Keeping the blogosphere posted on the goings on of the world of submarines since late 2004... and mocking and belittling general foolishness wherever it may be found. Idaho's first and foremost submarine blog. (If you don't like something on this blog, please E-mail me; don't call me at home.)

Friday, July 27, 2007

Book Review: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows

It's been a week since the seventh Harry Potter book came out, so I figure most people who are really interested (other than ninme, who's waiting for the Brit version with her "favourite" ways of spelling words) have finished the book by now. All five people here in my house finished it by yesterday, but for those who haven't finished yet, you shouldn't click on the "Read more" link below if you don't want to see spoilers.

Warning! Spoilers Below!

For those who aren't planning on reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, but still want to be able to join in the water cooler discussions, there's a good synopsis at this Wikipedia article.
The Potter books have been a touchstone for my family for the last 8 years; my children grew up with them (we discovered them right after the 3rd book came out) and it gave the whole family something to talk about. For that reason, and because the books are entertaining even for adults, I've been following them quite closely, and got quite attached to the mythical world that J. K. Rowling created. In this last book, Rowling wrapped up the series in an eminently satisfying way that makes the hours spent reading the books all worthwhile.

As I've said all along, it was clear that Snape was "good" throughout it all -- Dumbledore just couldn't have been wrong about something so important. While I had stated that Neville had to be the one to get rid of Bellatrix LaStrange, Rowling ended up giving Neville the equally important role of destroying the last Horcrux -- and having Mrs. Weasley do the deed was just as satisfying. The best part about the conclusion is that Harry finally beats Voldemort not by luck, but because he actually comes to understand something that the Dark Lord doesn't, and uses it to his advantage. For those who "grew up" with Harry, it's fitting to see him finally take some responsibility for his fate at the end.

My youngest didn't like the epilogue at all, and I can see where he's coming from -- it ties things up way too neatly (even given the understanding that it is a children's book). The worst part is the names of Harry's kids -- didn't Ginny get any say in what their names were going to be? (I'm hoping that name of the oldest kid at least honored Uncle Fred in his middle name.) For those who want more information about what happened to the characters after Voldemort died, Rowling gave out some information in a recent interview, including the fact that both Harry and Ron became Aurors.

So what happens next for fans of Harry Potter? Well, there are still two more movies to see, and Rowling is talking about putting out an encyclopedia of Potter information. I could also see her writing a "Hogwarts Year 8" book (with proceeds going to charity) -- giving the main characters a chance to actually go through their last year of school.

Overall, this last book is clearly the best book of the entire series -- I'm glad I stuck with the story all the way to the end.

11 Comments:

Blogger Subvet said...

Loved the way she wrapped it all up. If she fills in the blanks with a book on what happens in the intervening 19 years, okay. I just hope she doesn't "go Hollywood" and start churning out sequel after sequel.

7/28/2007 11:41 PM

 
Blogger Cameron said...

I've wondered if Star Wars style prequels will be next.

Loved the finale though. Got a bit bored with the camping section in the middle of the book, but the beginning and end were top notch. I think the way she wrapped it up was great. I can't wait to see how the Battle of Hogwarts is done on the big screen.

7/30/2007 9:24 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ron seems completely incompetent to be an Auror. Harry, sure. Ginny, sure. They are both shown to be reasonably powerful and skillful in combat mojo. Ron? Oh, well, its just fiction :)

7/30/2007 10:34 AM

 
Blogger Unknown said...

Ron seems completely incompetent to be an Auror.

Always the note of surprise ;-)

7/31/2007 1:05 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

LOL! I supposed I'm underestimating poor Ron. He just seems to be more of "isn't that Hermione's husband" rather than "I hear Ron Wesley is a fast-runner - he'll be an Auror for sure".

7/31/2007 9:31 AM

 
Blogger RM1(SS) (ret) said...

BTW - anyone who's interested in discussing the book further is invited to join in at http://tinyurl.com/26j5eo .

8/07/2007 10:03 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This book sucked ass. J.K. is no kind of writer period.
The ending was stupidly predictable.

George R.R. Martin rules!!

Kids growing up on Potter? way to warp their little minds.

8/11/2007 6:04 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've loved the Potter books for many years but DH is the worst book of the series. Harry the hero is unbelievable. The world and characters I loved were shoved aside. Unnecessary deaths. Shoddy writing. JKR truly failed in her last book.

8/12/2007 7:50 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a shame Rowling didn't quit after book four. Writers call this a "collect the coupons" plot, one where the heroes travel around collecting a bunch of magical artifacts to trade to the author for an ending.

A slow, exhaustively dragged out fantasy quest from a tired writer who simply ran out of ideas. Wait for the paperback.

8/14/2007 11:48 AM

 
Blogger Unknown said...

Well all this years i been a big fan ofharry potter work i loved it wvwn it had similarities to lord of the ring by tokiens but the last book was dissapointing its all love and luck all love and luck no action i thought harry would finally learn some extraordinary magic to fight he didn't even use the elderwand.after reading the book i realise its so girlish so gay all the chance of him rising to power
all he know is experialamus and expecto patronum u suck ballz jk

8/17/2007 1:14 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

im sorry, but the 7th book in my opinion had to have been the worst of the series. apart from the epilouge which was badly written, and only stated about the trios children, i believe that Jk did a horrid job summing up the book. Because thier were too many questions left unanswered. ones she could have easilty answered in the book, giving me the impression that she simply grew lazy. But thats just mine and im sure many others opinions. It was NOT the best of the series.

8/25/2007 1:28 AM

 

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