Search
Search results
David McK (3576 KP) rated Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in Books
Jan 28, 2019
The first Harry Potter book, known in the United States as 'Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone' which I remember first reading well over a decade ago; before even the first (virtually word-to-screen) movie adaptation.
Despite that, on re-reading this I've discovered that while the parts that are faithful to the book are VERY faithful, there's also certain plot-lines that are left out almost entirely.
Framed as Harry's first year at 'Hogwart's school of Witch-craft and Wizardry', I find it impossible to read now without visualising Daniel Radcliffe in the lead role, or Professor Snape as any other than the late, great, Alan Rickman.
The narrative device of allowing Harry to discover the Wizarding world as we do also proves to be a savvy move, in that it allows the reader to identify with the main character while also still allowing the possibility of further surprises in later books: it wouldn't have provided so much of a hook to the reader, for example, if Harry had grown up knowing of his parentage and heritage.
Despite that, on re-reading this I've discovered that while the parts that are faithful to the book are VERY faithful, there's also certain plot-lines that are left out almost entirely.
Framed as Harry's first year at 'Hogwart's school of Witch-craft and Wizardry', I find it impossible to read now without visualising Daniel Radcliffe in the lead role, or Professor Snape as any other than the late, great, Alan Rickman.
The narrative device of allowing Harry to discover the Wizarding world as we do also proves to be a savvy move, in that it allows the reader to identify with the main character while also still allowing the possibility of further surprises in later books: it wouldn't have provided so much of a hook to the reader, for example, if Harry had grown up knowing of his parentage and heritage.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated How to Stop Time in Books
Jun 16, 2018
Good but could've been so much more
Although the plots are nowhere near identical (long life vs reborn) this book really reminds me of The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August. But sadly more of a poorer cousin.
Don't get me wrong, it's a great idea for a story and it's done fairly well. Tom is a loveable main character (even if the surname of Hazard is just silly) and the book keeps you interested and reading throughout. The problem is that despite trying hard, there isn't enough threat or intrigue or real danger to really hook you completely. It tries, but its more of a weak effort and the ending comes rather abruptly without warning and without any real satisfaction. Its a shame as the rest of the story is very good, and it hasn't put me off reading any of Matt Haig's other books, as he is a promising author.
Don't get me wrong, it's a great idea for a story and it's done fairly well. Tom is a loveable main character (even if the surname of Hazard is just silly) and the book keeps you interested and reading throughout. The problem is that despite trying hard, there isn't enough threat or intrigue or real danger to really hook you completely. It tries, but its more of a weak effort and the ending comes rather abruptly without warning and without any real satisfaction. Its a shame as the rest of the story is very good, and it hasn't put me off reading any of Matt Haig's other books, as he is a promising author.
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated The Lost City (2022) in Movies
Jun 4, 2022
