Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007)

I hope that this series of books is taught in every woman’s studies course for now on. After finishing the story of Harry Potter, it is easy to see that this is a very similar tale that has been told throughout the ages. Star Wars was the last time it was told. It was the same story just set in space.

J.K. Rowling has told same story in a way for girls or at least it has a female perspective. As far as I know a woman has never written a tale like this before. Really, if you look at the fan base of Harry Potter it is mostly woman and children. Why, because they have never known this story before. Children are far too young for Star Wars, and I don’t mean that prequel business. And most women haven’t had much of an interest of a story written by men for other men.

Gender politics aside, Rowling’s brings a detailed emotional account of the hero’s struggle and his relationship to his friends and family, which was a part of the story which was missing in the thousands of years that it has been told. This is why the reader feels much more emotional attached to Harry Potter than they ever will to Luke Skywalker. Also, this is exactly where the Harry Potter movies fail every time. In Harry Potter story the emotional journey is just as important as the adventure.

With Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, it is the end of the series, the last book. It is really sad that the series is over. When the last page turns a little of the magic is gone too, because you are not wondering what is going to happen next or how it will end. You really don’t want to say good-bye to Harry or his friends. You feel a loss. I am sure that the publisher feels the same way as far as future profits are concerned. All of us wouldn’t mind another book.

Since this review is coming so late, I am sure that you know that Harry doesn’t die. I never thought he would anyway. How sad would that have been?

Now a list of the dead:

Hedwig
Mad Eye Moody
Remus John Lupin
Nymphaodora Tonks
Fred Weasley
Crab
Peter Pettigrew
Dobi
Bellatrix Lestrange
Voldemort
Snape

Like all Harry Potter stories, it starts at the Dursley house at 4 Privet Drive. The muggle and wizarding worlds are under attacked from the Death Eaters. Harry is stuck in his Aunt’s house until his 17th birthday, because it provides protection via charms. Once he turns 17, and is “of age” the dark forces are ready to sack him. So, “the Order” plans to get him out before the carnage. They make seven Harry Potters and fly out on broomsticks. Except, Voldemort and company are waiting and ambush. Somehow, they know the secrets plans of Harry’s escape, but they didn’t know which one is Harry. Voldemort goes after the real Harry, and they find that their wands dual unexpectedly. It is something that will unfold throughout the rest of the book.

Harry does escape, barely. He learns of what has been happening while he has been out of the loop. Things are bad.

Life goes on though and Bill Weasley and Flur are getting married. It goes well until the Death Eaters show up and crash the party. Now, Harry, Ron, and Hermione are together again and alone.

To be quite honest, the book lags for a while. The reader is just mildly entertained by brilliant little allusions to everything in all the previous books. It is truly remarkable.

The book really takes off when Harry, Ron, and Hermoine invade the Ministry of Magic. From this point on, it is a rush that never stops till the end.

My suggestion here is that if you can keep reading to the end. I made the mistake of trying to savor the book bit by bit. You want the rush. Keep going!

I see no need to give anymore of the story, or really why read the book? I can tell you that there is a showdown at Hogwarts. There are many clever plot twists.

At the very end, there is an epilogue. It is set way in the future. I am sure this will be a source of debate on the future of the Harry Potter for a long time.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is an end of an era. It is really cool to be alive in the period of literature. Be mindful of that. It is a brilliant end to a true classic.