Books
by J K Rowling
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows |
This is the best book in the series by far with a good main plot and excellent twists and side stories. J K shows different personality traits in all characters including Harry, Ron and Hermione while those from previous books fit perfectly into the story, creating a sense of tension and suspense throughout. Some points at the beginning are slightly boring but don't be put off because all in all it is a fantastic read.
(Eloise May - bwl 41 August 2007) |
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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince |
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is a truly amazing book. Following on from the already famous first five books, the 6th one is by far the best. The excitement, the mystery and the feel of what you are reading is a wonderful sensation. To be able to read this book is an incredibly high privilege, and having read all the others, I was amazed that this one could be any better.
(Eloise May - bwl 31 September 2005) |
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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix |
I have finished the fifth Harry Potter book and I think it was worth waiting for, it was just as good as the other books. I feel it was descriptive, exciting, entertaining and from about the six-hundredth page onwards sad as well.
(Eloise May - bwl 20 September 2003) |
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Harry Potter: Philosopher's Stone; Chamber of Secrets; Prisoner of Azkaban; Goblet of Fire |
Despite the world-wide acclaim and meteoric success of this amazing series, I think the critics have missed the most important point: these books should not be categorised as Children's Literature. They are based on all the constants of life, whether that of adult or child, such as old vs. young, evil vs. good, strong vs. weak, innocent vs. guilty, rich vs. poor, as well as on a strong bias as to people's reactions to differences in class and race - universal values, universal appeal, in fact. In my view, Harry Potter belongs with Milne, Peake, Carroll, White, Adams and Tolkien. Rowling's genius is that she takes the classic subject of an ordinary orphaned boy who goes to a school every English child (and adult) will recognise, and gives it a magic, and with every successive book, a more Gothic twist, which is utterly believable.
(Kathie Somerwil Ayrton - bwl 8 April 2001) |
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The Casual Vacancy |
Pretty Pagford wants nothing to do with its ugly, urban neighbour, Yarvil, and its particularly awful council estate, The Fields, but it must when a councillor dies. The novel starts slowly but Rowling creates a medley of characters as these two worlds clash. No fantasy in this novel instead the familiar cry of lack of money for services. Her young characters are particularly vivid and play the most dramatic parts in the story. Not simple entertainment.
(Christine Miller - bwl 67 Winter 2013) |
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The Casual Vacancy |
I don't totally agree with Melvin Bragg's opinion that this is a wonderful novel! It was however, accomplished, as one might expect of this author. With something of the insight of Jane Austen and the apt characterisation of Oscar Wilde, it is a keenly observed portrayal of the full range of pretensions and prejudices to be found in a typical conservative small English town. With its dialogue delivered in the vernacular of a much-maligned Housing Estate culture, might make this novel not a suitable Xmas gift for Granny!
(Margaret Teh - bwl 110 Autumn 2023) |
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