bearshorty | Book Post (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child)

My in-laws pre-ordered this book for me for my birthday, it arrived at their house last week and Bear stopped by yesterday after work to pick it up for me. Since it's a play, I read it pretty quickly.

I read many negative reviews from fans this afternoon and I can understand their concerns about plot and characterization. Some couldn't get into the format (although I actually find play format very easy to follow), others thought the plot lacking. And I get it. There were two plot issues I had trouble with: Cedric becoming a Death Eater because of the humiliation (he wouldn't), and Voldermort having a kid (or sex). And this story is basically a sanctioned fanfic, although I'm sure many elements like Albus being in Slytherin are canonical in Rowling's head (which drew a big smile and yay from me).

But I really had a lot of fun reading this book and I really liked the underlying theme of parents and their kids, and the core friendships. It was such a joy to head back into that world. I haven't been that giddy about a book in a long time and I didn't want to put it down. I wanted to keep reading to know what happened. The time-turner plot didn't bother me. I do think that this would be better seen and not just read - the acting and special effects would probably make this more awe-inspiring.

I absolutely loved the friendship between Albus and Scorpius. Scorpius was very awesome. Some criticized the queerbating but for once I didn't want to ship - I loved the strong platonic friendship. From the beginning Scorpius was very into Rose and Albus into Delphi, so I thought the text was actually clear. But the relationship between them was pretty great, especially since they really only got each other in the school where everyone else seems against them. And I could really relate to them as well, as outsiders.

I also liked Scorpius' relationship with his Dad and Draco in general. Draco was very well done here. His love for his wife was so clear and he got more depth in his sharing of loneliness and his influences. And he was a good Dad.

I thought Harry finally addressing Draco as "Draco" not "Malfoy" was great - they became actual friends through being fathers and relating on that level. It was great to see.

The whole second part was stronger than the first as it had many emotional moments. And of course, it had Snape, who got to hear how others appreciated him, and the conversation between Harry and Dumbledore. Many emotional beats for sure.

I thought the play had a good nuance into adult Harry and the issues he still dealt with, stemming from his childhood. I could understand him. And he cooks! Happy to see Hermione as a Minister of Magic and Ginny being a strong person for Harry, while still being influenced by her childhood trauma. Ron was a little too jokey - he is the only one who didn't feel quite right for me.

I knew Delphi was evil very early on - like who just provides Polyjuice potion on demand and it just seemed too convenient - so that wasn't a surprise. I get why she had to be Voldermort's daughter - for the whole thematic thing - but I could do without it.

So overall, I definitely enjoyed the book and I hope to see the actual play some day to get the full experience. This doesn't have to be canon but I don't mind if it is. I like where everyone is - it's not the perfect world of the Epilogue - it is a human one.