The Secret Commonwealth (Philip Pullman) (Book)

Title: The Secret Commonwealth

Author: Philip Pullman

Series: The Book of Dust (Volume 2)

Publisher: David Fickling Books and Penguin Random House

Date Published: October 3, 2019

Category: Fiction / Fantasy / Young Adult

The Secret Commonwealth is the second installment in Philip Pullman’s The Book of Dust trilogy, continuing the story of Lyra Silvertongue, now a twenty-year-old undergraduate at St Sophia’s College, Oxford. Set ten years after the events of His Dark Materials, the novel explores themes of consciousness, belief, and the nature of Dust.

In this volume, Lyra and her dæmon, Pantalaimon, find themselves at odds, leading to a physical and emotional separation. Their journey takes them across Europe and into Asia as they seek answers about the mysterious substance known as Dust and confront the oppressive forces of the Magisterium. The narrative delves into complex philosophical questions and presents a more mature and introspective perspective compared to the earlier books in the series.

The novel has been praised for its intricate plot and the depth of its characters, offering a compelling continuation of Lyra’s story. It sets the stage for the trilogy’s concluding volume, The Rose Field, scheduled for publication on October 23, 2025.