Harry Potter And The Book I Couldn't Finish
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Harry Potter And The Book I Couldn't Finish

An explanation of why a Ravenclaw had to set this book aside.

19
Harry Potter And The Book I Couldn't Finish
Slashfilm

I'll admit it now with complete honesty, I couldn't finish "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child." I just couldn't.

I'm a Ravenclaw, so you can imagine the shock in not finishing a book, but give me a chance and I'll try to explain what could have possibly gone so wrong.

There are two main problems I had with the story. Number one, Harry can't figure out how to father Albus Severus. The man we last saw reassuring his son about the possibility of being sorted into Slytherin, can't seem to love Albus once he actually becomes a Slytherin. Their relationship turns awkward, then distant, and finally resentful. In a fit of rage Harry even admits to wishing Albus wasn't his son at all!

If you've read the books, you know how deeply Harry clung to the idea of family, of Lily and James and the bond with his parents that he desperately wanted to have. He had his mother's eyes and his father's love of Quidditch and mischief. Nothing made him more proud than to be compared to either parent, but when he was young, all he ever wanted was to be just like his dad.

When he couldn't have a bond with James, Harry found fathers in Mr. Weasley, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, and Dumbledore. People change with time and with children, but Harry's desperate wish for a real father and son bond was such a strong part of who he is that you'd be hard pressed to convince me he could change so fundamentally and still be Harry Potter. The man who walked to his death with his parents at his side wouldn't be the same man to allow his son to feel unloved. The way that Harry allowed the relationship to die seemed so out of character, it was hard for me to stay focused on the story.

On to my second problem with the plot.

Albus and company decide to steal a time turner and go back in time to save Cedric Diggory. They go back, they save him, they return to the present. Problem solved, right? Nope, not at all. In fact they've just made matters a whole lot worse for everyone, but how could you have known this would happen?!

I'll tell you how you could have known. You could have looked at just about any story involving time travel ever told by anyone. Ever.

The butterfly effect as introduced in "The Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury has been used a thousand times over in literature and other media to explore what could go horribly wrong in the future if someone changes the past. The formula goes like this, if you change the past, you will change everything that happens after, and if you don't like the changed future (and you won't) you'll just have to go back to the past and un-change what you've changed, but chances are you'll make it worse before you make it better so you really shouldn't have messed with the balance in the first place. This plot line is everywhere, but clearly we haven't seen enough of it yet to learn our lesson. Say it with me everyone: "I, (state your name), promise to never travel through time with intentions of changing the past." There, now hopefully everyone will stop with the whole thing.

This overdone plot took away from the story. Most readers are able to look at that set up and instantly know exactly what will happen from there on out. This was what made me set the book aside. Harry Potter stories are meant to be exciting to read, the books keep you guessing and every time you re-read them you find more pieces that you missed before. "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" didn't have that feeling, and it was a flaw I can't forgive.

In short, I'm all for "Harry Potter" plays and sequels and movies and books, but not this one. The plot wasn't worthy of all the pomp and circumstance it generated. The story was predictable and the beloved characters seemed like forced versions of the real thing. "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" lacked the beauty and magic of the world I fell in love with.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71380
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133457
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments