Harry Potter book reviews
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Media General News Service
Published: July 24, 2007
REVIEW #1: BY A LIBRARIAN FAN
The hype is over, and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" is in your hands.
Perhaps you'd like to know if it's worth reading. Well, of course it is. This review will attempt to explain enough about this final installment in Harry's epic without spoiling the reading experience for anyone.
There is one inevitable difference between this book and all the previous books in the series. This one is more about weaving all the strands together than about introducing new elements.
J.K. Rowling also continues the process of maturation for her young characters, especially for Harry, who comes of age in a bleak and chaotic time and place without a mentor. His anguish and deadly challenges are made bearable by moments of true friendship and insight.
How could it be otherwise- Rowling has always made these books about growing up. Harry has grown a great deal in seven books, to the point that "Deathly Hallows" is more appropriate for age 15 than age 10.
"Deathly Hallows" is not better than the others in the series, but neither is it inferior. The books form a cohesive whole, as that was always the author's plan.
Will Harry die, or Voldemort, or both- Who are the central characters who must make the ultimate sacrifice- Is Dumbledore alive or dead- Whose side is Snape on- Who will gain true love- What are the other horcruxes, and will they play a vital role in the inevitable final confrontation-
This review answers none of your questions, but Rowling answers every one of them.
And though a cultural event has ended, a classic series of young-adult literature takes a place in the canon. Put the books in their honored place on the shelf, next to the works of Laura Ingalls Wilder, Roald Dahl, J.R.R. Tolkien and Lloyd Alexander. They will be ready in a few years when you are ready to read them again.
Then there are your children and grandchildren to consider -- a book will last a long time if you take care of it.
Chris Wiegard is senior librarian at Appomattox Regional Library in Hopewell, Va.
REVIEW #2: HATS OFF TO ROWLING'S STORYTELLING SKILLS
Volume 7 of the chronicles of Harry Potter finally has been published in the world of the Muggle-born.
Unbelievably, the final installment of our Harry's young life at Hogwarts, "Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows," already has been bought by more than 8 million Muggles
The ironic thing is, they think it's all make-believe. The series is even promoted as children's fiction.
I'm sure that Harry, somewhere, is having a nice laugh over that one, as is his official biographer, J. K. Rowling, who finally put quill to parchment and is taking her marvelous best-selling series, as they say, straight to Gringotts.
The wizarding world has been aware of the fate of Harry Potter for years now, but many insider secrets are spilled during the course of this last chapter in the series, which fittingly ends at Hogwarts, the home that Harry loved most.
This reviewer takes off his pointed hat to Rowling's skill as a storyteller. Although some reviewers in the Daily Prophet and other publications believe that the darkness that permeates this tale is undeservingly grim, I think Rowling here is writing primally: Her words are coming from her heart.
The tone of voice, while darker than the other books in the series, is finely counterbalanced by the humor and whimsy infusing the cast of characters Harry meets on his quest.
Small facets, touched on in the previous books, resound here like the Christmas bells in Hogwarts' Great Hall. They reveal secrets left hidden since the day Lily and James Potter were murdered by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named years ago.
Rowling has constructed this narrative seamlessly, showing how Harry and his best friends, Hermione and Ron, together solve the mysteries of Harry's life, all the while telling the singular story of this last installment.
There! That's all you Muggles will get out of me. I've left a book full of wonder for you and your families to discover and enjoy and reread over the years.
Rus Wornom is co-op advertising coordinator in The Times-Dispatch retail advertising department.
REVIEW #3: Saving the best for last
Readers have eagerly awaited the conclusion of J.K. Rowling's saga.
I opened the final installment with high expectations -- and with a measure of sadness that this would be my last journey with old friends, but I believe "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" is clearly the best book in the series. It's appropriate for ages 14 and up.
In my eyes, topping the first book is an enormous feat. This novel shows the depths of Rowling's storytelling ability, and both her beautiful mix of words and honed writing skills will long be remembered.
Here, she creates the perfect blend of action and calm (albeit tense), with readers ever conscious of the overarching theme regarding the struggle of good versus evil. This powerful combination allows readers to experience the book alongside the characters.
Harry has shed some of his gloom, making him more fun to adventure with. He has clearly matured, and, thankfully, he hasn't just gotten older -- his thinking has evolved. Readers will feel his pain as he wrestles with choices and responds less impulsively.
Harry has always been a hero, but here he shines as brightly as his patronus. Rowling has thoroughly fleshed out each of her characters, good and evil. These characters have become quite real to many Potter fans.
During respites from the mayhem, the book gives readers a chance to savor favorite characters. Secondary characters have some memorable moments of their own. Picture Professor Trelawney heaving crystal balls from Hogwarts windows in battle. It's a scene that forces laughter, even in the face of grave circumstances.
Fans have strong opinions about what will happen in this final chapter of the saga. Well, good luck with that thinking. Rowling does an amazing job of keeping readers on their toes and guessing until the very end, making the final installment that much more satisfying.
Is Harry Potter real- He is for me, vividly portrayed alongside Hermione and Ron in my imagination. Dumbledore wisely responds to Harry's query -- "Of course it is happening inside your head Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real-" -- my sentiments exactly.
Rowling navigates readers' emotions through sometimes chilling whitewater rapids. This leaves readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly peering into open books, from the first page to the last. It's a great ride.
Sue Harris is a reading specialist in Prince George County. She also teaches children's literature at Virginia Commonwealth University.
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