Farewell old friend

I thought it would be a good way to kick-start my blog with a reminiscent rambling about Harry Potter. It may not seem the most intellectual way to begin, but will at least go some way to proving to some that I am in fact not a book snob.

I started reading Harry Potter at the age of nine, and now, at the grand old age of twenty-one, am still as attached to it as ever. I feel absolutely privileged to have been alive as the books and films were being released (and indeed, working in a bookshop for the release of the final book), and although generations of new fans will no doubt enjoy the books greatly I think there was certainly something special about the anticipation of awaiting the next great instalment. This also meant that I was approximately the same age as Harry, Ron, and Hermione as I read through the books, and quite literally grew up with them. For this reason they will always feel like old friends.

Although I was not the biggest fan of the films to start with I have begun to appreciate the value of them. Having re-watched the first three recently I see how they really do re-create the magic from the page, and quite frankly, I’m quite jealous I never got to visit some of the sets, because they were no doubt absolutely breathtaking. Yes, they didn’t fit in everything that was in the books (though that is hardly surprising considering the length of the later ones), but they certainly capture the essence of them. I was somewhat distressed by some of the omissions from the third film but, having devoured the books, I simply fill in the gaps in my head, adding dialogue to scenes that I wish had made it into the films.

I found it incredibly emotional watching the premiere of Deathly Hallows Part Two, and genuinely feel for the actors. Millions of fans are experiencing a sense of loss at the end of this magical journey, so the actors that have played these characters half their lives, well, I know I would be a mess. They have done a fantastic job, and I doubt I will ever be able to read the books without picturing them from now on.

Anyone reading this who has not read the books, but enjoyed the films, I do urge you to delve into the books. I know it may seem a daunting task, but they are wonderful books, and full of so much detail that never could have made it into the films. So I say, farewell, Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and thank you J. K Rowling for creating such wonderful characters.