Posted by Guy C. on January 11, 2006 at 21:31:14 from 85.35.55.194 user Astronomer_Guy.
In Reply to: Re: Narnia movie- WD next? posted by Pam Adams on January 10, 2006 at 01:25:21:
As for a film of WD as an introduction to Ransome, I note that this is the book I first read in the series, and it got me hooked on all of them. I do think it is his best work, and stands alone very well. It is even better, of course, when seen in the context of the other books and you understand the characters from their previous histories.
I would agree that the Narnia books, though I do like them, can be awfully preachy at times (and I'm in the religion business!) But as others have mentioned, they have the advantage over Pullman of having a sense of humor. Pullman also suffers from massive inconsistencies in his universe(s) from book to book, and a general cynical attitude towards everything that is wearing after a while.
By contrast, I may or may not have agreed with Ransome's views on many issues (I don't find fishing at all interesting, and I suspect I would have found his wife to be a pill), but I am sure I'd have enjoyed long conversations while out sailing with him. On the other hand, after twenty minutes trapped on a boat with Pullman, I would probably want to jump overboard. (If he didn't jump first; I suspect he'd have no use for a scientist/religious like me, either!) Yet I have to admit, Pullman had me turning the pages... he is a good writer.
Finally, for me the Potter books hold a fascination that I had only previously encountered in Ransome. As with Ransome, it's her characters that do it for me; while I do find the rest of the world to be entertaining, it is the people she's created who are friends whom one cares about and wants to spend time with. If nothing else, she will be read in 50 years time by the kids who are reading her today, who will no doubt have their own version of Tarboard to share their views... on that horrible ending to the seventh book (!) (I hope and trust not!)