Sep 24, 2003 01:01 PM
1412 Views
(Updated Sep 24, 2003 01:11 PM)
Seems to be the gist of Rowlings latest Harry Potter book. Having read the first four, and having been completely enthralled by it, book 5 came as quite a damper. I still cant believe that I waited almost 2 yrs to read about a whining, agonisingly stupid and thoroughly selfish harry potter.
This book, I must say, is quite a let down. Maybe I expected too much from the book (since I was made to wait 2 yrs) but all in all, it just doesnt deserve a place in my collection. People who havent read the book, stop here and dont read further.
Rowling had hit the right chord with book 4 and it seemed like 5 would be a treat. Instead the book entirely dwells on harrys new found (and quite unnecessary I must add) angry young man a la Amitabh Bacchan attitude. I can understand depiction of adolescent behaviour and mid-teen rebellion, but where does stupidity figure in all this? Does it go to say that at 15 (or around) every youngster is so mentally challenged. Hard to imagine that JKR plans to take this harry to duel with the dark lord. I can already tell you what the outcome is. Hermiones behaviour is a more accurate assumption of teen behaviour, or even Rons. To say Harry had the extra burden of all the pressure on him is non-sense, for he would/should have been accustomed to it by now (hell, in 4 years one can get accustomed to even blindness).
Hagrid's now-u-see-him-now-u-dont role in the whole book seems like a forced inclusion of his presense. He has no substantial role in the book, and he is there for the introduction of still more magical creatures. His ''lil'' bro is a bigger mystery. So is Cho-chang. Though her characted sketch seems to be fine, she is abruptly cut off from the book, almost as suddenly as she was brought into fine focus. why atall was it brought about? Harry's dealings with her is also painful, as one wonders who is thick enough to actually not understand the implications of her behaviour. Hoo boy, he is one dumb kid. Full points to Snape (and JK steel radials) for recognising this in book 1 itself.
The quidditch sessions in the book have always been the boring parts (for me). This time it was inconsequential; but Rons struggle to come to terms with his inadequacy has been well written and is probably the only comprehensible part of the book.
Killing Sirius in this book was a good move and will ensure that the following books will have Harry looking after himself more than rely on his godfather ( he will also have one person less to kill with his stupidity). But it also seems like an easier way to end what seemed like an impossible task of getting the Ministry to acknowledge his innocence which I guess JKR couldnt go around.
Once again, as in book 1,2,3 and 4... the book ends with Dumbledore giving some cock and bull story to Harry about why-what-when-who. It made sense when she was still building harry's image and History. One would imagine that by now, ie., book 5 , 2 books away from what could be the end of the story, that Harry would have an established history and there would be no surprises. But noooooooo! It seems like JKR is just adding up to justify parts of the book where she can give no proper explanation. Like the bit about Harry being the only one who can really send the dark lord packing for good.... reading the book, and harrys character as depicted in it, makes this utterly unbelievable. Really!
In conclusion, I was thoroughly disappointed. I just wish I hadnt read it atall, or rather not anticipated it all this much. We can only hope JKR has something good coming up in 6 and 7 and that 5 was just a build up to it. Otherwise I would consider reading the book- wasted time.
