The time has come-to face the reality. Last night the ultimate chapter of Deathly Hallows reluctantly turned it’s final page and I bid my Goodbye to Harry Potter forever. The final confrontation between The-Boy-Who-Lived and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is over. The choice has been made between what’s good and what’s right. Well, talking about the book, J.K. Rowling’s monumental, spellbinding epic, 10 years in the making, I must say it’s concluded extraordinarily with stalking revelation and precision.
The first time I took the book in my trembling hands, I could feel an unusual combination of excitement and regret. I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long. It has been around eight years ago when I finished the first book that I’ve been dying to read this particular one. And yet when I looked at it, felt it in real, I almost did not want to read it. I did not want the experience to be over for me.
Nevertheless I apparently did open the book and felt a surge of nostalgia when I saw the familiar looking page of the first chapter with even more familiar characters. Once I commenced reading and fastened my eyes to the book, I almost felt like someone had cast a spell on me. I literally couldn’t control from burying myself into it and got up for breakfast only after my mom’s diatribe. I stopped reading a few times, compelling myself to go more slowly just to savor the most awaited experience. But before I knew I was hidden in the book again and looked up only after turning the 759th page.
The whole plot is more than just a coming-of-age tale about some orphaned boy. The entire series has been quite phenomenal and I can undoubtedly say without exposing anything about Hallows that this is the most enthralling one. J.K Rowling moves quite effortlessly between Ron’s adolescent jokes and Harry’s blatant severity.
It’s about time that you realize that Harry is no longer a mere dark-haired, bemused little boy with a scar on his forehead. In this book, he faces what most grown-ups won’t even dream of confronting. Some people still think of Harry Potter as sheer children’s reading. But if you go through the pages of Deathly Hallows, expecting flying cars, revolving staircases, lip-smacking goodies and floating ghosts then you are in a position of getting a rude shock. (Read the opening chapter if you don’t believe me). This book being the most hair-raising of them all, I read most of the chapters either with my heart in my throat or sitting bolt upright on the edge of my seat. There were some scenes in the earlier books that took you on an emotional turmoil. In this book, such incidents seem to come in every alternate chapter. From his very first day at Hogwarts, when he was burdened with the responsibilities of his role as a leader and coping with expectations of being destiny’s chosen one, Harry is further pushed into the complexities of carrying out his duties and miseries of being on the brink of adulthood. No doubt Harry seems to be overwhelmed with cynicism and uncertainty in this final volume of the seven-part dictionary-sized volumes. Harry’s journey in this one prepares him towards a final showdown and also sends him back in his past to witness something he had desired since ages.
In the end to describe the book in a word, it’s exceptional! Yes, there are scenes like the opening scene, Harry and the gang flying over waters of London, Voldemort penetrating Harry’s mind and the high profile drama that unfolds in the Gringotts that had be whimpering and exclaiming loudly. And when two of Harry’s most loved professors die, when his best friend returns in time to save him, when he visits his parent’s grave, when he digs a grave for his savior, when the hatred he felt towards one of the characters since the book one vanishes in one single chapter and when he walks towards his own death with an unusual but complete acceptance, I cried.
The Six hundred and seventy five rupees I spent, my train journey at early hours of 21st morning, standing in queue to get hold of the copy and then giving up hang-outs, hour-long phone conversations and a complete detachment from the muggle-world, while constantly reminding friends and family that I have not in fact lost my mind- all worth it…!
Devashree P.S
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Musings of a Harry Potter fan on the eve of final showdown...
The time has come…It’s a final showdown, an end of an era for all the Potter maniacs. As the last chapter of the book turns it’s final page, we’ll say our ultimate Goodbye to Harry, forever. It’s hard to imagine, difficult to believe and impossible to accept the fact that Harry will no longer continue to charm us and enthrall our senses. I don’t want to get deliberately sappy here, but I’ve been a part of this whole phenomenon for more than seven years now- so Harry Potter has quite obviously been a huge HUGE part of my life. For me, it has always been escapism from the present reality to an unknown yet familiar world of fantasy. Yes, I’m a self-confessed Harry Potter maniac. I do wish I had an invisibility cloak, wish I could transfigure things and apparate at will.
Like million others who are not a part of this magical population, I too tried to distance myself from Harry, initially when my sister forced me to read it. Thinking of it as mere children’s book, I resisted it for a longest time. Until, one day for the sake of my sis, I half-heartedly took the first book in my hands. And as I started turning the pages, little did I know that I was entering the world, which I would become a part of, for the rest of my life. I instantly got glued to HP and read all the three books that had come till then and waited with baited breath for the forth to arrive. Since then this tradition continues. Before every book release, I get jitters, anxiety attacks and pangs of excitement that I can’t contain.
