Book Review of Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban

After successfully fighting Voldemort in the Chamber of Secrets, it is now time for Harry to move on to the next adventure. Sirius Black and The Grim: Harry Potter’s Death Omen and His Supposedly Deceitful GodFather. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The Boy who lived has lived another year at his real home – HOGWARTS and has now managed to Survive/Disengage another attempt by Lord Voldemort to return to Power.

Of course, those loyal to Dumbledore always find help at Hogwarts. Just like Harry found in the Speaking Hat – The Sword of Godric Gryffindor and The Phoenix. In addition, the Talking Hat, the Sword of Godric Gryffindor, and the Phoenix have helped Harry.

As I read the first few lines of the book, I realized the anti-climax as Harry uses a simple torch. Of course, it must’ve been due to the restrictions of Underage Magic. My excitement was at its peak upon reading of the Weasleys’ visit to Egypt, as I sipped down the last sips of my coffee in one go. I mean c’mon they deserved this win of 700 Galleons and the vacation. Weren’t they the favourite family not just for Harry but for each of us? My serotonin level boosted further, as I read of Ron receiving a new wand. 

And of course, the news about the escaped prisoner, Sirius Black added the finishing touches to set my night right. Have you ever been so spellbound while reading a book that all your day’s stress eases out from your body? Well, for me travelling to the Magical Times of Harry Potter sure does the trick. 

Movie Adaptation vs The Literature: The Journey Towards Discovery

One thing that is for sure is that the book reading definitely feels more interesting due to the missed/left-out parts of the book narrative. For instance, there are almost no visible signs of the gradual upsurge of attraction between Ron and Hermione, depicted in the movie unlike in the book. 

 The scenes in this book where Hermione develops feelings for Ron feel like the new flowers in a garden. She often clings to his hand during meetings with Buckbeak or during the execution of Buckbeak. And when Hermione hints at getting closer to Ron during their visit to Hogsmeade, Ron misunderstands and thinks she is propositioning him. This is the catch of this book for me- the gradual development of these feelings.

And c’mon guys, where are the scenes of Ron and Hermione getting annoyed with each other over little things such as their pets? 

Aren’t these fights the major reasons why both of these characters know each other so well? You tell me, what’s a couple that has never had misunderstandings? 

 Misunderstandings are opportunities to understand the other person’s perspective better.

The Potterhead Observes: Omissions and Fun Events 

Someone has to say this, “Though not as hyped as Ron and Hermione, Neville was the one character who always stood by Harry no matter what.” The part that I found remarkable was Harry pretending to be Neville Longbottom on the Knight bus. Of course, it was omitted in the movie, just like every other scene showing Neville’s loyalty/strong friendship with Harry, was. 

The scene where Professor McGonagall openly expresses her disregard for Professor Trelawny’s statements was really fun to discover. This part feels relatable to the Muggle world of us readers, doesn’t it? 

And again, of course, the absence of Peeves the poltergeist was felt deeply in the film, as it had been Peeves who gave the account of the attack on The Fat Lady’s Portrait. 

A fun part, however, that the film showed, unlike the book, was the Shrunken heads that could actually talk. It surely was a witty touch to add to the queer atmosphere in the Knight bus. Kudos to the filmmakers for this brilliant idea.  

Disappointment over the Character Depiction by Filmmakers 

There is this one part that really itches me about the filmmakers, why depict the female characters with little personalities and power of opinion of their own? 

You start with Professor Mcgonagall, the moviemakers omit the scenes where she actually voices her opinions, for eg. about fellow teachers or her feelings about certain discussions. You take Hermione Granger, there are omissions of parts where she uses her spells, and why does she have to be shown flawlessly right from part 1 of the series? The literature depicts honestly how Hermione in her initial days would get panicked and insecure during decision-making moments. She gained her calmer demeanour with the experience of age and fieldwork. 

 And, even though we tend to keep all of these aside, don’t even get me started about the atrocious injustice done to Ginny.

 Another wrongly depicted scene was when Harry overhears the conversation at Rosmerta’s Inn. He discovers the believed truth about Sirius, his deceitful godfather. Not to mention the nightmares that follow, Harry feels depressed for days for having been kept devoid of the information by his close ones after this. 

These are the honest feelings that any person might feel after such a revelation. Not at all like the short wave of anger shown in the movie adaptation. 

Oh! And you missed showing the friendship between Sirius’s Animagus – The Dog and Crookshanks – The Cat. Such a lovely depiction that could’ve been. Also, the story of the creators of the Marauder’s Map was omitted, such a crucial piece of information. 

The Bid Adieu To Hogwarts!

Of course, it all ends well as Harry and Hermione save more than one life, credit to Dumbledore’s timely intervention. However, Wormtail escapes while Lupin has to leave Hogwarts. 

And so soon it is again the time when the platform 9 ¾  gets busy until the last “Choo Choo” of Hogwarts Express is heard.  

The most beautiful scene of all, the gift from Sirius to Ron, the cheerful hopping owl Pigwidgeon, who nibbles into Ron’s finger (lovingly hurting him in the process)  has been given no mention at all. And it is the end of another eventful year, Harry Potter’s Third, at Hogwarts. 

Harry has to return to Dursley’s, as he would wait for another few months before the arrival of the date, September 1. The following year, Harry must learn things of greater importance, to turn into the wizard he is expected to be. Would he or not? Is a question for the future to decide. 

Until then, Dear Muggle, Take care of your Health as Harry takes off his wand, 

Wishing your time to be as bright as Lumos Maxima and as vibrant as Bertie Botts Every Flavor Candy. 

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