Everyone:
The forthcoming post will be about the last Harry Potter book, and my reactions to the initial read through. This is a spoiler-filled post. Do NOT click on the “More” link if you do not wish to be spoiled. I will also add spoiler space after the “More” link for those of you who see my blog in a feedreader.
So….let’s talk Potter…
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I finished “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” at 11:15 this morning. By the time I closed the covers, I had tears streaming down my face. This book was a fitting end to the story I’ve absorbed piecemeal over the last seven years.
Page 736 is my favourite page in the entire book. I will probably get a t-shirt which reads NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!!!
My favourite quote–the one I think JK Rowling put in the book for all of us who have loved this series is Dumbledore’s parting words at the end of the King’s Cross chapter. I don’t have the book in front of me, so forgive the paraphrase, but “of course this is all in your head, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t real” stands as a beautiful eulogy for these books.
I am so satisfied by so much of this book. It resonates with me on a deeper level, all the way to the core of my being. Several things I liked:
- The use of the train metaphor for death. We’ve seen the train metaphor throughout the books, and in this book–which was so much about making peace with death–it seemed very fitting to have death be described as the Last Train Journey.
- The fact that Harry’s wand was “brought back to life”. I’ve long insisted that his wand was symbolic of resurrection–both the wood of the evergreen Holly tree and the phoenix feather speak strongly to Life.
- The actual Deathly Hallows themselves. I’m amused at JKR for turning “Rock, Paper, Scissors” into a mystical version of The Holy Grail. That dame’s got style!
- The fact that Fred died with a joke on his lips. I hate hate hate that Fred died, but if he had to go, I’m glad it was that way.
- Snape’s undying love for Lily Evans, and the place in the narrative where it was finally spelled out. How beautiful to pause in the middle of a war to read a life-long tale of unrequited love! I still cry just thinking about it.
- The fact that for several chapters Rowling jacked around with all the Harry/Hermione shippers by making it look like Harry & Hermione were going to come together after Ron abandoned them. Ha! We Ron/Hermione shippers have always known the truth.
- There were a lot of deaths in the book. Strangely enough, none of them broke my heart as much as the painting on Luna’s ceiling. I sat pretty stoically through even Fred’s demise, but broke down and bawled like a baby when I read the description of the lovingly-crafted mural with the word “friends” repeating itself endlessly. No one–not even Harry–can hit the tenderness of the heart like Luna.
- The fact that the Last Battle was at Hogwarts. Where else could it have been? Nowhere. These books were about Hogwarts, and having the final stand take place there, in the home away from home for orphaned boys and eager readers, was perfect.
- Harry’s birthday kiss from Ginny.
- Reformed Kreacher.
- The creepy scene at Bathilda Bagshot’s house in Godric’s Hollow.
- Dudley’s farewell handshake.
- The fact that we FINALLY learned the stories of the Bloody Baron and the Grey Lady.
Stuff I didn’t like:
- The Dursley chapters have always been some of my favourites. This last Dursley chapter seemed perfunctory and flat.
- Rowling has never written the “action” sequences as well as the fantastical ones. She’s beyond strong with her characterisation, her descriptions of place and her imagination, but she falls flat with Quidditch matches and chases through the Department of Mysteries. The scene with Harry fleeing the Death Eaters as he left Privet Drive was no exception. It was confusing and not as strong as the rest of the book.
- Likewise, the Gringotts chapter felt both perfunctory AND confusing. Although I imagine it’ll look great in the movie.
- I would have like to have seen more done with Viktor Krumm.
- And, finally, as much as I LOVED the epilogue–and I do, I really do–I sure would have liked to have seen what Luna was up to 19 years later.
I have nothing profound to add. I loved the book, just loved it. I am relieved that I didn’t walk away sad like I did when Stephen King finished up the Gunslinger series.
I appreciated the ending. Do you think it will lead to future series on the kids?
I’ve said for a long time that I doubted it.
I think she’s told this story…but the more I think about it, I don’t think I’d necessarily turn my nose up at another book or two.
As I think on it, there are a few things we don’t know:
1. What all of them do for careers.
2. If Arthur Weasley became Minister of Magic
3. What happened to Luna.
I do wish I had answers to THOSE questions.
Yeah.
