Are looking for a quick read?  A book that shares a high level overview of what has happened to Harry Potter?  A story of what has happened since he graduated from Hogwarts?  If so, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is for you!  It is based on J.K. Rowling’s famous series but written by Jack Thorne and directed by John Tiffany.  It is written as a play, divided into 2 acts and many scenes which provides a unique reading experience for those that have likely not read a play since reading Shakespeare in high school.

I was lucky to be in the first group waiting for this book at the County Library (I think that I was #89 in line for the Brantford library)!  The play opens 19 years after the original series ended.  Harry, Hermione and Ron are adults, faced with families, jobs and children that are preparing to board the train to Hogwarts.  Like all families, life is busy and challenging but this trio has remained close.

Harry’s scar begins to hurt and nightmares of his past experiences haunt him.  In his role at the Ministry of Magic, he is approached to use a Time-Turner to bring back Cedric who had been killed in the Tri-Wizard Tournament in 1995.  This request is overheard by one of Harry’s sons who embarks on an adventure and learns the serious impact of changing the past.

This review is brief as I don’t want to spoil the excitement for other readers as they learn what has happened to Harry and his friends over the last two decades.  The format of a play gives a high level review and if you are looking for the detail and description of the previous novels, you will be disappointed.  If you are looking for closure and a wrap up of the series, the play delivers it.

The play premiered in London where it will run until December 2017.  There are no specific plans to bring it across the pond but the success an sell out crowds of London would likely be repeated in Canada.