Review: Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike

And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockhart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls' bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley's younger sister, Ginny.

But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone -- or something -- starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects . . . Harry Potter himself?

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets is the second instalment in the hugely successful Harry Potter franchise.  The book opens up during the summer break, therefore, Harry is back with his mother’s sister, Petunia and his uncle Vernon and their disgusting son, Dudley.  The abuse of Harry is still very much apparent, and he is longing for summer break to be over, so that he can be back with his friends.  The friends that haven’t bothered to write to him all summer.  No communication.  Nothing.  He needs to be back with his own people not with family that don’t treat him like family at all, but, how will he get there?

Harry’s first year brought shocks and anguish after discovering that the wizard that killed his parents and tried to kill him is still alive, although in more of a half-life.  He has been using others to drain the energy from – finding a way to regain his power.  The man who must not be named – Lord Voldemort.  This book really opens the door into Voldemort.  Harry discovers an enchanted diary that gives him an unadulterated view into the memories of Voldemort. What happened in his school years to turn him into the monster he is now?  What kind of power does he have over people?  Is he just as smooth as it is believed he was?

Ron’s younger sister, Ginny, becomes entranced by him.  He reaches out to her through the diary.  Ginny is his perfect target.  She pours her heart out to the diary and he is an understanding, attentive ear.  She tells him her deepest secrets and fears, including, for her wish to have Harry Potter notice her.  This goes on months and all the while Voldemort uses her as a vessel to get stronger.  He’s becoming stronger and as a result of this manages to get Ginny to unleash a monster that petrifies the victim.  This runs alongside Harry hearing a voice that apparently only he can hear – it is discovered that this is because he is a parselmouth – the ability to talk to snakes.  This is an extremely worrying development as the founder of Slytherin was also one. 

Ominous messages appear in the school threatening that non-full-blood student will die.  This seriously concerns Harry and Ron as their best friend, Hermione is one such student.  It also signals the point when the Chamber of Secrets has been reopened.  The last time was fifty years ago.  The trio investigate and discover that Hagrid was expelled during that time for harbouring a dangerous, man-eating spider.  Will they find out who opened the chamber before the monster kills someone? 

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets was one of real intrigue.  The writing was captivating, and I read it all within one sitting.  Rowling incorporates themes of child naivety and the teenage horror, therefore, discovering that the adults can’t always protect you.  I would have enjoyed reading more about Lord Voldemort and his past.  I’m looking forward to getting immersed into the next book.  The strength of the main character base is still hugely enjoyable with some new characters adding complexity and human emotions into the mix.

Check out my review to book one Here