Sob.
The part that touched me the most was finding out that Harry had given one of his sons that middle name “Severus.” That and the death of Hedwig got the most tears from me.
Kat – I’ve never felt the desire to read HP until reading this post. I’m seriously considering it now.
🙂
The husband is reading it now, and keeps asking me questions. Working on my poker face…
I finished at midnight last night. I am with Heather that this series finale did not disappoint as the “Dark Tower” series did. I too would love to see a wrap up book letting us know how everyone is getting along.
I cried as Harry went through Severus’ memories from the Pensieve. I cried when Hedwig died too.
I liked that the epilogue was not listed in the chapters as I have this thing about going through the chapter names prior to reading page one. I do not know why as I have avoided any spoilers prior to cracking open this book.
I couldn’t agree more with all of the above. I am so glad that you were here so we could discuss it over and over again in person. I am also heartbroken about Fred, loved Snape’s story, (I knew we should trust him,) loved Molly’s victory over Bellatrix, and sobbed over Luna’s mural. I will only add that poor Remus deserved better after all he’s been through, that I was extremely saddened by Dobby’s brave death, and that my favorite part was Neville pulling Griffindor’s sword from the Sorting hat and killing Nagini. I have always loved Neville, and he finally got to fight with true skill and be rewarded for his efforts and loyalty – first with the rebellion within Hogwarts (which I would have loved to read more of) and then with defeating the last Horcrux.
I personally would love to read about little Albus’ adventures at Hogwarts, but I don’t know if I could handle worrying about him. It’s kind of nice to just enjoy imagining Harry, Ginny, James, Albus, and Lily enjoying a happy life together.
What a fantastic end to an amazing series! Thanks for sharing it with me!
*loves you for the Dumbledore comment*
*still way emotional about this book*
In another post you wrote For the last 18 months I haven’t wanted to read your theories about how Harry Potter=Jesus which made me grin. After reading 7 it occurred to me that while Harry was “dead”, he was at King’s Cross then returned to life. Probably shouldn’t read anything into that, but some will I reckon.
Not a bad book, but not as good as I was hoping either. I don’t think I could go back to it again and again like LOTR. I was hoping, among other things, for more Snape. Some more clues along the way before the big reveal at the very end. And so many near misses and miraculous get aways that it got a bit silly after a while. Then again Harry Potter isn’t big on realism, you’d think I’d know that by now and remember to turn off the logical part of my brain and enjoy the ride.
Oh that reminds me, not HP7 related, but in HP5 (the movie) these sorts of things would jump out at me for some reason. Like the magical photos where the people move about and what not. Neato, yes? Apparently this magic has been available for some time, but all of the old pictures are still sepia toned!
Back to HP7. I did not cry (that wouldn’t have been very manly), but I was most moved by Harry’s visit to the house where he lived as a baby. And the plaque engraved with so many anonymous people urging him on.
I didn’t read all of it, but what I read was pretty funny:
Potterdammerung [Mega-Spoilers]
***
Voldemort: You need to die. You see, the uber-wand that I stole from Dumbledore’s grave isn’t living up to the hype — it just isn’t giving me enough cowbell, only cranking to 10, not the full 11 — and I’ve been wondering why not.
***
Voldemort: No, he is a pure-blood. Join me, Longbottom, and together we can end this destructive conflict.
***
Many miles away, Griphook the goblin is sitting in his living room gently stroking the Sword of Gryffindor.
Griphook: Precioussssssss.
Sword: Gotta go.
The sword disappears.
***
Bellatrix: Come on, like I’m going to be killed by a tertiary character who exists only to nag. Puh-lease. If you were Longbottom or Tonks, I’d be worried, but a villain as cool as I am isn’t going to be ki–
***
and so on.
Precisely. Especially
I will probably get a t-shirt which reads NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!!!
I alarmed the whole house at 2 a.m. Sunday shouting “WOO-HOO!” at that.
And regarding your No. 6, I could have done without those 50-100 pages just fine. An editor was desperately needed there, because it w a s s o o b v i o u s l y b e i n g d r a g g e d o u t. I saw very little exposition in those scenes that couldn’t have been handled in a quarter of the pages.
Once aqgain — Nevillle! Neville! Neville!
