Apologies for the lateness of this post.
Welcome to my second book review. This week I
will be reviewing Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K Rowling.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, J.K
Rowling, Bloomsbury (UK)(Canada 2010-present) Arthur A Levine/Scholastic (US)
Raincoast (Canada 1998-2010) Published
June 26, 1997 (UK) September 1 1998 (US), ISBN – 0-7475-3269-9
When J.K Rowling first published this book I bet
she never imagined it would take off in the way that it did! 21 years later,
with 7 books, 8 movies, a 2 part play she is now one of the richest authors in
the world. (Don’t believe me? Google Richest
Authors in the World).
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the
first in a 7 part series following the adventures of a wizard student at
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Unsurprisingly, this student’s name
is Harry Potter.
The audience is introduced to Harry, an orphan
living with his Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon and cousin Dudley. Dudley is spoilt
rotten by his parents whereas Harry is treated like a slave, living in the
cupboard under the stairs.
The first hint that Harry is different is shown
during a trip to the zoo with his family, where Harry experiences something
strange. This experience concludes with a comical accident involving his cousin
Dudley.
Following this event, things appear to go back
to normal. However, in the coming days a number of owls mysteriously drop
letters at the house. Uncle Vernon appears to know what they are, and does
everything in his power to avoid revealing the truth to Harry.
Next we are introduced to Rubeus Hagrid
gameskeeper at Hogwarts who hand delivers Harry letter to him. This is when
Harry learns the truth about how his parents died and that he is a wizard.
Hagrid takes Harry to Diagon Alley, a magical
street where all the students buy their school supplies. Harry finally gets out
of Hagrid the name of the man who kills his parents. That being Lord Voldemort.
The next bit of magic we are introduced to is
platform 9 ¾ where the Hogwarts Express awaits the students. This is also where
he meets his first best friend Ronald Weasley who is also going into first
year.
On the train, they meet a girl who is to become
Harry’s other best friend Hermione Granger. When they reach the school grounds,
Harry then meets the boy who is to become his arch enemy, Draco Malfoy.
Classes soon begin and the audience is
introduced to the subjects the first year students are to take. Transfiguration
(taught by Professor McGonagall), Charms (Professor Flitwick), Potions
(Professor Snape), Defence Against the Dark Arts (Professor Quirrell), History
of Magic (Professor Binns), Astronomy (Professor Sinistra), Herbology (Professor
Sprout) and Flying (Madam Hooch).
The two subjects integral to the plot in my view
are Potions and Flying. We are introduced to the idea that Professor Snape
really does not like Harry and Flying is where Professor McGonagall elects
Harry as Seeker of the Gryffindor Quiddich Team.
Other important aspects of the book which are
important to the plot are the ban on entering the third floor corridor and the
Mirror of Erised, both of which are key to Harry defeating Voldemort.
When I was first introduced to this book, I
didn’t expect much from it. However, after finishing, I was hooked on the world
which J.K Rowling has so brilliantly created.
It did not take long for the world to be charmed
(pun intended) by this book which has turned into a billion dollar brand.
If you do not already own this book, you can get
it from amazon by clicking on the link below.
Tune in next week for my review on The Very
Cranky Bear.
Mel
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