Before you read my review, here's my disclaimer about my overall Potter knowledge:
If you followed any of my previous posts regarding Potter and his band of young wizardlings, you'll know that I didn't read the entire series. I read the first two books but stopped due to lack of interest, but continued on through the movies. When I heard the seventh book was due out, I couldn't help it, I had to know what the fate of The Boy that Lived would be. Since Potter-fanatics are in no short supply (especially within my group of friends), I was quickly put through Hogwart boot-camp to get me caught up (so sue me, I'll read the previous books later!!).
That being said, I pretty much already knew what I needed to know to get me painlessly through the Seventh and last book, with the exception of what exactly a Horcrux was (and that explanation is pretty simple).
Very few literary series close with the triumphantly nostalgic effect that is achieved at the conclusion of Rowling's "Harry Potter" phenomena. Though a casual fan of the series, I found myself both eager and apprehensive about finishing the last novel, knowing that once all the questions floating around in my head were answered, there would be nothing left to look forward to in the future. And upon finishing "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows," I considered Rowling's wizard-filled finale to be a complete success.
From a technical standpoint, the Potter series differs from nearly every style I enjoy reading. In addition to the usual historical fiction novel I am constantly burying my nose in, Potter also differs from the fantasy novels that I hold dear. Rowling seems to have written a book with the same air of seriousness as Tolkien, but in a style little more adult than CS Lewis (something that turned me off toward the series during its earliest stage, but works very well in this last volume).
Simplistic stylization aside, it astounded me that since Rowling's characters are so relatable on a personal level, occurances within the story that are somewhat childishly presented are no less cherished than intended. For example, the birthday gift that Ginny gives to Harry is a very quick affair with little dialogue leading into it, but anyone who remembers the thrill of being kissed in that manner (or instigating such a kiss) finds it easy to get swept into the moment. The same can be said for other instances in the story, like when the Hogwartians cry in remorse when they think Harry is dead. Rowling has a way of touching the reader without having to explain a situation in superfluous detail, and succeeds in doing this mostly from the viewpoint of her main character.
As far as the plot is concerned, I found the novel to be full of inspiring, well-timed moments. While reading the last few chapters, I felt the same bold excitement that I remembered feeling the first time I read Tolkien's account of Theoden King's Ride of the Rohirrim. An Army of Hogwart students and teachers, centaurs, and knife-brandishing house elves fighting against Death Eaters, Giants, and Voldemort himself was a moment that played out in my head as being cinematically spectacular. At the same time, the loss of characters such as Fred, Remus, and Tonks stabbed at the heart.
I think one of the most significant aspects of Rowling's work is that the Potter series isn't necessarily predictable, so much as it is a multiple choice of conclusions. Harry being a horcrux, Dumbledore's painting finally speaking, Snape being a "good guy" -- these are all ideas that fans were expecting yet not expecting at the same time -- you can't really be sure with Rowling! She unceasingly keeps you firmly questioning the unquestionable (even a muggle like me who isn't all that familiar with the previous literature).
I rate the final novel of the Harry Potter series incredibly high, and well-worth the money. It is an addictive, youthful page-turner that provides a fantastic break from Shaara novels and theoligcal texts -- not to mention, it entertained me, who, again, is not that familiar with the previous literature. The only way it could have been better is if Gandalf the White made a cameo at the story's conclusion, saddled atop Aslan the Lion, and, while wiedling the flame of Arnoch, was able destroy half of the Death Eaters in the Hogwart vacinity . . . but that's what dreams are for!
My suggestion -- buy the book and read it!
Topic: Harry Potter 7 Discussion!! (WARNING - SPOILERS) (Read 8354 times)