I went on another site. some STUPID IDIOT Said the epilouge was No good.(idiot!)Book was great! Too bad Fred dies.(Sorry!)I was surprised what the hallows were.Snape is good(Dungbomb!) The Battle of Hogwarts was great!Back to Fred.COME ON!Youv’e ALREADY cut off Gorge’s ear! (sigh!)
Yay! I’ve finally finished (after letting the daughter read first). Then I read the last two chapters again! I agree with so many others that Luna’s mural had me in tears. Awww. And at the end with the kids names….. AWWWWWW!
I see all of the above, and raise you the moment Harry asks Remus if it hurts to die.
*shaking head and waving hand in “I can’t talk about this anymore” gesture*
Just read on MSNBC that there will likely be a HP Encyclopedia, which will include a lot of the back stories that we didn’t get, as well as fill in some of the gaps between the end of the book and the epilogue. Doesn’t sound like it will be any time soon, but I’m excited that there might be something else in the works.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19935372/
[…] I’ve commented on Kat Coble’s site, I also found the painting in Luna’s bedroom with pictures of Harry, Hermione, Ron, etc. with […]
After reading 7 it occurred to me that while Harry was “dead”, he was at King’s Cross then returned to life. Probably shouldn’t read anything into that, but some will I reckon.
Well, there are also the two BIBLE VERSES:
The last enemy to be conquered is Death
and
Where your treasure is, there will your heart be.
Yeah, there’s quite a bit of Christic/Rosucrucian symbolism. I don’t deny it, and neither do any other serious critics & scholars. The problem is that while there are entire books out there about this stuff, it’s irritating to have some one come and say “Guess what I just figured out! Harry is JESUS!”
It’s sort of like “yeah. Welcome to the party. Kind of.”
Not a bad book, but not as good as I was hoping either. I don’t think I could go back to it again and again like LOTR.
I think I won’t have a problem going back to it. ;-p Seeing as I’m already on the second read, and all.
But I can see how you may not find it to be your cup of tea.
I was hoping, among other things, for more Snape.
Yeah, that would have been nice.
some STUPID IDIOT Said the epilouge was No good.(idiot!)
Yeah, Aidan. I’ve been seeing that a lot lately. I don’t know what is wrong with those people. I guess they don’t groove on happy endings. Shame.
—-
Okay, so who can tell me why I didn’t see half of these comments until today?
Hey there, finally done. So much emotion. One thing I totally choked up at that I didn’t see anyone else mention was the return of Percy. “Hello minister, by the way I resign” Too classic.
The Weasleys are all great in this book.
My issues:
The Dobby death seemed extraneous. He’s barely been around recently, and he just happened to show up at just the right time to be killed off. Waste of ink.
Hedwig’s death is not a sticking point for me. Yeah it’s sad, but it seemed better that the silly mean owl died instead of Hagrid or one of the trio. Thank god she killed a bird instead of them.
Speaking of character deaths, I think that she needed to kill Fred Weasley because they wanted Mrs. Weasley to do something in the final battle. She had to have her revenge. It’s really gratifying to have bellatrix killed by Molly. Alternatively, she could have kept Dobby alive to kill her, although if he were still alive, there would be no real reason for him to take revenge.
My hopes for the rumored encyclopedia:
I liked the epilogue, but I do want to know what happened to the rest of the DA. My guess is that Luna ended up at Hogwarts also, maybe headmistress or magical creatures professor.
I hope Neville is head of Gryffindor house.
I really like Kingsley Shacklebolt, but I wonder who is Minister at the end? Is it Percy since he’s on the platform talking about regulations? What…?
Anyway, time for a good night’s sleep.
Well, I finished it. I’m not as much an HP fan as the rest of you, and I thought it was too long. For one thing, ever since the movies got started Rowling has been putting in too many details about things exploding during battles–she’s trying to get her vision of what the fights and chases look like out there, I understand, but it’s tiresome to read about. For me, anyway. And the scenes with Harry, Hermione, and Ron on the run, where nothing happens and nothing is learned … enough, already. But if you take all that away it was great: tied up loose ends (though I admit I seem to have lost a horcrux somewhere along the way and can only remember six), answered some questions, and finally had Harry figure out some stuff for himself instead of relying on his friends to do his thinking for him. (I am not a great fan of Harry personally.) Plus, my Grand Theory of Snape was confirmed, which is entirely gratifying. (I also would have liked more Snape in the book. If the revelations from the Pensieve had been scattered throughout it would have been more fun, maybe.) I was super happy with all the Luna stuff, but for me the emotional low came from Dobby’s death.
