The final book of the Harry Potter series arrived in the bookstores on Friday, and had at once a euphoric and a traumatic effect on Harry Potter fans worldwide.
Readers had been waiting eagerly despite the rain outside bookstores in London, England. At a minute past midnight, they rushed to grab the new book, the final one of this immensely popular series, ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’.
J.K. Rowling, the author of this series, wrote on her website on Friday that she was feeling a ‘mixture of excitement, nerves and relief’ as the ending book in the boy wizard series moved towards its launch.
Within hours, you will know what happens to Harry, Ron, Hermione and the res. All the secrets I have been carrying around for so long will be yours, too
‘ wrote Rowling.
The final book has created a massive turmoil worldwide. The vogue of Harry Potter is indeed ‘global’. The last book has boosted ecstatic response from the fans all over the globe.
Huge number of fans assembled at London’s Natural History Museum to listen to author J.K. Rowling read from her latest book. Around 500 children from across the world have been privileged with the opportunity of being present at this unique midnight occasion. Rowling sat in a big wing-backed chair and read the opening pages of her book.
The release of the ‘Deathly Hallows’ has incited tons of celebrations and all-night events at bookstores throughout the planet. Everywhere, admirers of Harry Potter have gathered to celebrate the ending of the series. Special arrangements have been made by bookstores all over the world for this occasion.
‘Steimatzky’ bookstore of Tel Aviv was to open at 2:01 a.m. on Saturday, violating denigration from the Orthodox Jewish lawmakers who disapproved opening a bookstore on the Sabbath, when the law entails most businesses in Israel to shut down.
Stores in India opened at dawn for special Harry Potter festivities. Bookstores across Latin America stayed open late. Gandhi bookstore in Mexico city planned an all-weekend long party, with screenings of the Harry Potter movies and readings in Spanish of extracts from the latest book.
However, the ending of the new book has disappointed most children globally.
Publishers have reportedly spent $20 million in security to keep the ending of the book a secret. Apparently, their endeavours have failed. Copies of the book have slipped out, and news was out that Harry may not be alive in the end. The dismal event has been anticipated even before the book was released.
I don’t want Harry to die
‘ said a young fan waiting at a bookstore for the release.
A confidential help line for children called ChildLine said that the readers of Harry Potter could be traumatised if several of the main characters face death in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’.
A senior supervisor at ChildLine told The Guardian ‘
For many children, Harry Potter and his friends have become a major part of their childhood. Death and loss of any kind can make children feel upset, angry and afraid. The story could bring back unhappy memories for children who have lost friends, relatives or pets.
Rowling, on the other hand, is completely satisfied with the ending, as she said herself.
The final book is what it was always supposed to be, and so I feel very at peace with that fact.
The fact that this widely popular series is at an end has also upset many children. A young fan said ‘
I want to keep going because I like Harry’s adventures and it’s sad that the books are ending.
The author, who is known to be worth $1 billion, said she feels ‘liberated’ after writing the final book. She said she is not sure whether she will be able to write anything as popular for a second time.
Rowling’s Harry Potter has stolen many hearts. The popularity of this book creates a landmark in history. The end of the series is a critical moment, mixed with excitement, anticipation, disappointment, and exhilaration. Let us just hope not too many hearts are broken.
Via : CBC
Image Credit : CBC, Brittanica Blog
