By JK Rowling
Read by Stephen Fry
Reviewed by Gabby
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows (Book 7)
Get the Stephen Fry Audible version here
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows overview:
Harry is waiting in Privet Drive. The Order of the Phoenix is coming to escort him safely away without Voldemort and his supporters knowing – if they can. But what will Harry do then? How can he fulfil the momentous and seemingly impossible task that Professor Dumbledore has left him?
The Deathly Hallows Audiobook Review:
STORY
CHARACTERS
NARRATORS
CONCLUSION
STORY
The Good:
The final instalment in the Harry Potter series will leave fans satisfied, but also sad. It always made me sad whenever I re-read it or listened to it. Sad to think that this was the end. The great thing about the Harry Potter series is that they’re just as good the second time, third time and 67th time! The Deathly Hallows ties up all the loose ends quite neatly, but the audiobook itself is filled with so many twists and turns, it’s impossible to predict how the story will end. We revisit some key places and characters from all the previous books and a new light is thrown upon some of them. The trio are in more danger than ever. More than they have been in the past 6 books combined, because they are being openly hunted. The magical world turns on them as Voldemort rises to power. Each of the characters face life threatening situations and accomplish amazing feats. *SPOILER* The break in to Gringotts Wizarding Bank is one of my favourite chapters of the whole series. Fantastic writing, incredibly original and very surprising.
Even though Hallows is the bloodiest book of the series, there are a few good laughs that come up thanks to Fred and George. There are also some very grim moments and moments that are extremely disturbing (snake coming out of an old woman’s neck anyone?). This is Harry’s hardest year, he’s trying to accomplish a seemingly impossible task, whilst keeping faith in a man he now realises he barely knew, and trying to keep himself together. It’s amazing to listen as Harry becomes a man so bold, he’s willing to take on the Darkest Wizard whose ever lived. Harry has grown up a heck of a lot since the past two books and he’s ready to take on Voldy. Ready yourselves listeners, you’re in for a good ride.
The Bad:
OK so the epilogue annoyed me a bit. Firstly, the kids names. Albus Severus?!! My god, that poor child is going to be teased something awful. I know that this scene was all about Harry having the family life he never got, but I was looking for more. It wasn’t enough to know that Harry remembered his past by way of naming his children after important people in it! Did Harry have PTSD? Why did he marry Ginny? Their relationship wasn’t exactly amazing. Most importantly, why did Hermione marry Ron? Lot’s of fans were disappointed with the epilogue and I can see why, I really wanted a bit more insight into how Harry’s peaceful life might be.
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CHARACTERS
The Good:
Dobby is the embodiment of selflessness and good will. It’s incredible that after all the abuse he received at the hands of wizards, that he was still willing to put his life in danger to rescue some. Dobby was a loyal and loveable character, he adored Harry, basically idolised him and would do anything for him. I loved Dobby so much!
Harry really stepped up in this book. Yes he became very grumpy at one point and yes he’s still pretty reckless. He was kind of creepy for sitting there watching Ginny on the Marauder’s Map. But holy moly the guy went through a lot. For most of the story he can’t seem to catch a break. But does he stop? NEVER! Harry just keeps going! He tries and he fails and he fails and he fails. But he keeps going and it’s so admirable. Harry shows he’s made of stronger stuff than we might have thought- he’s not afraid to go into the forbidden forest and stand alone against Voldemort. He goes because he can’t stand all these people dying for him. It’s so tragic when Harry tells Hermione and Ron that he knows he might die doing this, that he’s known it for years. Knowing you will die an early death is a heavy burden for a 17 year old, but Harry lugs it on his shoulders and does his best. I was glad Rowling got Harry to mature and develop a bit in these last 2 books because he really turned into a hero.
The Bad:
Hermione really ripped my nightie in this book. She’s normally been tough and sassy towards the boys. She’s the one that makes sure they toe the line. But as soon as they’re away from Hogwarts and camping, she lets the boys walk all over her. Harry is rude and unhelpful. Ron is moody, grumpy and a total ass to her and Harry. But Hermione doesn’t kick them into shape. She took away her parents memories to do this for Harry, you’d think the least he could do is be nice to her! Also, when Ron actually shows a shred of sensitivity toward the House Elves, she’s seems about ready to drop her panties in the middle of a battle and a hallway that is on the verge of collapse. That is NOT Hermione’s style.
Ron. Ugh, don’t even speak to me about Ron. What a prat. He’s just been far to used to living the good life and when the going gets tough- well, he’s out of there! His scene of redemption made up for it a little, but only because he saved a life.
I was also disappointed with how Lupin was treated in the book. He’s firstly made out to seem as if he’s shirking his responsibility and ready to abandon his wife, next minute he’s all happy with a baby being born, then he’s cast aside. He’s not even graced with a description of his death, which I thought was really sad.
Thank god the rest of the characters seemed to being doing ok.
NARRATOR
The Good:
There are two versions of The Deathly Hallows, one read by Stephen Fry and the other by Jim Dale. Below is our outline, and a video for comparison.
Stephen Fry Fry does an excellent job of narrating The Deathly Hallows, with great pace and tone, Fry creates the perfect voices from all his characters. The screaming voice of Bellatrix is screechy and a little insane. Griphook the Goblin’s voice is low and croaky and really seems like the voice a Goblin would have. What I like about Fry is his familiar smooth tone. He’s never too abrasive and he tells the story in a friendly manner. Because of this i’ve always preferred Fry’s readings to Dale’s. Fry just is Harry Potter to me.
Jim Dale is another fantastic narrator and he tends to be the preferred narrator in the US market. His voices are all distinctive and well thought out. By tweaking his tone and pace a little, Dale brings a sense of excitement and danger to the story, and this is where Fry can fall flat. Dale’s rougher voice does a good job of getting you on your toes.
The Bad:
Some people can find Stephen Fry dry and nasally, and some people can find Jim Dale a little over the top. For the US audience I would suggest go with Dale. There is definitely a consensus in the US market that Dale is more preferred. Otherwise I would go with Fry, however i am biased as this is where i started.
Check out a side by side comparison here! (**SPOILERS**)
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Even just writing the reviews for these audiobooks makes me want to plug my headphones in and start from the beginning. I can’t really explain how happy and at home listening to Harry’s story makes me feel. I even feel sad writing about the final book! I really, really recommend these audiobooks for everyone. They’re so much fun and it’s a great story. I know there are fancy pancy critics out there who will ramble on about prose and plot holes. But I really think that you should just sit back and enjoy the story, if you listen with a critical ear, it will only ruin it for you. These opinions are ones that i’ve formed over the past 17 years of listening and re-listening x100 to these books, they’re my own, I don’t expect everyone to agree with them, but I do expect people to give the books a try at the very least!!
More Harry Potter Reviews
- Harry Potter and Philosopher’s Stone
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
I hope you enjoyed our ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ Audiobook Review, come back soon!
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