Reviews with content warning for Fatphobia - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Love the language and the pacing and the general idea of Harry Potter, hate some of the messages the books send, like the fatphobia, lack of representation; and the fact that Harry is never questioned or criticised and is painted as this character without any flaws, he does break rules, but *wow he's so rebellious*.

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emynewen's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Content Warnings

kelly_e's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series Harry Potter #2
Genre: YA Fantasy
Rating: 4.0
Pub Date: July 2 1998

T H R E E • W O R D S

Enchanting • Nostalgic • Fun

📖 S Y N O P S I S

After an awful summer at the Dursley's, Harry cannot wait to return to Hogwarts for his second year. However, just before he is set to go back, he receives a dire warning from Dobby not to return. Harry disregards the warning, but little does he know his second year will be just as eventful as his first as the mystery surrounding the infamous Chamber of Secrets takes centre stage.

💭 T H O U G H T S

I've been thoroughly enjoying my re-read of this series and a return to the magical world that is Hogwarts. Although book two is one of my least favourites, it does introduce a ton of characters, plot points and aspects that will play a major role in future books. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets continues to build the world of Hogwarts, and demonstrates how Harry, Ron and Hermione work together as a team to get things accomplished. I loved the introduction of Parseltongue, the Polyjuice potion, and a more in depth glimpse into the various classes. It all made me want to be transported to Hogwarts.

One of the opening scenes with Dobby attempting to dissuade Harry from returning to school is so chaotic that it evoked anxiety in me (but I love how the Dobby story played out in the end) and the scene where Harry and Ron arrive at the school always cracks me up for some reason. Harry's time spent with the Weasley's endeared them to be even further, and I loved how Ginny gained a more prominent role.

While there is a lot of serious stuff going on, there is also a lot of humour which is part of the reason I love this series. There's no doubt Rowling is a fantastic storyteller. My criticism would definitely be that it felt like the action ended and the school year was wrapped up all too quickly. I can't recall if this is consistent across the books or not, but I enjoyed the quiet wrapping up of all the school related aspects, which felt lacking here.

I'll be continuing on with listening and reading along in my physical book as a move through the series. The audio really brings to life different personality traits in some of the characters. I'll be picking up book three is July.

📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• readers of all ages!

🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S

"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."

"You will also find that help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it."

Content Warnings