Although there is violence in the novel, most of the truly bloody events are only alluded to, and most of the violence happens to the villains. For example, when Matthew Bedwell describes the sinking of the Lavinia, he remembers that "the sharks came. The poor devils didn't have a chance," and when Mr. Selby takes a trip to see a boat, the reader is not sure that he has been murdered until his body is found floating in the river.

The British opium trade in the 1800s is frankly discussed and the opium dens and opium smoking are described. However, the descriptions are accurate and reflect the history of the British opium trade at that time. The book does not glamorize the trade or the effects of opium on those who use it. In fact, Pullman's description of Matthew Bedwell when he first arrived in London's...