Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Background

Published in 1999, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” is the third book in wildly popular Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. This book starts in the now familiar world of magic living along side the normal world of muggles in modern day England. Harry Potter is a 13 year old who keeps finding the fate of the wizarding world in his hands.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

My Thoughts

When I was in grad school, I found mental rest by reading the Harry Potter series after struggling through all of the dense material of my classes. I started reading this again in a similar situation and found it a great way to wind down from the day. It has been a continual pleasure to read.

Of course, there are flaws in everything. Rowling’s writing builds upon itself and she adds more and more depth to the world of magic she created. This causes the occasional lack of consistency such as how difficult it was to produce a corporeal patronus in this book as to how easy it became later has he taught it to the D.A. members. Also, the near infinite ways magic we see used in the world could be easily applied to different situations. Still, we forgive these little issues because it’s just so fun to read.

Recommendation

A great book and a great series. And yes, it is better than the movie.