Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling -- Part 1

September 28, 2012 Tobe Buffenbarger

Because there are two movies, I tend to think about this book in two parts. So I am splitting my review into two parts corresponding with the break in movies. Part 1 covers pages 1-502 of the hardcover edition.

Title: Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows

Author: J.K. Rowling

Publisher: Scholastic 2007

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Pages: 759

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: HP

How I Got It: Own it! (in pretty hardcover no less)

This one is a reread for me. It's been awhile since I read the series. I remember reading the first couple of books out loud to the boys when they were infants. SO that's what, eight years ago? I read the last few books as they came out, but overall it's been awhile.

Instead of doing a traditional review, I thought I would just give you some of my reread thoughts. Things I noticed, things I loved, quotes I like, etc. And then I will have a mini review of movie vs. book.

Book fun:

Favorite scenes:

Goodbye scene with the Dursleys -- It's bittersweet. You want to hate the Dursleys for how they treated Harry and yet I love how Dudley finally says something. And I screamed at Petunia to say something comforting...
Bill and Fleur's wedding -- I love the descriptions and seeing all the Weasley's together (expect for Percy of course).
Bathilda Bagshot and Godric's Hollow -- I know what's coming but this scene still scares the crap out of me. Maybe it's the dead body, maybe it's the snake. All I know is it is extra extra creepy.

Favorite character(s):

Kreacher -- Bet you weren't expecting that one... I really love how he begrudgingly but finally accepts Harry as his master. Plus his sneakiness comes in handy when they are trying to find the locket.
Ron -- He leaves, he's a git, but he redeems himself by destroying the Horcrux and trying to get on Hermione's good side throughout most of the book.

Other odds and ends:

I cried over Hedwig and downright bawled over Dobby. I cried for them more than I did when Dumbledore died. Plus I got a bit verklempt with George's injury.
I detest Scrimgeour with a passion. Ugh! So not sorry when he dies.
I love the description of Luna's bedroom with the painting of her friends. She is always one of my favorite characters.

Favorite quotes:

"He looked away, trying not to betray the resentment he felt. There is was again: Choose what to believe. He wanted the truth. Why was everybody so determined that he should not get it?" (pg. 185) -- When Harry learns of Rita Skeeter's book. He has to get over these selfish thoughts to see the truth later on...

Movie fun Part 1

My favorite scenes:

Big chase scene with the 7 Harrys -- It's different than the book but with the same adrenaline rush and danger.
Bathilda Bagshot and Godric's Hollow -- Creepiest scene ever. I jumped in the theater when Nagini is revealed. I jumped again in my home when I knew exactly how it was going to happen. Creepy creepy!
Favorite hands-down: The Tale of the Three Brothers -- I loved loved loved the animation and the creepy shadow figures. It fits perfectly with the story and set-up.

Things I wished to see, but didn't:

More Lupin and Tonks. The movie cryptically alludes to Tonks' pregnancy, but it's mostly left out. Pretty big deal in the books.
Something with Dumbledore and his family. I like that side story in the books and yet no mention in the movies.
Wormtail death. Stunning him in the cell just seems to let him off easily. I would have felt more complete with his death.

Other odds and ends:

I liked the change in opening to Rufus Scrimgeour's statement about the Ministry. While it is untrue, I like the foreshadowing and foreboding it creates. The same is true for Hermione, Ron, and Harry's saying goodbye to their "homes."
Fleur's dress is just gorgeous. I really wanted to see more of it.
I like how they folded visions from Voldemort into some backstory for those nonrabid fans.

Harry Potter:

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