It’s finally here! Perhaps one of the most awaited books for all Potterheads! I assume everyone is familiar with the fact that this is actually a play. The play premiered on 30th July for friends and family of the cast and members of the production. The script was then published as a book and released on 31st July. This play has been collectively written by J.K.Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany. Since then, Potterheads around the world have read and shared their thoughts on the book. As mentioned it is a script and has been published in the same format. There are two acts and each has been divided into a number of sections.

As a fellow Potterhead myself, I cannot begin to describe the anticipation and excitement on receiving my copy of the book. It felt wonderful to meet all the characters again and to jump back into the magical world. To be frank, I read it without much expectation and was pleasantly surprised. The story picks up where the 7th Book ended, with the epilogue showing us what happens nineteen years after the Battle of Hogwarts. The play focuses on Albus Severus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy as the main protagonists. Our beloved characters, Harry, Ron ,Hermione, Professor McGonagall and Draco Malfoy are also a part of this to name a few of the characters.

Albus and Scorpius both feel a strong need to prove  themselves and seem to have a slightly hard time dealing with their history and the identity of their parents. This is perhaps what draws the two to each other and leads to a very strong bond of friendship. This story follows Albus and Scorpius as they embark on a journey of self discovery even though that was never the main aim of the entire adventure. It may feel weird to us or maybe it is fitting how Harry and Draco were enemies and their sons become best friends, but it is true that sometimes the most unexpected of things can happen. We are also given a glimpse into how the world could have been had Voldemort come to power. That would definitely have taken the story in a whole different direction. We are also shown how the world has moved on and changed after the Battle at Hogwarts and what career paths our various characters have pursued.

Overall, it is very well scripted and clearly written for a play. On stage, I am sure that this turns out to be wonderful and from the reviews so far, it’s a hit. However, as a book, it falls short. While reading, I had to constantly remind myself that this is a play and not a novel. I was expecting the usual explanations and scene descriptions which weren’t there for obvious reasons. Though a slight disappointment, I guess this is purely due to the fact that this continuation to the story, is actually a play and not a book. The plot as such is good, but sometimes it feels as though this is just dragging it all out. It doesn’t add much to the original story which was concluded very well.

So on the whole, I do not dislike this story as it took me back to the world of Harry Potter and, I do not completely like it as it seems to take away the charm of the entire series. However, I suggest that you read the book as it brings back all the happiness and nostalgia, but don’t expect much from it. I would urge everyone to watch the play if they get the chance, as even I would love to do that, since I assume it may just change my entire view of this. Frankly I am divided on my thoughts of this book and am leaning towards both positive and negative thoughts about it. Thus I can only share my thoughts and leave it at that! I hope all Potterheads enjoy it as I am sure many will disagree with my opinion!

Find out more about the play at http://www.harrypottertheplay.com/