Sunday, March 27, 2011

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J.K. Rowling
Geoffrey Bles - 1950

Reading Level: 8+  Number of Pages: 759 Genre: Fiction

Summary: The seventh book in the series, Harry Potter is not going to wizard school this year. In this book, he leaves home under the protection of his friends, and then departs into the forest, trying to understand the way that he can defeat Voldemort. He, Ron, and Hermione discover that one of the horcruxes is in the possession of Dolores Umbridge, who works at the Ministry of Magic. They go in disguise and retrieve the horcrux, and then find a way to destroy it. In the process of seeking horcruxes, Harry learns of the hallows, and learns that Voldemort is in search of them. Harry decides that horcruxes are more important for them to find, and then follows clues to eventually destroy the diadem of Ravenclaw and the cup of Hufflepuff. The story culminates at Hogwarts, with a big battle between the death-eaters and those opposing Voldemort. Harry confronts Voldemort, who hits him with a killing curse. Harry is transported to a semi-dead place where he speaks with Dumbledore, who explains that when Voldemort used Harry's blood to regain his full strength, it protected Harry from Voldemort harming him; the Horcrux inside Harry has been destroyed, and Harry can return to his body despite being hit by the Killing Curse. Harry returns to his body, and Voldemort is defeated.
    
"It is a curious thing, Harry, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it. Those who, like you, have leadership thrust upon them, and take up the mantle because they must, and find to their own surprise that they wear it well." - Albus Dumbledore

My Impressions: Any fan of the series will read this book. I really enjoyed how this book managed to deviate from simple-plot driven architecture and focus on some real poignant socialisms, such as friendship, courage, and loyalty.
Parent's Guide:There is some swearing and some definitely intense scenes. A few important characters die, and that is very tragic.

Recommendations: Harry Potter is an impressive work, and a definite read--particularly for people who are not prone to reading. Yes, kids CAN read a seven-hundred page novel.

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