But this time, it’s going to be different. Because, this time we know there isn’t going to be a next time. After reading each of the previous books, I thought that it would be hard for me when the last book ultimately falls in my hands. But now, when the time has actually come, I’m realizing it’s even harder. Will there ever be anyone as astonishing as Harry? Would you love any teacher in the world more than Dumbledore? Will you ever loathe anyone but Snape? And even if you try your best, where will you find better friends than Ron and Hermione? After living with Harry for so many years, it’s difficult to bring it to a closing stage. There is an excitement that is unrivaled and a sense of bereavement at the same time. After years of reading, theorizing, re-reading, debating, re-re-reading and discussing we have finally reached our destination and wow, what a ride it has been! Like many, I’ve literally grown up with Harry and I’ll definitely feel a part of me will be gone.
The non-readers think it as insanity, but for Potter enthusiasts, there will be nothing like Harry for the rest of their lives. Surely enough, the intense bond that the readers have attained the world over with Harry and the gang is difficult to bring to a close.
But, I’m sure, even though JK stops writing about Harry, the story will continue for the fans. Practically, the phenomenon will end but emotionally Harry Potter will remain carved in the hearts of all those who have been fortunate enough to be its part.
I‘ll never forget all those people who became my friends just because I saw one of the HP books in their hands. We did everything together- laughed at Ron’s jokes, flew over the waters of London on a broomstick, cheered for Harry in Quidditch and mourned the death of our loved characters. Given a chance I would die to go back in time and re-live my past seven years just to cherish the moments one last time.
But looking at this bittersweet moment’s bright side, I got to be a part of the biggest literary event in the history. And I can’t thank J.K Rowling enough for this magnificent gift.
Like million others who are not a part of this magical population, I too tried to distance myself from Harry, initially when my sister forced me to read it. Thinking of it as mere children’s book, I resisted it for a longest time. Until, one day for the sake of my sis, I half-heartedly took the first book in my hands. And as I started turning the pages, little did I know that I was entering the world, which I would become a part of, for the rest of my life. I instantly got glued to HP and read all the three books that had come till then and waited with baited breath for the forth to arrive. Since then this tradition continues. Before every book release, I get jitters, anxiety attacks and pangs of excitement that I can’t contain.
But this time, it’s going to be different. Because, this time we know there isn’t going to be a next time. After reading each of the previous books, I thought that it would be hard for me when the last book ultimately falls in my hands. But now, when the time has actually come, I’m realizing it’s even harder. Will there ever be anyone as astonishing as Harry? Would you love any teacher in the world more than Dumbledore? Will you ever loathe anyone but Snape? And even if you try your best, where will you find better friends than Ron and Hermione? After living with Harry for so many years, it’s difficult to bring it to a closing stage. There is an excitement that is unrivaled and a sense of bereavement at the same time. After years of reading, theorizing, re-reading, debating, re-re-reading and discussing we have finally reached our destination and wow, what a ride it has been! Like many, I’ve literally grown up with Harry and I’ll definitely feel a part of me will be gone.
The non-readers think it as insanity, but for Potter enthusiasts, there will be nothing like Harry for the rest of their lives. Surely enough, the intense bond that the readers have attained the world over with Harry and the gang is difficult to bring to a close.
But, I’m sure, even though JK stops writing about Harry, the story will continue for the fans. Practically, the phenomenon will end but emotionally Harry Potter will remain carved in the hearts of all those who have been fortunate enough to be its part.
I‘ll never forget all those people who became my friends just because I saw one of the HP books in their hands. We did everything together- laughed at Ron’s jokes, flew over the waters of London on a broomstick, cheered for Harry in Quidditch and mourned the death of our loved characters. Given a chance I would die to go back in time and re-live my past seven years just to cherish the moments one last time.
But looking at this bittersweet moment’s bright side, I got to be a part of the biggest literary event in the history. And I can’t thank J.K Rowling enough for this magnificent gift.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Not Just Another review..!
Move over all the singing portraits, revolving staircases, flying cars and ghosts chatting with the students in the mid-air. And welcome to the real world of Harry Potter, which is insightful in mystery, bursting with adventure and thoughtful in emotions. For the sake of understanding this review, let’s divide the audience into magical population- those who’ve read the book and the muggles (non-magic people). Some might not appreciate me for this, but I’m a self-confessed HP maniac. I do wish I had an invisibility cloak, wish I could transfigure things (no, not people) and apparate at will.
Recently I went (along with rest of the world) to watch JK Rowling’s fifth literary creation brought to life on screen. I couldn’t help but notice a few muggles sitting besides me and the way they were reacting throughout the film.
