[HPforGrownups] OOP: I was disappointed, too

[Peter Shea]

No: HPFGUIDX 64048


Joywitch,

Don't beat yourself over your disappointment with OOTP. You're analysis of the book's flaws was cogent and insightful. I couldn't disagree with any of your points. And while I understand the line of reasoning that led JKR to make this book so gloomy (adolescence has released the long-simmering anger inside of Harry), I share your sense that this book lacks the vigor of the earlier texts.

Perhaps it's the literary equivalent of the "middle child" syndrome. This text lacks the freshness of the earlier books which, as you pointed out, allowed for more character development. And it probably won't match the drama of the final volumes--which should have the power that typically accompanies the climax and resolution of a story.

That aside, I think this book could have used some editing. When authors become very successful, they tend to overrule their editors. OOTP would have been better if there had been some trimming of detail as well as more focus on character. Part of what saved the equally longish GoF was that JKR used some of the extra room to examine the evolving relationship between the three central characters. Hence, we got to see Ron's resentment of Harry's glory as well as the sexual tension between Ron and Hermione (which has all but evaporated despite a few requisite sniping scenes between R and H over Victor Krum).

I think that when the inital excitement over the release of OOTP dies down, more diehard fans will admit that this volume may be the weakest so far.

 


Peter Shea

---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]