On 31st July 2016, Potterheads all over the world curled up in their beds and re-entered the magical world of Harry Potter after a 9-year wait. JK Rowling announced that she would be releasing the script that accompanies the highly awaited; ÔÇÿHappy Potter and the Cursed Child’ play over a year ago. She cleverly timed the release of the book just a say before the first performance of the stage production. I won’t give any spoilers but the book primarily focuses on one of Harry and Ginny Potter’s three children, Albus Severus Potter. Anyone who read or watched the finale to Harry’s journey, ÔÇÿHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ will probably have bawled their eyes out at the ending scene in which Harry explains to Albus that he was named after ÔÇÿtwo of the greatest wizards,’ Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape. Rowling continues the storyline by showing us the consequences Potters children had to face as a result of him being ÔÇÿthe Boy Who Lived’ and an overall hero amongst the wizarding community. Similarly to most of Rowling’s books, the script was full of surprised and aweing moments that reminded you just how deeply connected you felt to magical universe that every child yearned to be a part off.
There was some controversy and complaints as to the fact that the book was written in script form, however JK Rowling did make the incredibly clear when she initially announced that it would be released. My expectations before reading the book were pretty low, however I was anxious to see whether she would capture me like she had done so many other times and she was most definitely successful in doing so. For those who aren’t as acquired to reading play scripts such as me, it does take some getting used to the standard format of the script but once you do it’s just as engaging as any good novel. However as much as I did love the book, the ending was somewhat disappointing and slightly predictable which unfortunately did ruin the whole charm of the book a little. Despite this, I would recommend the book to any fans of the Harry Potter chain. Many people are hesitant to read it as they don’t want it to tarnish their expectations of Rowling and her masterpieces but I can assure you, it just reminds you how mystical the world of Harry Potter and his family and friends is.
Sarah Harris