I went a good half hour prior to the screening time, was the first one to wait nearest to the theatre’s entrance and practically bustled myself inside the moment the doors opened. (The muggles were busy debating whether to buy the extra large popcorn bucket..). I waited with baited breath for the magic to begin. It did and how!
The movie commences exactly like the book with Dudley getting attacked by the dementors (for muggles- the ghost-like creatures who can suck all the happiness out of you) in the most unpredictable location of No.4 Privet Drive. A few details are altered with the scene immediately switching to Harry being left alone at home, only to find himself in the company of his rescuers. The scene that follows is spectacular with Harry along with the rest of the wizards fly with the wind over the waters of London, with the city sparkling at night below them. (at this point the muggles were thinking of the movie not being so incomprehensible afterall!)You enjoy yourselves thoroughly and fancy the movie just like you did while watching the previous HP movies. Until…the moment comes when Harry meets with his two best friends. Instead of the usual greeting, he snaps at them, leaving them and the audience in state of disbelief. It is about time you realize that Harry is no longer a kid and that HP is something more than mere magic and fantasy. Also all the moments he shares with his Godfather especially the one when he confronts him and tells him about his persisting rage, is worth noting. It is the scenes like these that assures you that there are some things that go beyond sheer special effects (although they will enthrall your senses in this movie).
The movie then progresses in a positive direction, expanding the lines of the 766-page long book and intensifying the plot. With no unnecessary introduction to Quidditch, Dobby or Hagrid’s tale, which goes fairly unnoticeable, the plot further thickens as the movie evolves. While the scenes like Sirius appearing in the fire (which left the muggles around me thoroughly disgruntled) there are few scenes like the trio discussing Harry and Cho’s relationship, Hermione and Ron’s dueling and entry of the evil Professor Umbridge that had the muggles around me smile slightly. (I was in splits!). By the time the movie reaches the intermission, I noticed that the muggle on my left stifling a yawn, while the muggle to his left looked like he was in a Divination lecture (for muggles- that’s the lesson during which even Harry sleeps), and I quite didn’t get the expression of the third one in the dark.
The movie continues. The muggles return with double the quantity of popcorn than before, expecting (read, hoping) to get their money’s worth at least in the second half. While the Ministry scenes are directed in accordance to the book, special effects done for Hagrid’s brother- the giant Grawp are noteworthy. The trio along with some of their selected friends who volunteer to accompany them reach the Ministry, follow the instructions of Harry’s “vision”, only to find out that they are being tricked by Voldemort (oops…He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named) (for muggles- the ultimate villain and the guy who killed Harry’s parents and made him “The” Harry Potter). The rest is just like the book. They all are captured by the Death-eaters (For Muggles- Lord Voldemort’s supporters) and held at stake till the Dark Lord himself appears to fight his equal.
The scene with Dumbledore and Voldemort coming face-to-face to duel had the muggles in a bit of awe. (Only because of the magnificent special effects). And the one where Harry reacts after he witnesses death of his loved one brought their continuous popcorn- munching to a momentary halt. (The scene had me shed tears)…(ok, cry buckets…but whatever!)
Harry then drops at Dumbledore’s feet possessed by the Dark Lord himself. (Muggles near me were wondering what on earth was happening). The rest, well the magical population knows and the muggles are no longer bothered.
But what left even me, a die-hard Potter fanatic a bit disappointed is the absence of the heart-to-heart, revealing and gripping conversation between Harry and Dumbledore at the end, which forms the crust of the book. (screw the time constraints..)
But of course between what should have been and what is, the movie leaves you with utmost satisfaction. Rich in its content, full of emotions and splendid in adventure this movie surely acts as a prologue for the seventh book.
I silently come out of the theatre (after all the credits finally stop rolling ofcourse) engulfed with a wave of mixed emotions.
Will there ever be someone as astonishing as Harry? Will you ever love any teacher in the world more than Prof.Dumbledore? Or will there ever be a person who you loathe more than Snape? And even if you try your best, where would you find better friends than Ron and Hermione!? After living with Harry for so many years, it's difficult to bring it to a closing stage. The thought keeps on haunting me, (especially now that the end is just three days away when the final book makes it's grand entry...). There is an excitement that is unrivaled and at the same time a sense of bereavement. You feel like one of your extended family member is about to leave you forever. The non-readers believe it's insanity. But for the readers, there will be nothing like Harry for the rest of their lives. We all will be saying Good-Bye to Harry in our own ways and request the muggles not to interfere (for their own good).
Yes, that's what Harry Potter does to you...It makes you escape the reality, sit on the edge of your seat and beg for more...
Devashree P.S
Recently I went (along with rest of the world) to watch JK Rowling’s fifth literary creation brought to life on screen. I couldn’t help but notice a few muggles sitting besides me and the way they were reacting throughout the film.
