This book settles it: Dumbledore may be one of the greatest characters ever created in the world of fiction.
As Rowling turns her universe upside-downThis book settles it: Dumbledore may be one of the greatest characters ever created in the world of fiction.
As Rowling turns her universe upside-down and reveals the past of a man who is fully accepted as the greatest wizard of all time, she reveals a character depth beyond belief. Dumbledore is made out to be a sinner, a villain, a God-like figure who does not stand in the way for an innocent sacrifice. He is good, but he is focused on the greater good, sacrificing individuals in order to achieve his goal. He loves Harry, heart and soul, but he still needs him dead. And worst of all? He has coldblodily known it all the time.
While people has celebrated Snape's surprising sacrifice, I will always celebrate Dumbledore's betrayal. Purity and peace doesn't come without a price, and Dumbledore is willing to pay. He is a brilliant exception in Rowling's black-and-white universe. (view spoiler)[Along with Harry Potter of course. The part of Voldemort that lives in him reminds us that no one is pure. That we all hold a bit of evil – even though it has been attached to us by accidental spells and curses. (hide spoiler)]
One thing that has been clear to me on rereading these books, is how black-and-white Rowling usually operates. Like the sorting hat, she conveniently divides her characters into good and evil and very few outsteps this path. I have always found it cowardly, how this book dismisses Slytherin-pupils for instance. An entire house of people, thrown out of the defining battle because they happen to be wearing green and silver. Rowling spends the entire series preaching how Slytherin isn't necessarily defined by evil – and yet, she chooses to dismiss them, when the fight is about to come. I've always hated it. I have always hated how the Slytherins in the end only seem to be allowed a single character trait.
This time around, I also had a bit of trouble grasping the scope of Voldemort's evil. Is he about to destroy the universe? Will his rise to power mean the end of muggle-life? And if so, will it mean the end of every muggle in the world, or is his power restricted to Britain only? Why does the world not send help to fight him – why does the Order not include African, American or even European wizards? Voldemort's power and evil seems unlimited, and yet he is fought by an underground army consisting of Britains only, fighting the ultimate battle at a schoolground. I am confused by the perspective; Voldemort could rule the world, crush every offender – and yet he is at Hogwarts, fighting children.
The suspense is however undeniable. We don't have time for so many strategic questions while reading this book, because it is nerve-wracking to read. Rowling makes you forget time and space – and even plot holes – as she drags you along for break-in's, wandlore, secret missions and treasure hunts for pieces of an evil soul.
I have always loved the horcruxes and the psychological insight they provide into both Harry and Voldemort's soul. Little by little, you become fascinated with Voldemort's anger and his desire to be accepted, and you even come to understand the darkest corners of Harry's soul. While the treasure hunt itself is a bit tedious at times, its ultimate goal is breathtaking. However, as much as I've always loved the horcruxes, I've always hated the Deathly Hallows. It's puzzling why no one has ever mention Beedle the Bard earlier, as his tales are supposed to be the mythic pillars of the wizarding world. Why has Hermione, who has read about every book of wizardry, never stumbled upon these ancient tales – and why has Ron, who has grown up with these stories and loved them forever, never mentioned them? Why isn't there a magic frog card with Beedle the Bard? Why has Rowling never let a bit of the enthralling tales slip earlier? It's all so sudden. And to me, it's a bit implausible. As is wandlore itself.
Wandlore is mythical, wonderful to read about, and impossible to understand. I'm still not sure about the whole allegiance thing; how exactly a wand's power is transferred or why. It's messy and I'd have loved a bit more explanation.
But of course, I'd loved a bit more of everything. I love this book – mostly because of Dumbledore's character development (even beyond his death), and because it is so actionpacked and gratifying. Seven books, read in the dark with a galloping heart, and then this wonderful ending, where only a few characters are spared, and all are forever marked. This book may be filled with errors, but I am willing to overlook them. It is hard not to as these wonderful characters has been part of my life for so long.
The Harry Potter-books are magical. And magic is hard to define.
(view spoiler)[ A final note: I hate the ending relationships. This is perhaps more related to book six than book seven, but I've never understood Ginny and Harry. We get no explanation, no gradual falling-in-love process; suddenly Harry is in love with Ginny, while one moment earlier he wasn't. There was so much potential; so many scenes at the Burrow, Rowling could have used in order to build these feelings. Instead Harry falls in love out of jealousy. And then there's Ron and Hermione – another relationship enabled by hurt and jealousy. I can understand why Ron loves Hermione, but I can't understand why she loves him. He has been mean to her, ridiculing her, never appreciated her and even hinted she was ugly on several occasions. Would you fall in love with someone, who asked you out as a last resort, and loudly exclaimed that no one else wanted to go out with you? Would you fall in love with someone who got angry on the same occasion, because you actually went with someone else? Someone who ignored you, because he didn't appreciate you enough to ask? Someone who created an entire relationship with another girl, because he was jealous of a relationship you had before he had even shown interest in you? I think not.
