Boo to you, dear readers, on All Hallow's Eve. This is a day important in the Harry Potter world, though, as I recall, it has only come up once in the Strike and Ellacott series. In Lethal White, Strike and Robin visit the Three Kings pub, site of Margot and Oonaugh's would-be meeting, and note the costumed drinkers, including, interestingly, a woman in a naughty nurse costume.
Beatrice Groves has written one of the best books around for those interested in serious Harry Potter scholarship.
Literary Illusion in Harry Potter. Her work on Cormoran Strike is equally impressive. Her most recent contribution is a post on spooky elements in
The Running Grave, from scary corn dollies to Shakespearean ghosts to yet another horse connected to death, as the throwback to
Lethal White. You can find her essay
here, and it's just the thing to read on a Halloween night after finishing the last Strike book.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a cheerful podcast to listen to while waiting for your Trick-or Treaters, I recommend
The Three Broomsticks Episode 20: Voldemort the drama queen, which addresses the role Halloween plays in Harry Potter. Or, if you'd prefer a Strike throwback, you can check out their
Running Grave predictions show,
The Strike Agency Camping Trip, where Bea and I were both guests. Please note that the statement I made about being Pat's age was made before the revelation of
The Running Grave. I am not, in fact. 67.
Whether you want to enjoy Strike, Harry or both, have a safe and spooktacular Halloween!
Thanks so much for the shout-out Louise! Happy Halloween!
ReplyDeleteSure you’re not lying about your age, Louise?
ReplyDeleteLet me put it this way. Pat and I both boogied down to "Play That Funky Music" but I did so in the Chattanooga skating rink as a 5th grader.
DeleteGreat observation by Beatrice Groves about the not-so throwaway mention of Lucy's magnolia tree and its symbolism of the domesticity Strike eschews - until he finally opens his eyes. Brings to mind the US expression 'steel magnolia' - a woman whose conventionally feminine demeanor belies steely inner strength. (Also the film of the same name, of course.)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the shout out Louise! And asarah - what a great connection! I knew the film title but had not made the link - I like that a lot!
ReplyDelete