I went a good half hour prior to the screening time, was the first one to wait nearest to the theatre’s entrance and practically bustled myself inside the moment the doors opened. (The muggles were busy debating whether to buy the extra large popcorn bucket..). I waited with baited breath for the magic to begin. It did and how!
The movie commences exactly like the book with Dudley getting attacked by the dementors (for muggles- the ghost-like creatures who can suck all the happiness out of you) in the most unpredictable location of No.4 Privet Drive. A few details are altered with the scene immediately switching to Harry being left alone at home, only to find himself in the company of his rescuers. The scene that follows is spectacular with Harry along with the rest of the wizards fly with the wind over the waters of London, with the city sparkling at night below them. (at this point the muggles were thinking of the movie not being so incomprehensible afterall!)You enjoy yourselves thoroughly and fancy the movie just like you did while watching the previous HP movies. Until…the moment comes when Harry meets with his two best friends. Instead of the usual greeting, he snaps at them, leaving them and the audience in state of disbelief. It is about time you realize that Harry is no longer a kid and that HP is something more than mere magic and fantasy. Also all the moments he shares with his Godfather especially the one when he confronts him and tells him about his persisting rage, is worth noting. It is the scenes like these that assures you that there are some things that go beyond sheer special effects (although they will enthrall your senses in this movie).
The movie then progresses in a positive direction, expanding the lines of the 766-page long book and intensifying the plot. With no unnecessary introduction to Quidditch, Dobby or Hagrid’s tale, which goes fairly unnoticeable, the plot further thickens as the movie evolves. While the scenes like Sirius appearing in the fire (which left the muggles around me thoroughly disgruntled) there are few scenes like the trio discussing Harry and Cho’s relationship, Hermione and Ron’s dueling and entry of the evil Professor Umbridge that had the muggles around me smile slightly. (I was in splits!). By the time the movie reaches the intermission, I noticed that the muggle on my left stifling a yawn, while the muggle to his left looked like he was in a Divination lecture (for muggles- that’s the lesson during which even Harry sleeps), and I quite didn’t get the expression of the third one in the dark.
The movie continues. The muggles return with double the quantity of popcorn than before, expecting (read, hoping) to get their money’s worth at least in the second half. While the Ministry scenes are directed in accordance to the book, special effects done for Hagrid’s brother- the giant Grawp are noteworthy. The trio along with some of their selected friends who volunteer to accompany them reach the Ministry, follow the instructions of Harry’s “vision”, only to find out that they are being tricked by Voldemort (oops…He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named) (for muggles- the ultimate villain and the guy who killed Harry’s parents and made him “The” Harry Potter). The rest is just like the book. They all are captured by the Death-eaters (For Muggles- Lord Voldemort’s supporters) and held at stake till the Dark Lord himself appears to fight his equal.
The scene with Dumbledore and Voldemort coming face-to-face to duel had the muggles in a bit of awe. (Only because of the magnificent special effects). And the one where Harry reacts after he witnesses death of his loved one brought their continuous popcorn- munching to a momentary halt. (The scene had me shed tears)…(ok, cry buckets…but whatever!)
Harry then drops at Dumbledore’s feet possessed by the Dark Lord himself. (Muggles near me were wondering what on earth was happening). The rest, well the magical population knows and the muggles are no longer bothered.
But what left even me, a die-hard Potter fanatic a bit disappointed is the absence of the heart-to-heart, revealing and gripping conversation between Harry and Dumbledore at the end, which forms the crust of the book. (screw the time constraints..)
But of course between what should have been and what is, the movie leaves you with utmost satisfaction. Rich in its content, full of emotions and splendid in adventure this movie surely acts as a prologue for the seventh book.
I silently come out of the theatre (after all the credits finally stop rolling ofcourse) engulfed with a wave of mixed emotions.
Will there ever be someone as astonishing as Harry? Will you ever love any teacher in the world more than Prof.Dumbledore? Or will there ever be a person who you loathe more than Snape? And even if you try your best, where would you find better friends than Ron and Hermione!? After living with Harry for so many years, it's difficult to bring it to a closing stage. The thought keeps on haunting me, (especially now that the end is just three days away when the final book makes it's grand entry...). There is an excitement that is unrivaled and at the same time a sense of bereavement. You feel like one of your extended family member is about to leave you forever. The non-readers believe it's insanity. But for the readers, there will be nothing like Harry for the rest of their lives. We all will be saying Good-Bye to Harry in our own ways and request the muggles not to interfere (for their own good).
Yes, that's what Harry Potter does to you...It makes you escape the reality, sit on the edge of your seat and beg for more...
Devashree P.S
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