Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) by J. K. Rowling Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
Book Review: Almost a great ending
Summary: 3 Stars
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (book 7). Where to begin?
I'll start off by saying that I do not envy Ms. Rowling's task in writing this story--the most anticipated book release in history. There was virtually no way for her to please everyone; in fact, I would imagine that essentially every fan of the series had at least one or two gripes with the way things played out, if not more. As for me, I felt it was a satisfactory conclusion in terms of the result, but disappointing in many of the details and the methods to get there.
For starters, this book is full to overflowing with logical gaps and questionable plot elements. The issue of wand succession, for instance, casts a very confusing light on the rest of the series, in retrospect. Also, the Gringott's sequence is entertaining but far-fetched, as is the early escape sequence on brooms. The final duel is anticlimactic in many ways, although I appreciate the sequence of events leading to it. Unfortunately, the entire finale of the book makes Voldemort look like a complete moron, and it certainly is inconsistent with the claim that he is the most powerful and brilliant wizard in the world.
The whole back story behind Dumbledore is a nice touch, as it brings him down off of his pedestal and shows that he, too, is flawed. It particularly makes sense when viewed through the lens of J.K. Rowling's post-publication revelation that Dumbledore was in love with (or at least was infatuated with) Grindelwald in his youth. Although it is not spelled out in the story, it is a believable and understandable reason for someone like Dumbledore to act and think in a way contrary to what we would otherwise believe of him.
Some people argue that the whole plot line centering on the deathly hallows is unnecessary and just distracts from the main objective, and I concede that they are not strictly necessary to the overthrow of Voldemort. However, they do provide an interesting "temptation"/distraction from Harry's main quest, and thus allow a bit of character growth to occur, so I think that they are a nice addition to the story.
One of my gripes about the story is the vast expanse of word count devoted to Harry, Ron, and Hermione... camping. Not just camping, but camping and making no progress whatsoever towards any of their goals. Sure, it's probably true that they are lost and lacking guidance (would it have been so bad to get a little help from the adults? Honestly...), but it's just TOO LONG. For me, it wrecks the pacing and I just want to skip to where it "gets good."
Personally, I am disappointed with how a few of the character arcs end. Only Neville Longbottom seems to come out much better than he started. Most notably, I think that Snape and Draco Malfoy get somewhat shafted in terms of how they could have shaped the story more powerfully. Both are deeply flawed characters, and both could have some valuable and interesting lessons to teach about prejudices. It is sad that, with the exception of a very brief moment in the epilogue (the ONLY worthwhile part of that travesty), Slytherin House is uniformly maligned and that there is never a meaningful "conversion" of ANY Slytherin to "fight for the right" actively, and with Harry's knowledge and understanding. I find it sad that there wasn't more effort to unify Slytherin into the series as a whole (as something other than a nest of nasty people).
In addition, I thought that the prevalence of death in this final book was somewhat overdone. I don't think that it was necessary for so many of the old beloved characters to die in order for the point to be made. I acknowledge, however, that it is realistic to show that, in war, lives are lost and that they can sometimes be people that we care about very much. So I'm torn, but I still generally wish it could have been a few less...
And finally, my main complaint: the utterly repulsive and completely pointless epilogue, which seems to exist only to destroy our right, as readers, to imagine "what happens next?" in our own minds and in our own way. It is almost offensive the way it snatches away our imaginations, and all so that it can offer up the names of the next generation, and a few quick hints as to what everyone might be up to 20 years on. I understand that Ms. Rowling probably wanted to give a sappy, happy ending, and show that yes, life goes on, and in the process eliminate the possibility of sequels or the like... but really? I think readers deserve to imagine the outcome for themselves, as they have invested their imaginations into the story from the beginning. Perhaps it's just my personal distaste for Ginny Weasley... Well anyway, how was that for a rant?
I think I've said enough. If you read the rest of the series, don't stop now. But don't be surprised if things don't play out quite as you had hoped, and don't expect this to be the most tightly-written story either. I think of it as merely the "official" account of how the story ends, which may or may not be totally accurate. :)
Book Review: satisfied
Summary: 5 Stars
English is not my mother language but because of Harry Potter I started to read English books too. And with pleasure, I have to add. I'm over 40 years old, and I find Rawling fiction very interesting, relaxing and fun, all at once. Book Review: LOVE IT!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is not my favorite in the series, however I think it is the best writen of the series. I was sad to see the end of Harry Potter, but alas that is the fun part, you can start over again and not have to wait for the books to be published! Awesome work!Book Review: Reallllllllllyyy gooooooood
Summary: 5 Stars
Before the seventh and final Harry Potter book came out I reread the 5 and 6 books so I would be more familiar with the facts.The cliffhanger at the end of the 6 book is huge there are hundreds of questions one could ask himself,is Dumbledore dead,is snape good,will Harry kill Voldemort,and there are countless others.The seventh book was really awesome It came out Friday night I read it sunday night.The plots and escapes are good and the book once you read it you feel as if it could be true,the everbody talks it amost sounds as if J.K. Rowling just copied down a story that really happened.Book Review: A thrilling & satisfying end
Summary: 5 Stars
I watched the movies (1-4) before I read any of the books, but one day I saw the first book in my mother's office and I started to read it half-heartedly. I couldn't put it down. I then ordered the paperback set (Books 1-6) and read them all in a couple of months, while working 60+ hours a week. Sometimes I neglected to sleep. I ordered the last book the day I started reading book 6. I finished book six the day before book 7 came in the mail and I was chomping at the bit. I read it (all 700+ pages) in less than 48 hours. I cried and laughed and was horrified and overjoyed. The entire series is amazing and I recommend it to adults and children alike. I think some aspects are a little too scary for younger children.
My only complaint is that I would have liked a more detailed epilogue. You do get a glimpse at the end of the future of some of the remaining characters, but I would have liked a bit more detail and a bit more description as to how they got there and what happened to everyone else. I may have just had a hard time letting the characters go. As with any good fiction, you come to love and care for the characters and become emotionally invested in their journey so much that it almost becomes your own. I wasn't ready for it to end.
A wonderful enthralling read and a mostly satisfying end to a fantastic series. I would recommend it to anyone!