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
4 comments:
As a chamption of the underdog, I savored the development of Neville Longbottom. My mind was intrigued with the parallels of he and Harry's life paths--both had lost their parents in the struggle against evil and both had been born in the month of July. I appreciated the fact that he could have been the object of Voldemort's wrath.
I had very little patience with the juvenile sparring between Snape and James Potter. I am amazed that Snape's patronus was a doe!
The most powerful scenes for me were at the end where Harry meets Voldemort. Being open in the face of evil was difficult and superb. That love overcomes evil is a message to remember.
On a lighter note--I love Luna.
Sylvia -
much agreed about Snape's doe! Still have an attachment to the Snape/Harry conflict - but also agreed about the Neville thing - I was disappointed that the Neville story line seemed to be dropped and not continued. Luna is great - I think the young actor that portrays her in the films really gets her.
Louise,
Draco is the true owner of the Elder Wand because he took it from Dumbledore against his will by disarming him on the top of the tower in the sixth book. Dumbledore thought Snape would be the owner because he killed him, but since that was planned, Dumbledore was not really defeated. I agree that Snape is Rowling's most complex character.
-Kat
Kat -
thanks so much - sorry it took me so long to get back to the blog -
makes sense. I have thought that now that the series is complete that I should go back and read all 7 books straight through to get real flow of the plot - I know I have missed connections everywhere - much like watching all the Lord of the Rings movies and Star Wars in order.
I had completely blanked on tower scene -
glad to read of another Snape admirer - a great character!
Lousie
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