The Half Blood Prince

[poliphilo]

Order of the Phoenix is the best of the books- considered simply as a book or literary artefact. It's the one in which Rowling stretches herself and her readers the furthest-  the one that makes me think of Dickens.

Half Blood Prince doesn't make me think of Dickens. There's a falling back into the comfort zone.  It's like Chamber of Secrets on steroids.

Lots of back story. This is more Voldemort's book than Harry's.  We're marking time.  It's a transitional work, preparing us for what we all hope will be the whizz-bang climax of the Deathly Hallows.

Of course Harry had to fall in love sometime. I wish Rowling cared more about this side of things. I wish, actually, that she was more interested in her female characters. The ones who come alive are the eccentrics- Hermione, Luna, Tonks. She wants us to care about Ginny Weasley and we're eager to oblige- but do we? I'm afraid I don't.

Slughorn  is the best new character. I've known teachers like him. 

Boarding schools run on sexual energy.  All those adolescents. All that celibacy. I wish there could be more than hints of this in the books, but yes- I know, I know- not in front of the children.

The last hundred pages are riveting. But I don't see how I can discuss them without spoilers. 

Comments

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Dumbledore trusted Snape implicitly. But we still don't know why. When we find out I think we'll also understand just who and what Snape is.

[pickwick.livejournal.com]

I think Snape's made an Unbreakable Vow to Dumbledore, something along the lines of "I will do anything you ask of me and I will not break cover".

I suspect the reason he had to first make the UV to Narcissa and then take over Draco's task is in order to sort of save Draco's soul...I wouldn't be surprised if Draco comes out of Hallows at least partially redeemed. Hmmm - Snape or Draco sacrifice themselves to save Harry?

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

That would make a lot of sense. But why would Snape make Dumbledore an Unbreakable Vow? There's something still to be revealed about those two.

I think Snape will die- probably heroically. I like your idea that Draco will be redeemed. We've already learned he's not got it in him to be a killer.