The name “Harry Potter” is one known around the world, with him being the star of a series of books that have helped shape a generation. And most recently, we see him coming back into the hearts of many with the release of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” which is the script/book for a stage play. With its release, there has been a lot of excitement, and a lot of criticism. So, here is my review of the book. And fair warning there are SPOILERS ahead if you haven’t gotten the chance to read it yet.
To start off, I was really excited when this book came out. I was planning on going to a release party for the book with one of my friends, but alas, the day before it came out, I got seriously sick and was too sick to go to the release. I felt like maybe I was the cursed child since it was just my luck to get sick for the first time in almost 10 years the day before I had big plans that been planned out months in advance. But, there was nothing I could do about it, and bless my mother's kind heart, she bought me a copy the day after the release. Still, this book and I were not off to a good start.
I will also admit, it took me awhile to actually work up the nerve to read the book. In a sense, I didn’t want to disrupt this perfect image I already had for the “Harry Potter” universe. I didn’t exactly want to see Harry and the crew be older and have kids. Not that I didn’t love the kids they had. Scorpius Malfoy is a precious child and quickly became my favorite character. He managed to light up the entire book and at least somewhat try to be Albus Potter's voice of reason.
The whole trolley witch scene. That needs to be discussed. I was both delighted and terrified by it because WHY. Pumpkin Pasty GRENADES? And SPIKES for HANDS? Oh my God. This scene was hilarious at first read but then left me disturbed at the idea that this sweet little old lady was not as innocent as she seems. And that somehow Albus and Scorpius managed to escape her, but neither the Marauders or the Weasley twins could. Weirdest scene in the entire play.
All in all, though, I’m going to say that I enjoyed it for the most part. At least the scenes that focused on Albus and Scorpius because those scenes felt more… natural I think is the word I’m looking for. They get to grow a lot throughout the play, while most of the characters from the original series fall a little flat because there is too much expectation for them and not enough room to deliver. It was a good read, and I would recommend it to others, but it has its problems like most books do. And hey, this is just my opinion and you don’t have to agree with it at all. Maybe you loved it, or maybe you hated it. Or maybe, you’re like me and just kinda…. Eh. You didn’t love it or hate it, but enjoyed it nonetheless.
