Louise: So I decided to read the seventh and final installment of the Harry Potter series on my recent summer vacation. Everyone, and I mean everyone was reading this book. In airports, young and old were sprawled on floors, drapping lines of terminal seating and stuffed in congested coffee shops. Harry Potterites were not only on planes, but on trains, cabs, boats, and cars. The "book" was everywhere. Having spied the give-away candy-corn/hazard cone orange cover under my arm (a brilliantly intentional color choice by Rowling to aid those in league with Potter to identify others in the Order ... ) I was approached by complete strangers and asked my thoughts on whether Harry should seek the Horcruxes or focus on the Hallows. So while some many prefer to argue whether Rowling's books indeed elevate witchcraft as an artform - I prefer to marvel in the shear enjoyment I got over the past two weeks watching people of all languages, cultures, economic status and occupation reading a book together - all reading and racing to get to the final outcome together! For a brief moment in time - mesmerized by the same story and cast of characters - we were on the same global olympic team and heading for gold.
So, forget my adding one more individual review to the pile. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, as with all the Potter books, was written for discussion. Rowling's books are as simple or as complex as the reader wishes to make them. This final book was no different and I found it to be the most complex of the series.
At this point, I believe it would be appropriate for me to make clear that this discussion may prove to be a SPOILER. I am in awe of the secrecy and respect Potter readers show to one another - no one ever attempted to give away the ending to the book - except my son, who tried to get out of mowing the lawn one night - "Mom, I'll tell you if Potter lives or dies if I have to mow the lawn again." - The ending remained a secret ... and he mowed the lawn.
So, I welcome all to the discussion. Proceed knowing that SPOILING may appear at any time.
Question/Discussion point: I believe Snape was Rowling's best character creation. Yes, Harry was the focal point - but the entire good/evil argument was great fun and I was relieved when Rowling reserved the final acknowledgement for Snape at the end of the book. That was the page that made me cry - much like I believe that Tolkien's Sam Wise is one of the greatest characters of the trilogy. I think it in the relationship of Potter, Dumbledore and Snape - it is Snape who is the most pivotal - not Dumbledore ... what do you think? Also, does anyone understand the reason that Draco Malfoy is the true owner of the Elder Wand? I still do not understand that connection at all.
Louise
