Sadness in books (was Tolkien vs. Rowling)

[isabelle_69au]

No: HPFGUIDX 32280

cindysphynx wrote:
> I found the first two books unbearably Disney-esque.  Was there
> really any doubt that Harry would secure the stone and that Ginny 
> would be saved?  <snip> In contrast, I found PoA and particularly 
> GoF much more interesting reading. <snip> On balance, I'd say that
> the series *has* to develop a more serious bent.  Things would get 
> much too pat if, time after time, Harry has some mystery to solve, 
> which he tackles 50 pages from the end.

I believe that each book is specifically targetted at a readership 
of Harry's age at that time.  Based on this premise, it is not 
surprising that the plot twists, "epicness" (is that a word?!) and 
gruesomeness of the storyline is becoming more adult as time goes on.

As adults, we appreciate these books on many levels, but let's not 
forget that the target audience is growing at the same rate as the 
main characters (one of the reasons for the "one book per year" 
theory).

I think the greatest strength of JK's writing is that it inspires 
children to read and think at a more adult level (compare the HP 
series to other teen "literature").  Having saide that, much to the 
susprise of many (including all the publishers who rejected the 
books) the books also allow adults access to this magical world 
through the eyes of the (teenage) characters without insulting our 
intelligence.  It is JK's eye for detail, consistent story-plotting 
and depth of character which allows a list like this to exist.  
Let's face it, there are very few "childen's" books which could 
stand up to the level of examination that we subject HP to on a 
daily basis.

Isabelle