This is a book for fans of Harry Potter, and those wishing to introduce their children to the universe created by JK Rowling. It’s also a fascinating study in the way an author exists through her creation, and the manner in which they can become utterly intertwined.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard is Rowling’s final (allegedly) entry into her Potter cannon, a last salute to the most successful book series of all time. All the proceeds will go to charity. Rather than any direct continuation on the main character’s story, it is something of a supplementary text – a book Harry and his friends use in their final quest during The Deathly Hallows.
As such, it positions itself as a series of fairy tales for children of magical parentage. They follow the traditional bent of the Grimm stories – each has a moral lesson, and does not shy away from gory detail or sad endings when necessary. It is short (especially compared to her last work), and easily read in one sitting. It’s a slight volume, but well worth the investment for anyone who has read the entire series.
I have always been of the opinion that Rowling’s skill as a writer improved with each book, from the awkward description of a brilliant concept, to the riveting final chapter of an epic saga. Here the author is supremely comfortable and confident in her work, and I couldn’t help but share in that comfort. It was the strange return of a tone of voice, infused with irony and sly wit, unafraid of the completely absurd that has become incredibly familiar and reassuring over the years.
The conceit of the book allows us to glimpse two beloved characters. Albus Dumbledore as made comments on each story before passing the book on to Hermione Granger who has translated the work for publication and also provides footnotes. In an even stranger feature JK also provides some footnotes, somehow inserting herself fully into the universe for the very first time.
It is a final adoring nod to the world she has obviously lived in for so long. I hope she lets it go now, so as not to overstay her welcome. But the warmth and wit to be found here offers a delightful interlude with an old friend.
