I’ve always had an aversion to the latest ’’ Big Thing’’. I’ve seen them come and go. Power Rangers, Tomb Raider, those ridiculous egg pets etc. Most of these fads lasted just a year or two and then faded away; forgotten by the very children who worshipped them! ’tis pity , ’tis true! , ’tis pity , ’tis true!
I was just as skeptical when the Harry Potter series came out . In my infinite stubbornness, I refused to have anything to do with him. But after being bombarded by propaganda by every possible means of communication, cumulating in an entry in the Guinness Book of Records, I finally gave in.
Initial reaction: Looks like a fairy tale. Bright cover almost hurt my eyes. As I picked up the book, I still had my doubts. 10 min and 22 pages later, I began to like the book. By page 100, all my doubts had been blown away!. By the end , I regretted that it had been so short.
The story( As if you don’t know already) is about a young boy who discovers that he is actually a wizard. On his 11th birthday he gets a letter of admission to the ’’ Hogwart school of Wizardry and Witchcraft’’. There he finds other wizards and witches- in- training. Throw in the Philosopher’s stone, evil Dark wizards and schoolboy pranks and you get one engrossing book.
The book introduces you to several of the main characters and customs of wizardry (all needed for a clear understanding in the sequels) on step at a time, without overwhelming you. Thus , by the end of the book you are able to name the four houses of Hogwart, how many sickles make a galleon and know the rules of Quidditch.
The characters , locations and customs are quite imaginative, rivaling other cult classics like ’’ Lord of the Rings’’and the ’’ Rabbit’’ Seires .
Although the book is dark at places ( starts off with the murder of Harry’s parents) , it is predominantly humorous , bordering on the sublime at some places. Some of the conversations between characters reminds you of the style of A.A Minle( of ’’Winne the Phoo’’ fame).
I’m no expert on literature, but J.K.Rowling has a very unique style. I reminds me of Oscar Wilde, Roald Dahl and Ruskin Bond put together. Add to that a pinch of Stephen Leacock and you’ll get the idea what I’m talking about.
The language used throughout the book is clear and lucid. It is suitable and appealing to everyone from school going kids to adults( at least, adults with some imagination). Never once does it bog you down with pseudo-intellectual prose and neither is the book overly dependent on Humour without loosing site of the big picture. J.K Rowling might not be a classical children’s author yet, but if she keeps it up she might be joining them very soon.