Thoughts on Deathly Hallows

Well, after all the buildup, and expection, and (for me) seven years of waiting, I finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows just before midnight on Saturday the 21st of July. That was slightly unexpected - I knew I had Sunday as well to read, and so I was taking my time (well it felt like I was taking my time anyway) and yet finished it Saturday, partly due to the fact that by 10 I was at the point that there was no point in stopping. My immediate reaction? A feeling of completeness and fulfillment. I didn't cry or anything, which I half expected to do, but I think I was so enraptured throughout, then so happy with the ending that I didn't, which is probably a good thing, but the film version may be a different story!

Is it my favourite? I don't know. I loved Prince, and the surprises within it. I felt that there were less surprises in Hallows, partly due, I suppose, to the fact that what could happen was narrowed down, and had been discussed so much, that a lot wasn't surprising for that reason. Also my favourite fan-fiction was scarily close in some respects - although I always said I read them to see someone's theories on what happens, it was still rather close on some aspects. I've started reading it for a second time, but I think at most it will be equal with Prince as my favourite.

I'm actually looking forward to hearing the actor's responses to it - this was the first time they had signed on to it before having the ability to read the book before hand, and so I'm looking forward to hearing what Dan, Emma and Rupert think. I think its going to be an interesting film - it is more cinematic than Prince, but I don't think I'd want to direct it - what to cut for starters, and I have no idea of which director, except perhaps Peter Jackson. I'm looking forward to the Polyjuice Scenes already - I'm sure Dan (and Emma and Helena Bonham Carter as well) are going to have fun with those! And it may be interesting to see what sort of classification it gets as well...

I've had a bit of a look around to see what people on the Internet think, and it seems that a lot do not like the epilogue. While I do (in the main) disagree with them, it would have been nice to see what careers they all went into, and also how George went on without Fred. Even just a mention of 'presents from Uncle George' would have satisfied me. I expect that Jo will answer a few of those bits and pieces at the webchat on Tuesday. I also like the fact that while the series was tied up nicely, there is still lots and lots and lots of room for fan fiction. There is, after all, nineteen years to fill in, and then there is the second generation. :)

So, overall, I'm happy, satisfied, however you like to put it. Thank you, J.K. Rowling, not just for giving me one of the best weekends ever, but for creating this amazing world that, no matter what people say, will be a classic that will continue on in the years to come, and that I will be always proud to say that I was, and will continue to be, a fan.

Oh, and I must admit it was fun watching all the newsbreaks and spotting us in the background - I was interviewed for '9am with David and Kim', but the guy asked me to explain HP in 30 seconds, with my immediate reaction being 'is that possible?' (plus I'm shocking at thinking on the spot) and turning round to the others, leading to Dana talking about Hogwarts and making it on, and me being cut. Ah well - I am destined to behind the camera after all, not in front :P