Pullman: not a happy chappy

I interviewed children’s author Philip Pullman today. I adored his Northern Lights trilogy; wrapped myself up in it during a fab New Year break in Lapland (entirely appropriate for the books!) and have interviewed him before. In both interviews, it’s very clear this is a man who is incredibly passionate about particular subjects, especially religion, writing (of course) and The State. I disagree with some of the stuff he says but I really admire this guy. He’s passionate, outspoken, really doesn’t seem to give a damn what people think and is an amazing writer. I honestly think his work will be looked back on in decades as true art in the area of children’s literature.

Today I called him to get his views on new laws that are coming into place requiring authors to be vetted before visiting schools (click here to read a BBC article about this)

He told me he thought it was ”ridiculous that we have to pay £64 to get a moral certificate from the Government. The implication that someone like the author Shirley Hughes – there’s no-one more kinder; more sweeter – can’t be trusted to be with children is ludicrous!”

He also feels the new law is a manifestation of Britain’s surveillance culture: “The default is that you shouldn’t trust people. But all of us – politicians, writers, artists – should work towards a society where the default is that a person can be trusted; that someone’s word of honour means something. But this simply isn’t happening. Society is just moving in the opposite direction.”

What’s so sad about this is that authors like Pullman have suggested they might not visit schools as a result. Part of me agrees with them. But the other part wonders whether standing up for their principles is really worth depriving children of their valuable visits? When I suggested this to Pullman, he was quick to point out the Government had done this to children, not the authors themselves. It made me wonder, if I were a published children’s author, what would I do? Truely, I think I would make a few grumbles about it but it wouldn’t stop me visiting schools.

Anyway, let’s see how this pans out. Kinda interesting though, huh?

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