First Things

Although a great fan of the books and films, I do not think J K Rowling is the next Jane Austen or Charles Dickens. However, from the first book, it was clear that her ability to tell a story was something special.

There are a number of things that contribute to this success:

• Characters who are real enough to identify with and care about


• An engaging plot that overlaps our own experiences enough to be believable


• Clever use of language and outstanding original terms


• A blend of mystery, suspense and humour that is often unexpected


• An always evident lovingness of the way she handles her characters


• A clear moral vision


• Nobility of thought


• Aspirational values

This is not a complete list by any means, but it shows that there is more than one thing that makes the books successful.

I think the single most appealing notion in the books is that there is another world that exists in parallel to our own; a place where things are more exciting, more glamorous, more in tune with the way we'd like things to be. (Who would not like Dumbledore as head of his school?)

One final point that adds greatly to the stories: there is a real sense of justice in almost all situations. From the beginning, we see Harry get some of his own back with Dudley falling into the snake cage, or receiving a tail from Hagrid. Later on, almost all forms are meanness are punished, or at least have consequences for their perpetrators. This includes Harry, too. When he is unfair or uncharitable, it has consequences.