Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter, #1)

by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter has never been the star of a Quidditch team, scoring points while riding a broom far above the ground. He knows no spells, has never helped to hatch a dragon, and has never worn a cloak of invisibility.

All he knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley a great big swollen spoiled bully. Harry's room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years.

But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place that Harry and anyone who reads about him will find unforgettable.

For it's here that he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter.

Reviewed by Joséphine on

4 of 5 stars

Share
Audiobook rating: 3.5 stars
Book rating: 4 stars

Initial thoughts: Somehow Stephen Fry's narration didn't quite charm me as much as the book itself. I think to some degree the accent bothered me a little. I'd say it's authentic British and all, which fits with the setting but my head hurt every time Fry swallowed the "h" in "forehead". I also didn't like the voice he spoke for Hagrid. Those "r"s he spoke on behalf of Hagrid drove me mad.

In any case, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone didn't fail to entertain, of course. The beginning before Harry Potter entered Hogwarts was just too funny. A cat reading a map and street signs, a stranger hugging Mr Dursley on the streets, owls crowding the skies of London during the day, and so on. So many strange things happened, which still are funny with every re-read.

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 7 April, 2015: Finished reading
  • 7 April, 2015: Reviewed
  • Started reading
  • 7 April, 2015: Finished reading
  • 7 April, 2015: Reviewed