Ron is a lovely person, but he never treated Hermione well. At least not in my opinion. (hide spoiler)]
Merged review:
This book settles it: Dumbledore may be one of the greatest characters ever created in the world of fiction.
As Rowling turns her universe upside-down and reveals the past of a man who is fully accepted as the greatest wizard of all time, she reveals a character depth beyond belief. Dumbledore is made out to be a sinner, a villain, a God-like figure who does not stand in the way for an innocent sacrifice. He is good, but he is focused on the greater good, sacrificing individuals in order to achieve his goal. He loves Harry, heart and soul, but he still needs him dead. And worst of all? He has coldblodily known it all the time.
While people has celebrated Snape's surprising sacrifice, I will always celebrate Dumbledore's betrayal. Purity and peace doesn't come without a price, and Dumbledore is willing to pay. He is a brilliant exception in Rowling's black-and-white universe. (view spoiler)[Along with Harry Potter of course. The part of Voldemort that lives in him reminds us that no one is pure. That we all hold a bit of evil – even though it has been attached to us by accidental spells and curses. (hide spoiler)]
One thing that has been clear to me on rereading these books, is how black-and-white Rowling usually operates. Like the sorting hat, she conveniently divides her characters into good and evil and very few outsteps this path. I have always found it cowardly, how this book dismisses Slytherin-pupils for instance. An entire house of people, thrown out of the defining battle because they happen to be wearing green and silver. Rowling spends the entire series preaching how Slytherin isn't necessarily defined by evil – and yet, she chooses to dismiss them, when the fight is about to come. I've always hated it. I have always hated how the Slytherins in the end only seem to be allowed a single character trait.
This time around, I also had a bit of trouble grasping the scope of Voldemort's evil. Is he about to destroy the universe? Will his rise to power mean the end of muggle-life? And if so, will it mean the end of every muggle in the world, or is his power restricted to Britain only? Why does the world not send help to fight him – why does the Order not include African, American or even European wizards? Voldemort's power and evil seems unlimited, and yet he is fought by an underground army consisting of Britains only, fighting the ultimate battle at a schoolground. I am confused by the perspective; Voldemort could rule the world, crush every offender – and yet he is at Hogwarts, fighting children.
The suspense is however undeniable. We don't have time for so many strategic questions while reading this book, because it is nerve-wracking to read. Rowling makes you forget time and space – and even plot holes – as she drags you along for break-in's, wandlore, secret missions and treasure hunts for pieces of an evil soul.
I have always loved the horcruxes and the psychological insight they provide into both Harry and Voldemort's soul. Little by little, you become fascinated with Voldemort's anger and his desire to be accepted, and you even come to understand the darkest corners of Harry's soul. While the treasure hunt itself is a bit tedious at times, its ultimate goal is breathtaking. However, as much as I've always loved the horcruxes, I've always hated the Deathly Hallows. It's puzzling why no one has ever mention Beedle the Bard earlier, as his tales are supposed to be the mythic pillars of the wizarding world. Why has Hermione, who has read about every book of wizardry, never stumbled upon these ancient tales – and why has Ron, who has grown up with these stories and loved them forever, never mentioned them? Why isn't there a magic frog card with Beedle the Bard? Why has Rowling never let a bit of the enthralling tales slip earlier? It's all so sudden. And to me, it's a bit implausible. As is wandlore itself.
Wandlore is mythical, wonderful to read about, and impossible to understand. I'm still not sure about the whole allegiance thing; how exactly a wand's power is transferred or why. It's messy and I'd have loved a bit more explanation.
But of course, I'd loved a bit more of everything. I love this book – mostly because of Dumbledore's character development (even beyond his death), and because it is so actionpacked and gratifying. Seven books, read in the dark with a galloping heart, and then this wonderful ending, where only a few characters are spared, and all are forever marked. This book may be filled with errors, but I am willing to overlook them. It is hard not to as these wonderful characters has been part of my life for so long.
The Harry Potter-books are magical. And magic is hard to define.
(view spoiler)[ A final note: I hate the ending relationships. This is perhaps more related to book six than book seven, but I've never understood Ginny and Harry. We get no explanation, no gradual falling-in-love process; suddenly Harry is in love with Ginny, while one moment earlier he wasn't. There was so much potential; so many scenes at the Burrow, Rowling could have used in order to build these feelings. Instead Harry falls in love out of jealousy. And then there's Ron and Hermione – another relationship enabled by hurt and jealousy. I can understand why Ron loves Hermione, but I can't understand why she loves him. He has been mean to her, ridiculing her, never appreciated her and even hinted she was ugly on several occasions. Would you fall in love with someone, who asked you out as a last resort, and loudly exclaimed that no one else wanted to go out with you? Would you fall in love with someone who got angry on the same occasion, because you actually went with someone else? Someone who ignored you, because he didn't appreciate you enough to ask? Someone who created an entire relationship with another girl, because he was jealous of a relationship you had before he had even shown interest in you? I think not.
