If you haven’t read “Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows” by J.K. Rowling, this review will “not” spoil it for you. Those who are already fans of the series will appreciate this last book, which ties everything together. The book references characters and events, which took place in the preceding books. For the maximum enjoyment and understanding, I recommend reading the books in sequence.
In talking with one of the librarians at the St. Louis County Library System, this was the first time we could recall a series of books where the characters aged with the books, unlike the Nancy Drew mystery series. The first books that came out in the Harry Potter series were for young children — but near the end, the books were much longer and categorized as teen fiction.
The St. Louis County Library System ordered more about 300 copies and at one point had a waiting list of more than 1,100 hold requests. One of the first things that I noticed about the hardcover is that there was no description of the book on the back cover. It is a book that does not have to be “sold.”
Any book or series of books that bring children and adults to libraries and bookstores is a great thing. Many of the characters from the series make a reappearance in this book suck as Viktor Krum. Krum served as a competitor in the “Goblet Of Fire” book and reappears to attend a wedding. Harry and his closest friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, have many challenges to solve or just struggle through as always.
When I read about the fictional magic that the teens perform, it’s easy to see how convenient it would be in real life if you could be “invisible” when needed or place an unlimited supply of things in a tiny beaded bag — such as a camping tent, books, weapons and medical supplies.
In the chapter titled “The Tale Of The Three Brothers,” you will find out what the deathly hallows are. This is what the book is named after. This chapter, like many others, has a good example of Ron’s wit. While the trio is visiting the editor of The Quibbler (Xenophilius Lovegood), they are invited to stay for dinner. The editor comments that everyone always asks for the recipe. “Probably to show the Poisoning Department at St. Mungo’s,” Ron remarks, referring to the hospital for wizards.
The book will also have Harry taking another trip in the Pensieve, where he can view another person’s memories. You will find out whose memories those are and what they mean near the end of the book.
The book is a fitting end to a phenomenal story.
Reviewed by Susan Vollmer
Author of “Legends, Leaders, Legacies”
Posted in Reviews
