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A review by books_n_bananas
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
4.0
I remember the first time I read this the night of its release, it was by far my least favorite book in the series.
Now, I’m not quite sure why it bothered me so much. SPEW is much less of an overwhelming focus as I remembered and the exam stress is also only a side focus. I think this book has less of a clear trajectory towards the climax of the novel— the reader isn’t really sure what we’re working towards the whole time so the beginning goes by much slower than in previous novels.
Also Harry is so much more angry and petulant in this book than in the previous ones. I can’t believe I didn’t notice it the first time! (Maybe because I was a preteen myself at the time). I also remember Cho being much more likable, but she is really just whiny and a bit self-absorbed.
I also wish Sirius was given more character development due to how important of a character he ends up being. And I think the relationship between Bellatrix and Sirius could have been a cool character contrast to explore more as well.
I also remember Umbridge very differently than she is actually portrayed in the book. At first she seems very innocent and her infractions rather mild—the infamous hand quill, etc. but what really makes her terrible is how unfair she is towards Harry related to cancelling Quidditch and her meanness towards McGonagall, Trelawney, and Hagrid.
I also love the scene in the Department of Mysteries in which Neville, Ginny, and Luna are given much more attention. I almost wish there was even more focus on them during this scene as they are so neglected in the rest of the books up to this point and the friendships are a main point of importance going forward.
All in all, so glad I reread this one! I’m loving how much my love for this series has been rekindled now that I’m rereading them as an adult!
Now, I’m not quite sure why it bothered me so much. SPEW is much less of an overwhelming focus as I remembered and the exam stress is also only a side focus. I think this book has less of a clear trajectory towards the climax of the novel— the reader isn’t really sure what we’re working towards the whole time so the beginning goes by much slower than in previous novels.
Also Harry is so much more angry and petulant in this book than in the previous ones. I can’t believe I didn’t notice it the first time! (Maybe because I was a preteen myself at the time). I also remember Cho being much more likable, but she is really just whiny and a bit self-absorbed.
I also wish Sirius was given more character development due to how important of a character he ends up being. And I think the relationship between Bellatrix and Sirius could have been a cool character contrast to explore more as well.
I also remember Umbridge very differently than she is actually portrayed in the book. At first she seems very innocent and her infractions rather mild—the infamous hand quill, etc. but what really makes her terrible is how unfair she is towards Harry related to cancelling Quidditch and her meanness towards McGonagall, Trelawney, and Hagrid.
I also love the scene in the Department of Mysteries in which Neville, Ginny, and Luna are given much more attention. I almost wish there was even more focus on them during this scene as they are so neglected in the rest of the books up to this point and the friendships are a main point of importance going forward.
All in all, so glad I reread this one! I’m loving how much my love for this series has been rekindled now that I’m rereading them as an adult!