The Harry Potter fans are no doubt aware of J.K. Rowling's recent new book The Tales of Beedle the Bard. I think all of us were excited. At least some of us burnt our copies.
I myself received two copies for Christmas - I can't pretend I wasn't excited to see what J.K. Rowling had come up with this time, and certainly wasn't making any effort to refrain from voicing my wishlist.
The first thing I feel I should comment on is the UK Edition (see image). It is a rather mysterious cover and immediately reminds me of exotic pirates creeping about in moonlit coves and doing other piraty things.
Of course, that was simply my first impression upon observing the cover. We've all heard the phrase 'Don't judge a book by it's cover', which couldn't be more true in this case, as there wasn't a single mention of nasty pirates brandishing crude scimitars and wolf-whistling at captured damsels. But I never gave up hope. I am at the moment reading the book backwards, sideways, and every which-way in the hopes of uncovering a secret message. So far, I have found... well, I'll get back to you on that.
The collection of stories within are actually more to do with 'hopping pots' and 'cackling stumps', but I won't go spoiling any of the plot with my negative attitude. However I must comment on J.K.'s lack of censorship - she really didn't hold back on the gory parts, and I must say, jolly good show and all the rest of it.
The story content of the book itself is 103 pages, a rather 'good' deal for the 6.99 pounds that the customer has to pay for. A really nice aspect is that 2 of your well-earned pounds will be donated to The Children's High Level Group (CHLG).
Now, I realise that The Tales of Beedle the Bard are intended for various ages, and if I close my eyes very tightly I find I can appreciate the idea and purpose of the book...
But to be brutally unfair, next time J.K. publishes a sappy short story, I'll send all 6.99 of my shiny pounds straight up to the Children's High Level Group just to save myself the reality of enduring another of J.K.'s lesser books.
If you wish to read the book anyway, head over to Amazon to pick up your very own copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard!
Save yourself the trouble by popping over to The Children's High Level Group and donating your 6.99 pounds now!
Agree? Disagree? Anyone (even those with a cackling stump) is welcome to share their opinion by leaving a comment.
Further reading: Dragon's Library has a great summary of why you should read The Beedle and the Bard!
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2 comments:
I agree with you. I can't fault JKR too much because the proceeds are going to charity, but you'd save yourself the trouble of reading a lackluster book by simply donating the money yourself.
I was never a Harry Potter fan, so I doubt very much I would even enjoy her latest story. It sounds like she may be another one hit wonder.
On a positive note, I actually liked the cover of the book.lol
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