Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the latest installment in the life of J.K. Rowling’s
uber-famous character, Harry Potter. In the seven books of the Harry Potter
series, Harry works his way into reader’s hearts for his bravery, moral
compass, and loyalty to his friends. His mischievous escapades at Hogwarts
School for Witchcraft and Wizardry invite readers to root for Harry against all
odds and celebrate in his triumph over evil. In this story, however, the
beloved Harry takes a very different role as a perplexed parent, trying to relate
to his middle child, Albus Severus Potter.
Albus is instantly aware of the contrasts
between he and his famous father from his first trip to school on the Hogwarts
Express. He becomes fast friends with his father’s childhood nemesis, experiences a questionable "sorting", and has barely developed magical powers. Albus finds
it hard to live up to others’ expectations, which leaves him frustrated and
angry with his father. After several years of feeling inadequate, Albus decides
to take a stand and correct one of his father’s past mistakes.
Predictably, Albus’s attempts to change the
past lead to chaos that he did not anticipate. Without his famous family to
help, Albus must use his own strength and ingenuity to fight evil, restore
friendships, and ultimately, to see his father in a different light.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a coming of age story with a familiar backdrop and cast of
characters. Series readers will enjoy catching up with characters from the past
and going on new adventures with the next generation.
Written as a stage play, this story lacks the
detailed descriptions Rowling is so famous for. While readers will enjoy the
storyline, the flow is somewhat interrupted by the character markers and the scene changes required for a stage production. If the reader is prepared for
this change, he or she will not be disappointed with the imagination of J.K.
Rowling, nor the skill of her co-authors John Tiffany and Jack Thorne.
It sounds like Rowling may have painted herself into a corner with "middle-aged Harry and his entitled middle child". Only the most creative mind of our generation, could hit a home-run with a premise like this! Wait, she's on the job! ... And has help. Sometimes low expectations are a good: I am excited to read this, despite the likely disappointment. I wonder whether a round-table reading party would increase appreciation for the script? Thanks for the review!
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