SPOILER ALERT – IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW THE DETAILS OF HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, DON’T READ THESE POSTINGS!
The Harry Potter series is now complete with the July 21 release of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. For those of us who have finished the book, it’s time to begin the discussion!
In this book, Harry and his friends seek the remaining horicruxes (items that contain pieces of Voldemort’s divided soul ) in order to help finish off the evil wizard. To that end, Harry, Hermoine, and Ron have decided not to return to Hogwart’s school for their final year, instead embarking on their quest. Dumbledore has left behind bequests to the three friends that include clues and other information that prove to be of vital use to them.
In the opening chapter, Harry leaves the Dursley’s for good. Was anyone else surprised by Harry's parting with his cousin Dudley? Perhaps some of Harry's goodness rubbed off on him, in spite of his upbringing and his unyielding parents.
The wizarding world is gearing up for a showdown – a war, if you will - between Voldemort, his Death Eaters, and other sympathizers and Dumbledore’s Army, the Order of the Phoenix, and those left in the Ministry of Magic who haven’t turned coat. Meanwhile, Inside Hogwarts, many changes are underway. How did the readers feel about these changes? It was difficult to believe that things could have become even worse than they were under the administration of Dolores Umbridge. I felt sad for the students.
Early in the story a major character is killed and another severely injured. In doing so, the author prepares the reader for the fact that some of the good guys are going to die before the story ends. And, indeed, they do! Let’s talk about some of those losses and our reactions to them.
Does anyone have comments on the pace of the story – particularly in the section where Harry, Ron, and Hermoine are making very slow progress, and hardship and frustrations set in?
SPOILER ALERT: One of the most heart-wrenching moments for me was the heroic death of Dobby, and the aftermath when Harry digs his grave. I felt great sadness over the loss of faithful, loyal Dobby, but I admired Harry’s response. It was a turning point for him - from boyhood to manhood. Any thoughts on this section of the story?
I was very pleased with the outcome of the story. I was also grateful for the epilogue, but disappointed that was didn’t learn what happened to Luna, who emerged late in the series as one of the most perceptive and supportive of Harry’s friends.
Oh, there is so much to discuss! Does anyone have any particular aspects of the book that you’d like to discuss with other readers?
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