Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Written by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne
Published by Arthur A. Levine Books on July 31, 2016
327 pages
Fantasy
Purchased at Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

It was always difficult to be Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children. While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of the family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously , both father and son learn the uncomfortable  truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

I had mixed feelings about this play when I first heard of it. I was excited about a new story from Ms. Rowling; but at the same time nervous that it wouldn’t rise the level of her other books. I should never have been nervous. The eighth story is a fine addition to this amazing series. We are given a glimpse of Harry and his family years after the death of Vordemort. However, we are given glimpses of how important our choices are and how they can affect our lives.

Harry is still our fallible hero. He is still trying to move on from the Battle at Hogwarts and at the same time having to raise three kids with his wife, Ginny.  It seems Albus is having difficulty dealing with Harry’s past as well. Harry is not doing a great job helping Albus deal with his problems. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but Albus is a little different, house-wise, than the rest of his family. It does cause some angst as well.

I think the heart of the story is the friendship between Albus and Scorpius (Draco’s son). I think their relationship is really special and has the possibility of bringing three families together. For it is my opinion, that Albus and Scorpius will marry later on down the road. Their relationship will finally bring an end to hatred and animosity between the Potters/Weasleys and the Malfoys.

Also, in The Cursed Child, our choices can make or break our world. Albus and Scorpius made some serious bad decisions that gave us a glimpse of what would have happened if Voldemort won the Battle of Hogswart. First, Albus wouldn’t even been born. Second, Scorpius had to find a way to right his mistakes. Enter Severus Snape and all I can say is “Always.” Snape is still the questionable hero that we all either love or hate.

In the end, love is what is matters. Love will bring acceptance and forgiveness. Love will unite. Love will bring families together. Love conquers all.