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A Charmed Life: The Spirituality of Potterworld by J.K. Rowling
Reader Reviews 17 of 19 people found the following review helpful: Understanding Potter as literature makes a difference, April 13, 2003 Reviewer: Patrick Oden from Pasadena, CA United States Because simple words on paper have in the past led to just about every major manmade disaster since words were put on paper, as people actually respond to the inherent philosophy or message that is part of every text, intended or not, it is always worthwhile to spend some time analyzing those works which have become popular. This book by Francis Bridger is one of the best of the bunch of books seeking to look more deeply at the world of Harry Potter. Instead of arguing the specifics of the magic or apparent 'occult' Bridger takes a different path showing how Rowling skillfully weaves a tale in the fine tradition of British literature, using themes, images, allusions, etc. throughout her books which can be found in a great deal of writings written by those who call the British Isles home. We in America, however, love practicality, have a hard time getting literary methods, and get confused, or angry, when our sensibilities are apparently attacked by terminology. Rowling, rather than endorsing any sort of scandalous occultism, is instead writing a tale of great heroism, discovery, and even spirituality which uses 'magical' themes to point to deeper truths, truths which are inherent in a Christian understanding of the world. Before we Christians attack the use of the word magic in these great texts, we must first attend to these texts as literature, and must learn how to understand how to read all of Potter's tales, present and future, in the context of a great tradition of fantasy writings. Yes, these books are rousing tales but any book which creates the kind of sensation as these must also be speaking deeply to our present society. Bridger explains these deeper truths and messages in their appropriate context, and makes re-reading Potter that much more enjoyable and worthwhile. Plus, he is a very engaging author himself, whose nonfiction prose is almost as engaging as Rowling's. This is a very fair, erudite, interesting study of what is arguably the most influential literature of this generation. Being spiritual does not mean we can turn off our minds, blindly accepting what various gurus tell us to believe. Nor is christophobia a reason to deny the importance of studying great literature, at all the levels which makes great literature great. If you are interested at all in the Potter phenomenon this is the one book, besides Rowling's, you should get. No, this book may not interest everyone, and those who rate this present book low without reading it themselves are guilty of the same ignorant prattle which afflicts many of those in the Christian world. We all can and should think, and should discuss intelligently cultural issues before us. Bridger aids immensely and succinctly in this particular discussion.
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