Book #35
Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Harry has been burdened with a dark, dangerous and seemingly impossible task: that of locating and destroying Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes. Never has Harry felt so alone, or faced a future so full of shadows. But Harry must somehow find within himself the strength to complete the task he has been given. He must leave the warmth, safety and companionship of The Burrow and follow without fear or hesitation the inexorable path laid out for him.
I'm really not sure how to begin.
I had only ever read Deathly Hallows once before now, and this was just as it was released. After I read it, I pronounced my distaste for it, chucked it in my cupboard and promptly proceeded to forget all about it. I'm sorry to say it, but not much has changed.
There were much more things I appreciated in the novel this time around, although I think that's only because I've read the whole series back to back and certain things were fresh in my mind. I felt more affinity with the characters and felt more emotion at the various deaths that were peppered throughout the novel. At times these deaths seemed a bit cruel and unnecessary, shoved in at random times to shock.
I failed to see the point in the Hallows. They were the book's namesake and they did absolutely nothing, proved absolutely nothing and meant absolutely nothing to me. It struck me that perhaps Rowling had created them after all of her cliffhangers in Half-Blood Prince had already been guessed by readers, and guessed correctly. Things like the identity of R.A.B, the fact that Snape was good all along, and various other things had all been guessed before Deathly Hallows was released.
Rowling also dragged Dumbledore's name through the mud, giving details about his past that were completely morbid and so unlike the Dumbledore we had come to love in previous novels. It seemed so out of character for Dumbledore to be like this, I couldn't believe a single word of it. Again, I felt Rowling was aiming solely for shocks.
Snape's redeeming chapter was a highlight, and possibly my favourite chapter in the series. I loved hearing about his love for Lily, and I loved that this was his entire reasoning for ensuring Harry was constantly safe.
Harry's walk of death was also as beautiful a moment as any. You could really feel his pure little heart shining through as he prepares himself mentally and physically to die for his friends. I am of the opinion that he should've remained dead, but perhaps I am just a bit of a no-heart.
Molly killing Bellatrix was also a severe disappointment. I've heard many say that they wished Harry had killed her, but I disagree. Neville Longbottom killing Bellatrix would have been absolutely wonderful, and the boy deserved that chance of vengeance.
Finally, Voldemort was killed by his own rebounding curse. How incredibly mediocre and anticlimatic. Harry had already used unforgivable curses, why not let him Avada Kedavra the guy who killed his parents? I was so disappointed. There are only so many times Harry can scream, "Expelliarmus!", before you start to think he might be a bit of a pussy.
I had launched myself into this book, quite confident that my previous opinion of it would be shattered. I'd been on a Harry Potter journey and the ending was supposed to be emotional and wonderful. It wasn't, and I was gutted.
The less said about the epilogue the better.