The 'Cursed Child' was welcomed with open arms (and wands) by Potterheads but openly critiqued for it's lack of magic. More TOI students critics joined in to share their thoughts about the book. Read them here and tell us what you think!
A whirlwind of emotions
The script format takes some time to get used to, as many readers, including me, are not used to reading dramas. The plot takes off where the last book, ‘Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows’, ended, 19 years after Voldemort’s fall. Harry Potter is 36 years old, married to Ginny Weasley and has three children – James, Albus and Lily.
The plot revolves around young Albus Severus Potter who turns 11, the year he will join Hogwarts. He is accompanied by Rose Granger-Weasley, Hermione and Ron’s daughter. Rose is a bright and enthusiastic witch and very competitive. Albus also befriends Scorpion Malfoy, Draco Malfoy’s son, and that’s when the action kicks off. The plot progresses rapidly as we begin with Albus’ first year, and ends in his fourth year. The old magic of Harry Potter is untouched. The story explores various themes of friendship, loyalty, parenthood, adolescence, rivalry, honesty, courage and love, a theme that has been constant throughout the eight books of this series. Readers will go through a whirlwind of emotions as old memories will be refreshed.
Ritika Mukherjee, class X, New Horizon Scholars School, Thane
Expect to read a script and visualize the scenes on your own
That's because it is simply a script for the play, written by three authors in collaboration, of which JK Rowling is one. However, for readers who know what to expect, the read is rewarding. When you're doing that, the book does take you back to the wizarding world and keep you glued to it as you anxiously follow the characters and the story.
There are some interesting twists and turns, of course. It's evident at some parts that Rowling didn't write them, but the story sounds just like one of hers, with attention to the details. The 19-year gap is evident as the golden trio seem to have matured and grown up, but the characters retained the things we love the most about them. Overall, I'd say it's a great, albeit quick, read.
Rujul Gandhi, class XI, Kalmadi High School & Junior College, Pune
From the comments section in our section Bookmark:
Not So Impressive
'The Cursed Child' was supposed to be a super comeback of the Harry Potter series but all it turned out to be was a book that did not really impress me. J K Rowling's magic could not be felt in this book. It was nice to see some of our favorite characters solve their differences, but it was not such an interesting read. Being a Potterarti I would have expected more. But maybe the next few stories which will hopefully come will be able to bring back the true feeling of Harry Potter.
Adeen Ashfaque Wagle, Mary Immaculate Girls School,
Less magic than usual
The story had great twists and turns but was definitely not a page turner. This book lacks the Rowling magic effect and makes it a mild disappointment for Potterheads. The dry humor of Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy only adds to the disappointment. However, the second part is intriguing and better than the first one.
Arshiya Rao, Presentation Convent
Have you read the 'Cursed Child' too? Post your comments below to share what you think.