The Ruby in the smoke. By Phillip Pullman

(Book and film review)

The Ruby in the smoke is a fictional melodrama set in Victorian London full of mystery and surprise. The main character Sally Lockheart (played by Billie Piper) explores the mystery of the ruby and uncovers the secrets of her past.

My favourite character in the story is probably Adelaide (played by Chloe Walker) because in the story she is always so frightened and it makes you think how terrible it would be to have a life like that. Also I think the story should end better for Adelaide.

I think one of the worst differences between the book and the film is the fact that in the film they totally leave out the character Trembler and even though Rosa (played by Haley Atwell) and the other characters  manage to fill in well for him it seems a shame to miss out such an important character with such a main part in the story. In the film they also miss out quite a lot of important chunks in the story.

                         My Opinion

I think the book has a lot of great narrative hooks and there are loads of great cliff-hangers that happen, most of which are exciting or interesting  this is why I like it, I like the film as well but maybe not as much as I like the book.

If you decide to read the book and watch the film I recommend that you read the book first. Also if you enjoy it keep an eye out for the next three books: The Shadow in the North, The Tiger in the Well and The Tin Princess.

By K. P7