As a regular user of the Melbourne Transport System, I am well acquainted with the attire worn by different commuters from different walks of life. I’m familiar with the sharp Italian cut business suits which are invariably accompanied by chic, smartly designed brief cases that contain one or two important looking papers (bills), an apple, and perhaps the latest, trendiest novel. I’m equally acquainted with the workmen in their mud/grease covered workmen’s overalls, whose chosen accessory is a small esky that contains a hearty lunch and an alcoholic beverage. I, myself fall into the category of gossiping schoolgirl with an engorged bag and oversized blazer. However I have observed over the past few years an item which appears in the possession of all the afore mentioned categories, Ms. Rowling’s masterpiece, the Harry Potter novels.
So what is it exactly which make Potter so damn appealing and J.K Rowling incredibly wealthy? How is it possible that a kid’s novel has the ability to unite children and adults from all sexes, races and walks of life? What clever spell has Ms. Rowling used to bewitch us all?
Perhaps it is Ms. Rowling’s innate ability to integrate the fantastic literary stylings of the great Blyton and Dahl, while adding that very special touch of her own, which has the ability to draw adults back into their childhood, while at the same time attracting a new, almost cult like following of children
Perhaps it’s the fact that Ms. Rowling has stuck to the time old tradition of good Vs evil, with good kicking evil’s butt. A simple formula which no child, or child at heart will ever find any less appealing.
It may also be the fact that the heroes of these novels are not dashing, handsome figures, who are always precisely correct in all their split minute decisions, but rather are fairly ordinary people (apart from the potions and charms and transfiguration thing), who make mistakes and have emotions and issues they have to deal with, just like us ordinary muggles.
Whatever it is, one thing for certain is that these novels are here to stay. Make sure you keep a copy of these books so you can drag them out for your own children to enjoy - if they haven’t done so already. I spend hours reading and I find it simply absurd that there are some people in today’s world who get no joy out of such a past time. I think Harry Potter (along with his creator) deserve some fantastic award for bringing to light the simple pleasures that can be found between the pages of a book.