Anyone who has read Books I-IV in the Harry Potter series is looking for primarily one thing in the pages of ’’The Order of the Phoenix’’: answers (oh, and some good action, yes). Why did Lord Voldemort, the most evil wizard ever to have risen to power, try to kill Harry as a baby—leaving him orphaned and sporting a prominent scar on his forehead? How did his parents come to have so much gold stashed away, essentially securing his financial future? What is greasy, wicked Professor Snape really up to—and what are the real reasons behind his contempt for Harry’s father and the ongoing animosity between him and Harry’s godfather, Sirius Black? And why, suddenly, is Albus Dumbeldore, powerful wizard and trusted Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, keeping such a distance from Harry, to the point that he won’t even look him in the eye? By the end of the novel, Harry finally gets a few answers. But they come at a terrible cost.
In ’’Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’’ author J.K. Rowling once again proves herself a gifted storyteller. She presents a thrilling tale that’s more mature and psychologically-driven than any of the previous ones in the series (and one that is probably not suitable for readers under 12). Her extraordinary eye for detail brings the wizarding world to life with descriptions of magical creatures, settings and people that are so painstakingly crafted it’s almost understandable why the book took three years to produce. But her fondness for minute detail has its drawbacks. While some parts, like the obligatory Sorting Ceremony and Quidditch matches, are notably shorter this time around, many other passages are overwrought...too long and almost...boring. She introduces a number of new characters, many of whom take up a good deal of real estate in the book but ultimately seem of little significance. Of course, any experienced Rowling reader knows by now that the most seemingly trivial detail or name buried within the often cluttered prose may very well turn out to be a major clue to sorting out the story--so skimming is really not an option if you’re trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together yourself. But before hardly making a dent in this nearly 800 page-long volume, it becomes clear that the book could have benefitted from a competent editor unafraid of paring down the text while keeping the overall story intact. To her credit, Rowling does at least resist the temptation to neatly recap the events of the previous four books at the beginning of this one. Instead, she makes well placed references to them throughout ’’The Order of the Phoenix’’, which works nicely. However, this definitely makes the earlier instalments required reading before tackling this book; Rowling has developed the story line so intricately at this point, that it’s inadvisable for any newcomer to start anywhere other than at the beginning of the series.
’’The Goblet of Fire’’ (Book IV) left readers incredibly eager for answers and next actions but Rowling’s decision to go about things the long way in ’’The Order of the Phoenix’’, often leaves the reader as frustrated with the pace of action as Harry is. This time around, however, Harry isn’t keeping his emotions to himself and for the first time Rowling reveals a dark side to the beloved protagonist. Harry is clearly full of anger and resentment. He knows that things are very likely going to get much worse since the events that took place a month earlier (read ’’The Goblet of Fire’’ if you want the specifics) and the cryptic messages he receives from his closest friends and his godfather, coupled with Albus Dumbeldore’s silence infuriate him. Hasn’t he successfully stood up against Voldemort enough times by now to have earned the trust and respect of his elders, he wonders. He’s angered that they still regard him as a child, incapable of handling the truth. As a result, Harry lashes out at those close to him and in his effort to vent his frustration he even resorts to provoking some who have mistreated him in the past. In fact, Harry demonstrates such startlingly little control over his anger at times that the reader worries it may eventually consume him. But despite the copious amount of shouting and the occasional wallowing in self pity, Harry’s behaviour actually lends the character new depth. The kid is only 15 and has been through a lot, after all. It would seem incredible if he never let off some steam. Given his feelings of resentment, it’s also no wonder that he stubbornly refuses to turn to Dumbeldore when his scar begins throbbing painfully again and his nights are haunted by ominous dreams of long, dark corridors and mysterious rooms.
Throughout the book, Harry’s struggles are not limited to fighting against adult authority (including, of course, Snape and a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher) and coping with the powerlessness he feels about Voldemort’s renewed activity. He’s also facing the daunting growing pains of adolescence. Rowling gives Harry his first girlfriend—and it is with graceful sensitivity and humour that she reminds even her most mature readers of how it feels to reach that awkward coming-of-age milestone. Harry also takes on a position of leadership among his peers and is eventually forced to confront revelations about his own family and what he has come to perceive as the truth.
Much like the mythological Phoenix, who burns and is reborn from its own ashes, Harry undergoes a powerful metamorphosis in this book. He must relinquish a good amount of his innocence in exchange for a deep, personal loss and the disturbing knowledge of what his future holds. Leaden with grief and stunned by a new awareness of his place in the world, Harry feels like ’’a marked man’’ detached from those around him. His resilience remains intact, however, and he also comes to realise that he is far from alone.
Almost impossible to put down, the long-awaited ’’Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’’ may not live up to all the hype but it will undoubtedly leave readers hungry for more. Accio Book VI!