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Book Review: Harry Potter (Books 1-2) (1998/1999)

[ 8 / 10 ] I must admit that it is hard to objectively review these books on their own merit, since I saw both movies before reading them. I hate to see a movie before reading the book from which it is adapted - it colors my perceptions of the characters and leaves little to my own imagination. That is why I have reviewed these two books together, and will review the others separately...

Harry Potter has a horrible life. He is an 10-year-old boy who has been living with the Dursley's (his Aunt and Uncle) since shortly after his birth, when his parents were killed in a car crash. They resent his being there, and make no attempt to hide it. Harry lives in a closet under the stairs, while the Dursleys shower their love on their disgusting son Dudley, whose favorite pastime is picking on Harry. He never had any friends or things of his own to enjoy. But shortly before his 11th birthday, an owl visits the Dursley residence, and Harry realizes that all is not what it seems: he is a wizard, and has been invited to attend the best wizarding school in the world. His life is about to change forever...

It's easy to sympathize with Harry. Nobody deserves to be in his situation - and while the Dursley's might be a little over-the-top in their disdain for Harry, in today's world they are not all that unrealistic. When something good finally happens for Harry, you can't help but be happy for him. It also helps that Harry is a very humane character. There's a little bit of all of us in him - he has the typical boyish charm, but he is also very considerate, curious, loyal, and even a bit mischievous. Everyone can find something to like in his character.

Harry's luck is also good fortune for us - we get to come along for the ride. His school, Hogwarts, is a fun and enchanting place, with surprises around every corner. A hat which speaks to people. Dinner tables which fill themselves with food. Ghosts (some friendly, some naughty) that roam the halls. There is something fantastic and unbelievable in literally every chapter of these books.

Another particularly interesting place is Diagon Alley, the wizarding market hidden in the middle of London, to which we are introduced in the first book. It's fun because we see it through Harry's eyes, for he is as much a newcomer as we are, so every turn brings a new surprise.

Just as interesting as the things in Hogwarts are the people. There's Harry's friends, Ron and Hermione, who might as well be nicknamed Night and Day. Ron is clumsy, not overly bright, willing to break rules for a friend. Hermione, by contrast, is the teacher's pet, always concerned with doing the right thing. Harry sits right in the middle - while they don't all start off on the right foot, they form a strong bond of friendship that will undoubtedly last throughout the entire series. Then there is Harry's nemesis at school, Draco Malfoy, who is his opposite in every way. There's more than just boyhood competition between these two - Malfoy really has it out for Potter, and is perfectly snide every chance he gets.

We can't forget about the Professors, either. Like the students, their personalities run the entire gamut. There's the warm and trustworthy Headmaster Dumbledore, the stern but caring McGonagall, the introverted Quirrell, and the cold disapproval of Snape. While the subjects they teach are interesting, what's more profound is to see how the Professors and Students interact in this world that is so foreign to us. While on one hand, it seems like any normal school, that couldn't be any further from the truth.

The first book, like the beginning of any series, is very introductory in nature. Harry's relationship with the Dursley's is fleshed out, he finally makes his way to Hogwarts, and the story focuses on his coming to grips with his new life. While there is conflict, it takes a back seat to the magic innocence of Hogwarts life. The second book, however, is much more dark - the focal point of the whole story is a hidden underground lair, an unseen monster, and the death of students. Harry grows considerably through his trials as he begins developing into the wizard he is destined to be.

I want to close by addressing the belief, held by some, that these are "kids books". Sure, for the purposes of categorization, you can label them that way, and perhaps that is their targeted audience. But I am a firm believer that good books have no age limit or restriction. A good book is characterized by a captivating story, well-developed characters, and excellent writing techniques - these things appeal to people of all ages. I have read some "children's books", such as the Chronicles of Narnia or The Hobbit, which surpass many boring books written for an adult audience.

In short, these are fun books for adults and children alike. Sometimes you read to expand your horizons, to challenge yourself - other times you read to escape, to imagine, to have fun. If your goal is the latter, then these books will not disappoint.