Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets continues the story of Harry Potter. Harry was orphaned at an early age, and condemned to live with the Dursleys, his nasty relatives who want nothing to do with the magical world. In the first book of the series Harry attends Hogwarts (a school for wizards) and makes friends with Hermione and Ron. The second book continues the story of Harry Potter.
Harry Potter and his exploits have managed to open the wonderful world of books to many children all around the world; with a movie due out in November, and a new book due out early next year Harry Potter is inspiring many children to read (including my very own 10 year old daughter).
The Plot
When Hogwarts was built by the four wizards (Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin and Hufflepuff) there were many disagreements by the wizards. Slytherin, being the power monger amongst them decided to build a secret chamber for his own purposes. Only an heir of Slytherin is able to open the chamber.
This chamber is now shrouded in mystery and intrigue, and although it was opened fifty years ago, it has managed to escape discovery even by the most powerful good wizard of them all, none other than Dumbledore.
Harry’s summer back at home with the Dursley’s wasn’t much improved; although the Dursley’s are afraid of Harry, they still treat him as if he doesn’t exist and generally make his life a misery. Harry’s only wish is for September to come so that he can continue to attend Hogwarts.
Finally, as Harry begins to attend Hogwarts for his second year the Chamber of Secret’s is mysteriously opened and a foul creature is let loose, causing mayhem and fear to run riot around the school. Harry, Hermione and Ron, sure that their evil nemesis Malfoy is the heir to Slytherin, set out to prove this fact and save the school from immanent closing. There are rumours going around that Harry may indeed be the heir as he is in the vicinity when it is first discovered that the chamber has been re-opened.
This story introduces a few new characters. We meet Ron’s sister who is enamored with Harry. We meet a boastful professor who takes over the Defense Against the Dark arts position. We meet a mournful ghost who was a student who died the first time the chamber was opened.
Like most of the other books in the series, the plot twists and turns keeping you guessing most of the way. We learn that Harry has a strange link to Voldermort (Harry’s enemy) that allows Harry to talk to snakes.
We find enemies where we least expect them, and find out how powerful Voldermort is and how he can manipulate others to do his dirty work.
The book continues to build on the main characters answering a few questions (e.g. we find out why Hagrid was expelled from the school).
Harry and his friends are embroiled in the plot. Fear grips the school as more and more victims of the monster are found. Harry and his friends strive to find the answers even going so far as to transfer themselves into ’Slytherins’ in an attempt to gain information.
The book continues on the main theme from the first book; generally it involves a struggle between good and evil, in this case a struggle between Harry and Voldermort, but also mirrored in the struggle between Harry and Malfoy.
Conclusion
This book is a very good second book in the series. It builds on the first book, and although it is a separate story, the underlying story of the battle between Good and Evil begins to grow. As you read you realize that the whole series will probably become a classic as it can be easily compared with Lord of the Rings, Alice in Wonderland etc.
The book has believable characters and a complex yet logical plot that doesn’t have many flaws. Many parts are humorous, but some are a little scary. Young children may find some of the themes in the book too much. The book is a great read for children and also adults and is great to be read nightly!
J K Rowling has captured the imagination of millions of people worldwide with her easy writing style and her vivid adventures at Hogwarts. Although the characters may be a little shallow, overall the series is very enjoyable.
Enjoy.