OTOH, the reasons I don’t love young adult books that much really were getting to me: all that fighting, but out of Harry and all his friends, all those Weasleys, the three house elves we know personally, only Dobby, Fred, Tonks, and Lupin die? That just stretches my belief. And then the epilogue reveals that all the main characters end up marrying the people they were dating at 17. Sure.
[…] Katherine talks Potter. Spoiler alert. […]
[…] Just Another Pretty Farce I finished “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” at 11:15 this morning. By the time I closed the covers, I had tears streaming down my face. This book was a fitting end to the story I’ve absorbed piecemeal over the last seven years. Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. […]
More details beyond the Epilogue: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19959323/
My main sticking point is there should’ve been another chapter between the last one and the epilogue.
I think there should’ve been some bit of closure between Harry, Ron and Hermione where they could have some time alone and discuss what they have meant to one another. Not in a crisis, but now when they are all safe and at peace. With R & H openly admitting their feelings to each other, and no longer having to consider themselves the Only Hope in the World.
The whole series, to me, has been less about Harry himself and more about the trio – the power of friendship. One of the huge themes was how Voldy had no friends, and couldn’t grasp that concept of how someone would lay down his or her life for their friends (another Biblical allusion!). There needed to just be one nice, final conversation between the three to transition their lives from this phase to the next.
Also, and this is just me, I would’ve liked to have seen a couple paragraphs of what happened in the immediate few days and weeks afterward, just to tie up some loose ends, but that’s not nearly as necessary as the previously mentioned chapter.
Just finished reading it last night, er, this morning around 2am. I’m ready to read it again!
I agree with Holly, from the moment Harry brings back his parents and the old gang I was in tears and truly boo-hooed when he asked if it hurt. Maybe that’s because I’ve lost some people I love too; I read of Sirius’ death a month after my parents died. Harry’s grieving helped me grieve. So seeing him again just knocked me off my feet.
I too was hoping for more Snape, but I also loved all the memories we got of his life.
I loved the whole conversation wtih Dumbledore at King’s Cross, with Tom Riddle – or what was left of him – cowering and whimpering in the corner. I loved Dumbledore’s openness and honesty. It was good to finally see him as a whole human being, with faults and flaws, rather than the all-good-and-powerful-wizard. And I think that’s more about Harry’s maturity (to be able to see it, as opposed to the either idolizing or vilifying that immaturity leads to) than Rowling’s writing. If that makes sense….
Speaking of, I got toward the end and suddenly remembered I was reading a “children’s” book. Either children have changed since I was a kid (shut up, I’m not that old), or this book was meant more for the children who grew up with Harry and are now young adults. Because the subject matter was quite heavy and dark for children. Most adults don’t even understand or truly appreciate the themes within it.
…that’s all I got for now, I think. Though I’m sure I’ll have much more as the whole thing sinks in.
OH, one more thing. Harry’s death. I saw that coming and didn’t want to believe it. Mainly because I figured dead is dead. And that’s a lousy way to end a children’s book series. Silly me. I forgot I was reading fantasy! Then I convinced myself I read Voldemort’s memory of his death/Harry’s survival wrong. Then Dumbledore smacked me upside the head and told me not to doubt myself while explaining the whole thing to Snape. I was too tired by the time Harry went into the forest to figure out if he’d live or how, so I just went along for the ride. And enjoyed myself immensely. Under critical scrutiny, the whole thing probably doesn’t hold up. But who cares. It was a fun ride and I loved every minute of it.
PS – Thanks for the spoiler warning! After BSG’s big Starbuck moment/return I’ve decided I don’t ever want to be spoiled again. I want to wait (and fight with my anticipation) so I can let the story unfold and be surprised rather than find out ahead of time what happens. But now that it’s done, its good to read everyone else’s take on it too.
[…] a cue from the brilliant Ms. Coble, I think I shall talk about something benign for a few lines to give those who haven’t read […]