further thoughts on HDM

[amedia]

OK, I still don't *like* the series. But recent discussions with pocketwitch have made me realize that there are things I like about it, nonetheless.

The thing I like best is the depth of discussion it can inspire. (waves to Jess) :-)



There were a few other things I found outstanding. I loved the journey to the world of the dead, how they got into that world, how it faded as the dead people forgot... outstanding. Nightmarish, but in a cool-shivery kind of way. I also loved the bit where Lyra is telling a *true* story and the harpies can't help but listen, enraptured.

Indeed, for all that I maintain that the third book was way too long, if there was *one* theme that should have been developed at more length it was the notion of storytelling as a life-affirming, consciousness-attracting activity. For a while, I thought it was how they were going to coax the Dust to stop leaving.

I also got a cool-shivery feeling when I found out that the Specters were created by the use of the Knife, and we were reminded of what Iorek said to Will when he mended the knife (something about how we know what its makers made it for, but the knife has an unknown purpose of its own).

And I liked the state-of-consciousness thing that the alethiometer and the knife had in common. If I could master that, I'd be a way better ninja. :-)

Comments

[pocketwitch.livejournal.com]

Wooooo! I feel accomplished. ;D And you've definitely made me want to go back and read it again and be a bit more critical of it. Though I still think I'll just love it to pieces anyway. LOL.