No, silly, I don't mean our 33rd president. I am, of course, referring to young master Harry Potter. I just finished reading Harry IV, which was preceded by Harry V, so I figured now would be a good time to give a quasi-review. Suffice it to say there will be spoilers, although I read both books knowing who died in each beforehand, and I still enjoyed them.
I started reading Harry Potter around the time the third book came out. I can't remember why, but I know I was hooked at the time. I eagerly awaited the arrival of the Fourth book (bought in an airport by someone, I think), and I read it as rapidly as I could. Then, as the mania swept the country, and I read better, more adult material, I sort of let the series drift away. Finally, around the time the sixth book came out, I decided I'd better read them both just to keep up with the times.
I must say, I was impressed. I didn't really expect the books to be bad, but I certainly didn't expect them to be as gripping. After having written a fair bit of creative writing myself, I think I've obtained a better understanding of how novels work. So, when reading, I tried to keep my eye out for aspects I enjoyed and aspects I didn't so I could make use of them in my own writing endeavors.
JK Rowling has a formula that just works. The world she creates is well within our spectrum of suspended belief, intricate enough to keep us enraptured, but explained succintly, but sufficiently to the point where we aren't confused or overloaded. Of course, there are gaping holes in the premise that a wizarding community exists within modern day society. I mean, I know it's fiction, but it seems proposterous that the wizards not only don't understand "Muggles", but also make no use of any of their modern technology except toilets, trains, and flying cars. Even still, this isn't really annoying to the point that it seems just a technicality.
The world isn't the only thing that makes the books compelling. The pattern the books follow is regular and familiar, but it allows for complications and differences each year that don't lend themselves to monotony. School itself is something everyone can relate to, especially children, the target audience. And then, of course, there's the "epic struggle of good versus evil" that always manages to ensnare me, at least.
The books become increasingly dark as the series progresses, but not dark in the same sense of most of the literature you read in high school. He always had Ron and Hermione to count upon, and Dumbledore, who was practically omniscent and omnipotent. Killing Dumbledore was great for two reasons: Dumbledore knew entirely too much, to the point where the danger never seemed very real, and it was a great tool to use for Harry's continued development (which is done remarkably well). Dumbledore's death, above all others, was the point where Harry matured closer to a real adult. He alone was responsible for his life and future. He couldn't rely on adults to lead him now.
Of course, Harry had to overcome a lot of obstacles throughout the series without help. But it seemed like he could always go to Dumbledore, who could explain most of it away. Dumbledore just knew too much, he sort of spoiled the effect.
You can also tell that it's a children's book, not an adult's book, just because so few people die. It's almost infuriating how practically everyone survives, on both sides. They're in a war, they're wizards, and yet they still can't manage or won't kill each other. I guess I've no taste for magic duels that consist of "Harry hurls a spell, an adult wizard with years more experience gets caught, Harry runs a bit, Harry hurls a spell, Snape counters, Harry hurls a spell, Snape counters, Harry hurls a spell, ad nauseam." And even when someone's hit, they hardly ever die. But they're kids' books, so I don't honestly expect more. For kids, they're great. I'll still take George RR Martin over Harry Potter anyday.
But, for what they are, the Harry Potter series really does deserve all the attention it's getting. They're great books. I hope they encourages many young minds to read more, like Redwall did for me (Redwall, by the way, killed off quite a few characters and still managed to be appropriate for 10 year olds). I probably won't be standing in line for the next book, but I'll read it pretty soon after it's out. It's good escapist literature with a well done "coming of age" theme. Not as intellectually stimulating as 1984, but a good way to kill a few hours.
(Perhaps more later, we'll see. Toodle loo!)
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