A review by analoglesbian
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

adventurous dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.5

This book attempts to be a mostly lighthearted fantasy story for children, like its predecessor. The tone is only mildly darker than the previous book, but deals with some significantly darker plot elements. The book explores a fantasy allegory for racism that, at best, is handled indelicately. It also has an unrelated portrayal of magical slavery which is portrayed as a simple evil. Unfortunately, later entries in the series do this story's handling of the matter a disservice by attempting to justify that slavery.

I would not recommend this book, or this series in general. The fact that the author has since become a well-known supporter of hate groups only serves to strengthen that disrecommendation.
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