Hi Goddesses
So after the euphoria and intricate plotting of Prisoner of Azkaban and Goblet of Fire, what did JK Rowling do ? Took a great big fat poo and deposited it over 766 tedious pages.
I am huge JK Rowling supporter, so I like that she admitted how much she struggled with this book; how the birth of her son interrupted her flow and gave her writer's block; and how it wasn't quite the sum of its parts. Nevertheless, expectations were *hideously* high, and interesting though the concept of an Order is, the book seems to have no narrative thrust whatsoever, and I really, and I mean REALLY, struggled to think of ideas for nails.
In the end, I settled on Ms Dolores Umbridge, quite possible the scariest character in the Potterverse. All sugary pink and saccharine sweet on the outside, and pure distilled Nazi on the inside. There is something utterly disturbing about her, and she is without doubt the most "real" character in any of the books. How many politicians do we see on a daily basis proclaiming they act in the interests of the Greater Good, when the only God they serve is themselves ?
I could go on, but I won't :) The only other thing I'll say is that I thought Imelda Staunton captured her impeccably in the films - an utterly brilliant realisation.
So, what do I love about this book? Not much. It's my least favourite of them all (although I'm not a Chambers fan, at least THAT book is shorter). I love Bellatrix, I was itching to know the precise words of the prophecy (shock, Neville!), and I loved the fight scene at the Ministry of Magic.
And then poor Sirius. I am disappointed in JKR here, but I know why she did it. Arthur Weasley was supposed to die, but she changed her mind at the last minute, and chose Sirius instead. Whilst Harry's pain (and Remus's concern) were moving, I think she killed him off too quickly - I am sure there was more story to tell. I understand the concept of the hero walking into the final battle alone, but how much better if Sirius had died in Half Blood Prince, or at the start of Deathly Hallows (instead of Mad Eye).
One final word on the nails. I like them. I feel I have captured the essence of Dolores. I love how 4 nails are super twee and then the ring finger is totally jarring and a little disturbing. So thanks, Dolores, for prompting me to finally crack out all the cat stamps lol. The index finger by the way is the houndstooth design of her main outfit in the film. And if you haven't guessed, the accent nail is the scratches that appear on Harry's arm spelling "I must not tell lies" - utterly barbaric.
As ever, don't forget to check on my lovely cohorts. We're posting through the weekend .... and then rounding up on Monday ... at which time, there MAY be a little extra surprise mani :)
Enjoy xx :)
Kerrie Black: http://pishposhandpolish.blogspot.co.uk/
Emma Hoop: http://manicurity.blogspot.com/
Bee Justice: http://beepolished.blogspot.com/
Sam : http://legiolinde.blogspot.com