Disappointed with GoF

[Cepheus42]

Original Yahoo! HPFG Header:
No: HPFGUIDX C6615
From: Cepheus42
Subject: Re: Disappointed with GoF
Reply To: [Yahoo! #6563] Disappointed with GoF
Date: 8/11/00 8:20 am  (ET)

Warning to those who haven't read GoF yet: there might be some plot
stuff given away in here, you might want to skip this post. :-)

First time for me posting here and its nice to find a Harry Potter board
not populated mostly by kiddies so I don't feel so out of place *laugh*.

I can see your points, Harriet, but I have to admit I wasn't dissapointed
by GoF at all. I've only read the books once (all 4 during my vacation
last week) and will have to read them again to verify my initial
impressions or change them, but I was more dissapointed by book two then
the other sequels. I felt it was too MUCH like book 1 and didn't build
on anything new like book 3 and 4 did.

I do agree the parts regarding the international exchange of wizards were
somewhat glossed over, but considering the target audience of the books
(9 to 12 year olds), simplification of vexxing problems might be somewhat
warranted. He saves the sister and now the french girl admires him and
they get along. Simplistic, yes, but it works for what it is. Still, I
would wish that the problem would be treated with more of the complexity
that it warrants, but then the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings often use the
same conceit to solve what could be hard problems (dwarves and elves not
getting along for example) and it in no way detracts from either series.

The SPEW plot line faded away throughout the book, which I felt was
appropriate though it WAS quite funny and enjoyable to read about. Perhaps
she simply needed to better explain Hermione's change of interests (from
the rights of House Elves to a potential boyfriend and Harry's problems)
or Hermione simply getting the point (if its true as every else says)
that House Elves really do like things the way they are.

I think you're right about Harry learning something in every book and that
not being as easy to see in GoF. I didn't feel that was so much a case
of the book being rushed as it being a more of a situation where the tone
and tenor of the volumes have taken a darker turn. All Harry could learn,
in my opinion, was that he is no longer safe or protected from Voldemort
and that people can and will die even though he tries his hardest.

Anyways, nice to meet all you mutual Harry loving adults *laugh*. You
folks do post alot, and I probably won't keep up but I'll check in from
time to time and contribute as I can.