Ron is a lovely person, but he never treated Hermione well. At least not in my opinion. (hide spoiler)]...more
I never thought an essay titled Gooling strangers would make me cry. But here we are.
In all honesty, I should have known. Having listened to The AnthrI never thought an essay titled Gooling strangers would make me cry. But here we are.
In all honesty, I should have known. Having listened to The Anthropocene Reviewed since its very first episode, I'm well aware of John Green's ability to transform the mundane into poetry. To turn the invisible parts of our modern society into a symbol of what it means to be alive.
More than anything, this book (and its accompanying podcast) shows that there's stories everywhere. That there's meaning and wonders and questions and beauty and tragedy and art in the most trivial aspect in our busy lives. If only one know where to look.
I think it was Yeats who once wrote that the world is full of magic, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper. And with this book, John Green reminded me of that particular quote.
And I really enjoyed seeing the world through his eyes....more
Partly a disillusioned love story, partly a love letter to children's literature and libraries, this was such an easy read. Not a perfect read, but anPartly a disillusioned love story, partly a love letter to children's literature and libraries, this was such an easy read. Not a perfect read, but an easy read in a time where I find it hard to concentrate on much.
I could have done without the love story which never really convinced me – or the main character for that matter, but I suppose it was a way for Vickers to illustrate the narrowmindedness of East Mole. East Mole isn't a quaint little town and Sylvia isn't a perky librarian who changes the lives of the inhabitants solely through the power of literature.
But she does try. And that's what made it such a cosy read....more
In many ways, it felt like the fictional continuation of Everything I Know About Love albeit a bit less I think liked this one. I certainly wanted to.
In many ways, it felt like the fictional continuation of Everything I Know About Love albeit a bit less optimistic and ultimately not as charming.
Alderton offers a bleak glimpse of being a 30-something single woman living in London. Of being ghosted by potential partners – of feeling left behind by married friends or watching with equal parts of puzzlement and envy as friends start families, form uniform lives and leave their adventures behind.
What makes this book interesting isn't its plot, and it certainly isn't its characters. It's Alderton's conflicted view of the stereotypical married life, that in the eyes of her main character transform into something to be feared as well as desired. There's no right or wrong way to lead a life, joy isn't absolute, and Alderton describes it beautifully....more
While I've read all of Kaur's poetry collections, I've never been able to form a proper opinion of them. Acclaimed and criticized for her particular bWhile I've read all of Kaur's poetry collections, I've never been able to form a proper opinion of them. Acclaimed and criticized for her particular brand of the so-called Instagram poetry, I have a hard time of figuring out whether I'm questioning her or the genre itself.
For this particular collection, I found many of her simplistic poems to be rather shallow. There's a few good lines and impressing metaphors to be found, but I wasn't moved or engrossed in Kaur's word play this time around. It felt too much like something I've read before, broken into lines and framed by thin pencil drawings....more
As Nikita Gill famosly wrote: Almost is the saddest word in the world. It reeks of unfulfilled potential, of daydreams and wishful thinking that were As Nikita Gill famosly wrote: Almost is the saddest word in the world. It reeks of unfulfilled potential, of daydreams and wishful thinking that were never able to survive in the cold, harsh reality.
But, if almost is the saddest word, if must be the most dangerous one.
If so often leads to regret. And so often, it's unfounded regret, choices you're unable to change. Decisions you've already made. Doors that won't ever open again. Alternate worlds forever out of reach.
Yet, this book dares to ask: What if?
In an interesting premise, the main character gets the chance to relive her life. Undo her most definite choices. Explore and, ultimately, let go of her regret. Of course, it's fantasy. Of course it's speculation. But it's very human too; the search for purpose, for some sort of validation of our choices. A validation that can only exist in a magic midnight library – and not in the real world, where we make all our choices blindly, on instinct and without ever knowing whether they were right or wrong.
And that's perhaps my only problem with this book; It's too neat. Too easy. Its conclusion to a very complex human struggle is almost too simple; (view spoiler)[The main character was meant to live her life the way she did – and the what if she nearly chose was the one where she lived a simple life as a mother, sister and wife. (hide spoiler)] It's not that I don't agree, but something about seeing it in writing made it seem too obvious. And life never is....more
Perhaps a lost art form these days. But once a necessity; a vital part of life. The ability to express oneself on paper wereThe art of letter-writing.
Perhaps a lost art form these days. But once a necessity; a vital part of life. The ability to express oneself on paper were a gateway to the world, connecting relatives, creating opportunities and simply catching up.
This story collection contains a collection of Montgomery's short stories that all revolve around letter-writing, journaling – or perhaps finding long-lost letters and notes, ultimately changing lives. And it's quite fun too read; certainly very romantic and tenderhearted.
The love stories dominate the collection and while they can be a bit too repetitive, I found myself smiling; touched by a story of a young girl receiving a fake prom invitation and having the night of her life; of a girl pretending to be someone she wasn't only to find out she was the right one all along; or perhaps the tale of a misplaced love-letter bringing joy to an older woman.
Reading Montgomery is such a heartwarming experience. This was no exception....more
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