The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is praised for its rich character development, moral depth, and engaging storytelling. The reviewer appreciates the series' exploration of themes like trust, good vs. evil, and the power of love, though they note that some characters, like Harry, evolve unevenly.
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is celebrated for its enduring appeal and rich character development. The reviewer, who read the series as an adult, was captivated by the depth of the characters and the moral intrigue woven into the story. Each character is distinct and evolves over the series, with even minor characters adding to the narrative's richness. The series explores profound themes such as trust, the nature of good and evil, and the triumph of love. The reviewer particularly highlights the moral complexity of the characters and the shift from a children's story to a more weighty tale as the series progresses. While some characters, like Harry, may seem erratic at times, their development is part of what makes the series compelling. The reviewer also notes the traditional yet realistic approach Rowling takes, blending classic storytelling with modern elements.
Quick quotes
Rowling invests each of her characters with a delightful individuality, a vitality in speech, appearance, and behavior that makes them leap off the page as three-dimensional beings.
The spiritual dimension has little to do with the magic itself, which is only a story device, but instead revolves around characters’ choices, to be faithful to friends, or not to be faithful, and to engage or not engage in battle with the evils around them.
The last three books contain moments of darkness that make the evil in the first three novels seem cartoonish by comparison.