the hard work put into this project and understand the sheer scope and feeling of the books I hard to project on film. 6. I will keep watching this along the way out of respect, even though it’s all a bit ‘off’ for me.