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Like millions around the world, I waited for
the last book in the Harry Potter series on Saturday and was up
till 2 a.m. that night finishing up the book. Reflecting back,
it is amazing to accept that no wizarding world exists and there
are no Hogwarts and Diagon Alley in the real world. J K Rowling,
the author, has created a perfect world for anyone to take a
trip to fantasy. The best thing about the book is that it is a
good read for all ages. I enjoy it, my husband enjoys it, my
young cousins enjoy it and, in fact, it has been many a
conversation starters and savers with strangers.
No, I am not telling what happens in the book
and you need to grab a copy for that. But overall I feel Rowling
has tied together lots of loose ends in the final book and given
us a series that the literary world would treasure. Beyond talks
of dark magic, spells and death curses there are few things
these books convey and it is that complicated yet subtly
conveyed messages almost lost to the young reader that makes me
admire Rowling more. Much more than her amazing creativity and
ability to create a world all of her own.
All through the seven books, Rowling has
conveyed through the various puppets she created mainly Harry,
Ron, Hermione and Lord Voldemort, the basics of life. You know
the usual things all parents teach their kids - the ones taught
in the moral science classes in school. And it is the almost
hidden messages that make these books special.
Unlike other super heroes, Harry is not the
handsome, confident, know-it-all who rushes into burning fires
and crumbling buildings to save the world. He is just another
human being with fear of the future. He is the insecure rather
unloved kid who is presentable at his best. He is not the best
in studies or has had the undying support of family. He is the
normal kid-next-door but he is the superhero of the series and
that makes him special. It just projects the unwritten rule that
to be the No 1, you need to work hard, trust your friends and
instinct and be ready to face whatever is dished out. And above
all, he is loyal and selfless, to his friends, the people who
love and trust him and for these people he is ready to meet
death. And isn’t that what parents teach their kids?
The next thing I love from the series are the
mystical Dementors. These dark hooded creatures kiss their
victims and suck away the victim’s soul. They suck away all good
thoughts and leave the victim cold and dead within. And I look
at these creatures as one’s fears. We all fear various things
and there we go feeling all down and depressed. And how does
Harry overcome these Dementors? The Patronus spell, a chant, the
wave of the wand and most importantly, happy thoughts drive away
the Dementors. And don’t we do that to our fears? And best of
all, the Patronus spell works the best with practice, the more
you think happy, the more easily you over ride soul-sucking
fears. Another lesson from the cradle.
But the best thing, I admire Rowling for
blending in easily from book one is the power of love.
Especially a mother’s love. So powerful, so strong that even the
darkest lord’s killing curse will not harm the child. And
Rowling keeps it through till the very end. Love and just love
differentiates Harry and his arch enemy, Lord Voldemort. And it
is love that makes Harry the hero and Voldemort the villain.
Simple and yet powerful!
If you have not yet read the books, pick them
up somewhere and start reading them. It is an entertainer for
all ages!
- V
http://poohsden.blogspot.com/
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