Finally Finished

[quasigeostrophy]

Last night and today, I finally felt I had the mental capacity since getting sick to finish Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Initial Impressions:

• Rowling's writing style has matured - this one moved.
  
• I really like how she started out with the whole chapter on The Other Minister - it was nice to see the relationship between the magical world and Muggle government.
  
• I think it's likely, as has been beaten to death already in discussion groups since the book came out, Snape is not a Bad Guy. He's probably Rowling's most complex character, and we'll have plenty more to learn in the last volume. He killed Dumbledore because of the Unbreakable Vow, and it keeps Draco from committing an Unforgivable Curse. In fact, I agree with those who believe Dumbledore even asked Snape to do it.
  
• I really like the character of Ginny Weasley. After Chamber of Secrets, I wasn't sure how much she'd be used again (as I've noticed several characters I like marginalized, such as Remus Lupin).
  
• The fact I already knew the big spoiler notwithstanding, I should have expected Harry would have to face Voldemort alone, and killing Dumbledore ensures that.
  
• I'm very pleased Rowling isn't being too formulaic. Not afraid to kill a major character. Not having Harry save the day, even. And the next book may not even have a Hogwarts school year.

I'm sure I could say more, but that's enough for now.

Comments

[gasslight.livejournal.com]

2 big maturing years for Harry, too. Lost his godfather last year and his virtual father this year. He's maturing nicely, albeit by force. I kind of agree about Snape, but I think it would also be good if Dumbledore could be considered fallible.

[quasigeostrophy.livejournal.com]

I think Dumbledore already has been fallible. In 5, he realizes he should have shared more with Harry sooner, possibly costing Sirius' life. And in this one, falling for the Dark Mark. I don't think Rowling has been too guarded with details about Snape to make him an obvious bad guy, IMHO.

[elmegil.livejournal.com]

Rowling isn't being too formulaic.

I disagree. It is a classic Hero Story for the Elder Mentor to die before the Hero has to face The Bad Guy. See Star Wars or anything by Joseph Campbell.

I suppose I should say not "too" forumlaic, but killing Dumbledore is definitely part of the formula that I fully expected.

Snape....She could put the twist on it we all want/expect at the end of the next book, and that part does save it somewhat. Having a "good guy" appear to be a "bad guy" and develop a stark hatred between him and the Hero is definitely something different.

[quasigeostrophy.livejournal.com]

As for the elder mentor dying, yeah, there is a formula for that, but I still feel like a lot of this book was not formula, in the fact that I didn't expect a lot of what she had happen. Harry getting caught eavesdropping on Draco, twice; missing the Quidditch final; not really doing anything specifically to save the day; etc. Especially regarding that last point, what did Harry do in this book other than learn some history and watch others carry on? I don't think he directly impacted what was going on too much, save getting Dumbledore out of the cave. Even getting Slughorn's memory was what? More exposition. He was more the vehicle for us, the readers, to see the latest developments.

[elmegil.livejournal.com]

Not even really the latest developments, mostly backstory. Even getting the Horcrux was as much showing us new things to attack next time as anything else.

Speaking of which, I've heard of corpses in the water somewhere else too :-)


Don't let me give the impression I didn't enjoy it, I just didn't think it was one of the stronger books.

I saw some UK newspaper had published a one-page plot summary that I thought was hilarious and really made the point. Sadly, I can't seem to find the link any more.

[karenthecroccy.livejournal.com]

I found the beginning of the book so completely dull and lifeless, I wanted to close it and never go back.

Snape can't be a bad guy. I won't allow that. :)

Harry had a girlfriend for like 2 weeks! How cute!