This month, it is over. The childhood which, for my children, began 18+ and 20+ years ago is officially over by the end of this month.
Their childhood will not be ended because I'm forcing them out into the street. It will not be ended because the state says they've suddenly reached the age of accountability. No, it will end because, quite literally, a chapter of their life is closing.
This month the latest Harry Potter book will be released. I read them the first two or three aloud - the voices fun to perform, the names easy to distort. They soon outgrew that, impatient with my slow progress, and began to devour each book within days of its release. My daughter - an adult in most ways - was incensed at, and saddened by, Dumbledore's treatment in the last installment. They have grown up with Harry.
For them, this last installment will likely signal an end of childhood. It does for me. And now truly curious bit is revealed: what does Harry Potter, and their generation, do once the series that brought them into adulthood is done?
R World (Ron Davison muses aloud)
He goes on to become a 'modern childhood classic', being reissued every decade or for a platinum set so until his copyright expires.
ReplyDeleteOnly there's such a sheer volume of copies in circulation that somehow I doubt he will ever be dead during my lifetime.
I wish they hadn't associated the actor who portrayed Harry so heavily with the franchise, though. It bugs me, somehow. It's as though he has 'stolen' himself from the pages of the books, and he will age, unlike the imaginary character.
Still, it was fun while it lasted.
Sorry, Ron. That first paragraph is incoherent. I am affected either by the humidity, or the "mango" air freshener I suffered through on my ride to and from the pool this morning, which has my throat all swollen out.
ReplyDeleteIt _should_ read:
"He goes on to become a 'modern childhood classic', being reissued every decade or so in a platinum set until his copyright expires."
As for your kids, well it's always a relief when they manage to stay healthy, huh? Kudos to you for pulling it off.
ReplyDeleteSome people warn me about the teens but I just don't see it. From here, it's all downhill from the toddler stage, when they had more motor skills than reason, and I was unable to focus on anything in their presence. They really are a pleasure. :)
All good things do come to an end. Early for me was The Lord of the Rings books - fabulous! Then they ended.
ReplyDeleteSince then I've read a number of really good serial books - Kim Stanley Robinson being a favorite. But the Harry Potter books, I must confess, all found their way to my bed table during their first week of release. I, too, will miss Harry.
Bye, Harry! Thank heaven there will soon be another blockbuster series to charm the next generation of kids and adults.
Anon,
ReplyDeleteyes, I imagine that we'll see Harry in a variety of incarnations.
LH,
That is the good thing - we can always expect the unexpected new talent to come along. (And I'll have to look into Kim Stanley Robinson, thanks).