02.09.09
Harry: A History by Melissa Anelli
I’m relatively new to the Harry Potter fandom; it’s only been about a year since I first picked up one of the books, let alone finished reading the series. So much of what is described in this memoir is enlightening to me. I heard of some of it from friends devoted to the series, and I’ve been basking in some of the fruits of those frantic fandom labors (particularly wizard rock), but I’m well aware of the fact that the peak years of the fandom have come and gone.
This book provides a glimpse into how the fandom emerged, how it grew, and the best and worst of the response to Harry Potter. It’s built around the framework of the “Deathly Hallows” release in July 2007, and for me, that was a nice touch. That it was one person’s journey through the fandom, and the journey of someone at the center of the maelstrom, gave it an educated perspective.
I honestly don’t understand some of the negative comments I’ve read about the book. A lot of criticism seems to be devoted to the author’s supposed attempt to ride on J.K. Rowling’s coattails. I don’t see it that way at all. Throughout the book is a sense of awestruck humility. It’s a testimony to one of the best aspects of fandom: literally anyone can end up being a voice for thousands, even millions, who share a common passion.
The book is riddled with dozens of examples of people who believed in the Harry Potter concept, believed in the world that J.K. Rowling has created, and have wanted to honor that through action and homage. As a fan of the Leaky Cauldron and a regular listener to Pottercast, I believe the author to be someone devoted to Rowling.
Sadly, the book doesn’t shy away from those who have sought, or continue to seek, some reflected personal fame and glory. Frankly, the author goes to great lengths to be fair and balanced, even when talking about certain individuals who have parleyed their connections to the fandom (or just the existence of Harry Potter novels) to their own ends.
This is not, in my opinion, a book written by someone who wants to make money off of Harry Potter. This is one person’s amazing accounting of how a fan came to experience some amazing things in the name of supporting something she loves. In the process, she gives voice to those who seem, to Muggles, a bit odd and a little frightening. But, as J.K. Rowling says herself in the foreword, this is a perspective that should not be missed.
Rating: 8/10
