Philip Pullman 'relieved' to finish Lyra's final book

Philip Pullman, the renowned author of the beloved His Dark Materials series, has recently shared exciting news about the final installment of his saga featuring the adventurous Lyra Silvertongue. The upcoming book, titled The Rose Field, is set to be released on October 23. This new chapter in Lyra's life will take readers through her journey as she transitions into her early twenties. Readers first met Lyra when she was just 11 years old in the award-winning first book, Northern Lights, which was published back in 1995. Pullman, now 78 years old, expressed his feelings of relief and accomplishment, stating that he is 'relieved' to have completed the book and is eager to see it come to life in print. The title The Rose Field carries significant meaning, as it refers to a magnetic or gravitational field that was first mentioned in the opening chapters of Northern Lights. In those early pages, scholars at Lyra's college in Oxford were secretly discussing a mysterious phenomenon known as Dust. In this concluding book, Lyra is on the brink of uncovering the true nature of Dust and its implications for her life. During an interview with BBC Radio 4's The World At One, Pullman elaborated on the themes of the story, which also delve into the concept of imagination. He shared his perspective on imagination, explaining that Lyra will explore her own understanding of it throughout the narrative. Pullman also revealed that real-world events have played a role in shaping the story of The Rose Field. He discussed the rise of tech billionaires and how their influence has significantly impacted society. 'It has become clear to me in the last 10 years that the influence of money and the power of the billionaire class. have a much deeper effect on the world than I had thought,' he remarked. He reflected on the changes occurring in the world, suggesting that we may be witnessing the decline of a long era of American dominance, which could lead to chaos and destruction, followed by a gradual reformation of nations. Pullman expressed his curiosity about how these changes will unfold, hoping to witness them in his lifetime. He also noted that we are living in an age where we have access to the wisdom of centuries through the internet, and he wonders if society will utilize that knowledge effectively. The Rose Field marks the third book in The Book of Dust series, arriving six years after the previous installment. The first two books in this trilogy have achieved remarkable success, selling a staggering 49 million copies globally, according to publisher Midas. Looking ahead, Pullman has plans to focus on writing a memoir titled Before I Forget. He has been contemplating this project for some time, wanting to document his life experiences before they fade from memory. Born in 1946, Pullman grew up during the era of the British Empire, witnessing a multitude of changes throughout his life. He expressed a desire to capture the moments that brought him joy and excitement, believing it is essential to celebrate and remember these experiences.