Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Title: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Author: John Tiffany, Jack Thorne, J.K Rowling

First Published: July 31st 2016

Series: Harry Potter #8

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 330

My Copy: Physical Copy

My Overall Rating: 8/10

Goodreads Summary

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places

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I bought this book with little to no expectations, because I honestly didn't know what to expect! Once I began to read it, I was pulled back into the Wizarding World immediately. The series has been over for a couple of years, and I had accepted that, but this book reawakened my inner Potterhead.

I've heard that a lot of people are hesitant to read it, or found it really disappointing. This book is written in script format, so we don't get as much descriptions. Which means it is a really easy read. I finished this book in one sitting, practically devouring it. The book was amazing! I enjoyed every second of it.

What this story really does is that it smashes stereotypes. First, there is Albus, the second son of Harry Potter. He is nothing like Harry. Albus also hates Hogwarts, because he is the outcast. Together with his best friend Scorpius, the two of them are always alone, excluded from everyone else. At times in the play, Albus came across as quite whiny. I don't blame him for having a tensed relationship with Harry, but Albus also did snap at Scorpius - who is the greatest friend anyone could ask for. Come on Albus! How can you not see that Scorpius is just trying to be a good friend?

Which leads on to Scorpius. He is by far my favourite character in this book, because he is sweet and loyal. He also seems to be more of a prominent character than Albus to me. He is really loyal to Albus, and vice versa. They are prepared to die for each other, which shows how deep their bond is. I also like how Scorpius is the exact opposite of what Malfoys were portrayed as. Which is why Scorpius and Draco's relationship is a bit awkward, but at many points in the play, it is obvious that Draco really cares for Scorpius. Similar situation for Albus and Harry. Whenever they are in a scene together, it's basically angst and more angst.

Unlike the previous books, there is not as much humour in this book. The characters aren't sassy or sarcastic, sadly. However, there are funny scenes and concepts. Just because we're lacking the witty remarks doesn't mean that this book isn't worth less the read than the previous books. One person who retains their funny comments is Ron. Otherwise, Harry and Hermione have all matured past that stage. Speaking of that, Harry does things that he wouldn't have done previously, but I guess that 19 years is a long time to change. It's a bit weird to have a huge jump - since we don't get to read about the character development - but it doesn't really affect the book.

There's not much I can say about this book without spoiling it, so I'll keep this brief. I recommend you to read this book. I think it's worth the read, even if it is written in a play format and has other people's contribution. I don't know how much of this book is J.K Rowling's own words, but her style does seep through. All in all, I did like this book and I hope that you eventually read it despite the positive or negative reviews you've seen. Also, I'd love to see it as a play! I wonder how they'd do all the special effects?

My Chosen Quote

"To suffer is as human as to breathe.”