**Spoiler Alert: I do mention a few details from the book, so go no further if you haven’t finished or haven’t picked up the book yet**
I am a Potterhead. I have been since reading the first line of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. And just like every other lover of this series, I waited impatiently for every single book to come out.
I’m not the only one who was secretly hoping Ms. Rowling would go back on what she’d promised, and write another novel about our beloved heroes/heroines. The thing that struck me as funny was that someone had to tell me about the play- I didn’t hear it through the grapevine. Maybe I’m removed from the grapevine now (and don’t realize it), but I would’ve expected to hear this tidbit blasted from every news source.
That aside, I was super excited to hear that the script would be available for consumption by us regular folk (who couldn’t afford to hop on a plane to see the play in London). I believe there may have been a riot had it not been made available immediately (as that would simply be unfair).
When I got my copy (I had pre-ordered, of course), I was ambivalent about jumping in. I knew it would read differently- one, because it was a play script and two, because it wasn’t written solely by J.K. I wasn’t able to hold myself back, and I’m glad I didn’t.
It felt very similar to the feeling I got when I’d delve into one of the first seven books. It was still magical. Though it took a few pages to get used to the script structure, that barely got in the way. It was trying to visualize the action with the limited description given. Luckily Harry Potter’s world is so ingrained in us that I had a pretty good idea of what everything should look like.
The thing I didn’t jive with was the voice of the writing. It was definitely not J.K. Rowling. The quips were not the same. Some of the language was a little confusing (as in, nonsensical). I felt like we were seeing Rowling’s world through someone else’s eyes, and that’s not what we want as faithful readers.
All in all, though, it was quite enjoyable. I mean, we got a continuation of the story. I’m just thanking my lucky stars that it exists.
Did it hold the same emotional value for me? No. That might be because our heroes are older now, and it shows. However, I did fall in love with their children.
I loved that Albus Potter was sorted into Slytherin. I also love that he’s best friends with Scorpius Malfoy. My favorite bit, however, is the crush between Scorpius and Rose Granger-Weasley.
This is better explained by my fan fiction obsession (yes, I’m that kind of dork). I’ve always had a secret wish that Hermione would run away with a redeemed Draco. As far as those fantasies go, this story added fuel to the fire. If you’re a Dramione shipper, you’ll understand.
As far as the plot went, it felt like a Harry Potter story. There were definitely enough twists, turns, and action. I always love the intense emotion thrown in, to keep the audience invested. I may not be as invested in Albus, but I could be, if given more fodder (ahem! more books please!).
This all being said, I would love to see this as a movie, but I’m not sure it’s possible. I don’t think any real Harry Potter fan could watch a movie without the original cast. In order for it to work, the actors would have to age at least ten years to make it plausible. Can I wait? Possibly….
Final thought: it was likeable enough for me, a true Potterhead. It gave me the warm and fuzzies I was craving.
The Defiant Romantic 