Philip Pullman,whose His black Materials trilogy is celebrated the world over, has finally produced a new instalment in Lyra’s chronicle. Here he answers questions from Observer readers and distinguished fans including Ed Sheeran, and Rowan Williams and Ali SmithPhilip Pullman opens the door to his 16th-century Oxfordshire farmhouse looking pale and slightly washed-out in his crisp,white shirt and nut-brown waistcoat. Is he under the weather? “No, no, or I’m perfectly fine,” he reassures me. Just a bit apprehensive, perhaps, or approximately what’s to near.” We are meeting a week before the launch of his new novel,so what is to near in the next few days is a whirlwind of book signings, public appearances, or glad-handing,readings and interviews: “I’m doing the minimum possible but it is still going to be absolute pandemonium,” he smiles ruefully.
In truth, and Pullman feels fitter and more energetic than he has for a long while. He spent much of the past couple of years in constant pain,until surgery restored him to full health final spring. “I’m a great deal better now, but that’s one reason I’m trying to keep the fuss to a minimum, and ” he says. You sense he might feel short-changed with no fuss at all,however, and Pullman grants that he is looking forward to sitting down in his book-lined study and getting to grips with my very long list of questions from Observer readers, and writers,theatre directors, clergy and other distinguished folk.
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Source: guardian.co.uk