I just finished J.K. Rowling’s final installment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The book is now sitting on my shelf, all it’s magic and secrets unfolded to me. It’s a bittersweet moment for this muggle, who began this journey several years ago with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
What were your favorite passages from Deathly Hallows? What did you dislike about the book? Did you feel that all of your questions were answered? What surprised you the most? Who were your favorite characters? What will you be hoping to see in the final movie? Thoughts, opinions and ramblings are most welcome; however, do not proceed to the comments section if you don't wish to be spoiled.
4 comments:
So I just changed my vote from Gandalf to Dumbledore as most powerful wizard. What an ending!!!
There were several moments that stuck out for me. The first was all the revelations of Godric's Hollow, especially the monument that was erected at Harry's house. It was an emotional moment for me.
I was also shaking in my boots when Nagini emerging from Bathilda's neck! I sooo did not see that coming! Plus the vision of the night Harry's parents died. I thought I was going to have nightmares last night!
I loved that Dumbledore is human and flawed just like the rest of us. He loved Harry so much, and was a great father-figure to him. He always found a way for Harry to succeed, but let him do it on his own.
I loved that Ron defeated one of the Horcrux's and saved Harry's life..."That makes me sound a lot cooler than I was," Ron mumbled.
"Stuff like that always sounds cooler than it really was," said Harry, "I've been trying to tell you that for years."
Yeah Ron!
I hate to say I told you so, but I SOOO knew that Snape was in love with Lily Potter! All this time he was good (as most of you predicted). Which explains his love/hate relationship with Harry perfectly. What a cruel betrayal from Voldemort, to die as he did!
Of course the end was incredible. Harry figuring out he had Draco's wand all along. The final battle with Voldemort. Madam Trelawney dropping crystal balls onto Death Eaters and McGonagall raising the armor to join the fight.
However, far and away my favorite, tear-jerking moment was when Harry bravely marches out to face his death with his James, Lily, Sirius and Lupin by his side. It was an amazing moment I will never forget!!!!
Ugh!!! I loved this book! I plan on starting from the beginning again and re-reading all of them.
I want to hear your comments!!!
Like I said, I'm still processing, but so many moments were standouts. I first cried when Hedwig died. She had been such a faithful friend, and I so didn't expect it. (I did love all of Fred and George's ear jokes after the attack, though.) I also cried when Dobby died, less because he died than Harry's reaction to it.
Of course, I woke Nate up because I was sobbing so hard when Harry walked into the forest. He was so brave and surrounded by those he loved . . . he had used the Hallows to bring about "the greater good."
I loved that all of the characters in this seemed to be three-dimensional. Dumbledore made mistakes that he regretted throughout his life; Snape loved someone more than himself and so made great sacrifices; the Malfoys ultimately care most about staying together as a family. Even Voldemort gives you reasons to feel sorry for him (although not enough to not absolutely rejoice when he was killed).
The book was so well done. I was so sorry about Tonks and Lupin (and poor Teddy) and especially Fred. But the Battle of Hogwarts was amazing, and I loved to see that the houses all united.
The last moment that really got me was at the train station when Harry told Albus that it didn't matter which house he joined because the bravest man he knew was from Slytherin. The complete forgiveness and understanding that his comment conveyed--priceless.
Anyway, loved it!
I finished reading my borrowed copy last night, and passed it on to my cousin, but now I want it back to re-read! As we were driving to the zoo I told the whole story to Jason (he only watches the movies) and I was amazed at how many details escaped me already!
This book was much less depressing than the last two, because Harry was out with his closest friends making real progress and having some awesome victories. The funniest part is when Ron gives Harry the book on relationship advice, and then later you see how Ron is using what he learned! Of course I love the ending- the battle was awesome, and Harry deserves a happy normal life after all he went through. I really like how much action there is (I'm talking about the adventure part, not just Ron and Hermione kissing!), and I think it's fitting that the journey should end back at Hogwarts.
I really liked the book, but my major problem with it was the death of Fred.
Don't get me wrong, I understand that in war people die, and I expected a few of the good guys to pass.
My problem with it was that it was so anti-climatic. It wasn't like he died for any reason but for the sole purpose of killing a good guy. At least let him step in front of shot fired at his brother, Percy, to give us a reason why Percy was brought back for two pages. At least then, Fred would've died for something. He would've died for his stupid git brother, showing that he had no hard feelings towards Percy.
But instead, it seemed like J.K. needed to kill someone and knew that most people wouldn't tolerate the death of Harry, Hermione, Ron or Hagrid so she said, "People like the twins, let's kill one of them."
I know that it's really no big deal, but it really bothered me, so much so that it kind of made me like the book a little less than I wanted.
Not saying that it wasn't a great book, I was just a little turned off by it.
I will, however, give credit that she didn't do a "Star Wars"-esque epilogue where she had to tie up every loose end and get everyone married to everyone else. (I'm still bugged that Anakin Skywalker made C3PO.)
Sure, it had some of those things, but at least she didn't say, "Harry turned and saw Seamus standing with Cho and two little children named Cedric and Moody. Oh and there's Pansy with Goyle and their kids, Tom and Bellatrix."
Overall, I found this her greatest book, but I feel bad for her now because no matter what she writes from this point, it will always be compared to Harry Potter.
Not that that's a bad thing, mind you.
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