I pre-ordered my HP7 on the day it was released for pre-sale. Since then, I have been counting down the days until I would know how what happened to Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and the rest of the gang. So wouldn’t you know that on release day, when the book arrived on my doorstep, I couldn’t stop to read it? Because I had to have my POD unloaded so that it could be picked up this morning. So I spent ALL DAY Saturday moving furniture and boxes, while my mind was being tugged at unmercifully by the red-and-white Amazon box.
Finally, at 11 p.m., more than 12 hours after my book was left on my doorstep by the UPS guy, I got to open the covers and start reading. I managed 350 pages before I couldn’t keep my eyes open any more and had to crash. It was 1:30 a.m. I was awake at 8 a.m. and immediately back in the book. I finished reading at 10:30 a.m.
I’m not going to spoil the ending for those who couldn’t spend the weekend reading or who who can’t read 759 pages in five hours. But I am going to share my impressions. I’ll go deeper into the story in a couple of weeks, when most people will have had their chance to find out what happens on their own.
The Deathly Hallows will surprise you — they aren’t what you think they are. The unexpected humour, which bears witness to the human ability to transcend mortal peril, will delight you. The deaths will make you cry — and in my opinion it was four very important characters who gave their all. Learning the truth about Snape, about Harry’s parents, about Dumbledore, and about Voldemort and his horcruxes was satisfying. The wrapping up of all of the loose ends was masterful. And the final ending of the book retains all of the hope and glory of the great masterpieces of fiction that deal with the eternal verities.
The book was spellbinding. I can’t wait to read it again.