HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD : PART ONE AND TWO - BASED ON AN ORIGINAL NEW STORY BY J.K. Rowling

A Must for Harry Potter Fans
My birthday is one day after Harry Potter's, and getting this book was definitely an early birthday present. I read it from beginning to end in one sitting--nearly 4 hours, and the time flew by.

I don't want to spoil any of the story for those who are going to read it, but it is, in my opinion, an amazing feat. I am not usually a fan of "revisionist writers" -- going back and making things too tidy, too self-contained--because life is full of serendipity and messiness. In this case, though, there's just enough of the "old" Harry Potter story to build the story, and there is a lot of really good thought that went into this. There is excellent adventure, fast pace, mistakes, regrets, challenges, growing up...

There are a lot of similar themes to the original Harry Potter books, as well as some expounded and clarified themes. There are many "old friends" -- Moaning Myrtle, Severus Snape, Cedric Diggory, Hagrid, Bane, Draco Malfoy, Professor McGonnagle, Madam Hooch, Aunt Petunia, ... There are a number of twists that kept me reading it from beginning to end. The twists and turns, the breathtaking audacity and philosophical discussions about regret, responsibility, power, heritage, friendship, family, are pure J. K. Rowling.

There are some great quotes, powerful insights, and it was so good to "visit" the Harry Potter world again. Well worth the read.

(Lee M, Amazon.com)