Potter talk

[chezsimon]

The best part of the book (and I don't need to say which book) is the end. Harry looking forward to spending time with the two people closest in his life. It is less about romance or ships. It's about the fellowship. And I'm glad it returned to that in the end.

Yes. It reminds me of the last battle in Return of the King, where Aragorn turns

Comments

[carondelet]

The fellowship was lovely, and...c'mon, indeed! I am working on properly verbalizing my disappointment with the book overall.

[chezsimon]

Did you notice that Snape was helping Harry all along, very, very indiscreetly? Even during the DADA classes. And how killing DD consolidates his position with Voldesnorts?

The book was generally a let down, but again, I loved how Ron said they would be with Harry at the Dursleys. They would not leave him alone. I think this sets up the tone of the last book.

[chezsimon]

And, of course, Dumbledore sacrificed himself by having Snape kill him.

[carondelet]

That was my first impression and it continues to be what I believe. Dumbledore was likely dying anyways and could not have been saved given the DEs interference. Dumbledore told Snape to kill him.

[carondelet]

The Snape parts (save for the chapter of exposition, which was nice information to have, and we did get to meet Narcissa, but, wow, did you think it might have been conveyed a bit differently than that?) were some of the best bits of the novel. Snape has long been one of the most facsinating characters in the series, whether in one book he is hated or in the next not hated so much, he has always been enigmatic.

Thought the Half-Blood Prince "plot" was rather flimsy.

I should think that killing Dumbledore makes Snape almost better than Voldemort...short of the whole immortality thing.

The opening and the closing are the best parts, with several high points in between. But the paths leading from high point to high point were choppily to sloppily done.

[chezsimon]

I agree that the plot was flimsy, and seems to be written in a rush. Almsot as if she was under pressure to finish. Too many holes and gaps left uncovered.

The opening and closing were the best parts.

[carondelet]

Someone in a new LJ community had a line about her spending two years to read fanfic and then taking two months to write the book. I'm starting to wonder...

Oh, and before I become irredeemably rude, I hope that all is well with you.

[chezsimon]

She did seemed to be influenced by various fanfic story lines. Which is a shame.

I'm fine. Thanks. I've been in Connecticutt since last week visiting my aunt and uncle.

And more or less stayed away from the rather emotional reaction over the non H/Hr issue around the lj community over the weekend. *grins* It was expected, of course.

And you?

[carondelet]

Or, fan authors managed to draw a bead on certain plot elements. Maybe.

...

Welcome to the dark side. I hope your trip is going well, then. Not that it should change anything, but it is a little interesting to have you in the same time zone as me (for now).

You might want to stay away from teh Internets all together for a bit then. Yes, the reactions were expected, but it seems to have taken a turn for the fugly. I'm disappointed in the execution of the book, but bloody hell, s'only a book. I mean, I didn't threaten the Wachowski Brothers over The Matrix: Revolutions or anything. And that prolly warranted some fist shaking.

I'm doing well, thank you. Much better now in these past few weeks than previously.

[chezsimon]

Welcome to the dark side? *laughs* I suppose I'm never far from it.

As I've mentioned before, JKR is a competent writer, but not great. I have never felt the desire to do a close reading of any of the books. And it appears she confirms the fact that they don't have too many layers. The characters and situations are appealing, but I wonder if she realizes their potential. At this point, I am inclined to think in the negative. Perhaps, she will redeem herself in Bk7.

I am having a relaxing time away. And I'm glad to hear you are better now.

[carondelet]

Welcome to the dark side? *laughs* I suppose I'm never far from it.

*grins* Well then, we must keep the coffee warm and the cookies out for you, for when you are close enough to pop in. *winks*

I'm not at all confident that she will, especially so after what seemed to have been cleverly planned and executed subtext (and not bloody shipping, oh, that is making me barmy) was accidental. Perhaps serendipity will continue to favor her books. After HBP and the miss or willful ignorance of the threads woven through OotP, I don't have much confidence in Book Seven being great.

I'm glad that it is relaxing. I hope you continue to enjoy. And thank you. Situations are close to a nominal state right now, so it's been a welcome change.