This is it, my first book review of 2023. And wow, it was a good book. Presenting...
Tom Felton’s “Beyond The Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up A Wizard”.
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
4.5 / 5
Growing up, I was obsessed with the Harry Potter series. Ok, let’s be honest… I still am. It’s a world that brings so much joy and happiness, not just to me, but millions of other people around the world. So when I heard Tom Felton had written an autobiography about his life and experiences as an actor, which included his time in the Potterverse, I really wanted to read this.
I just want to mention, this book was gifted to me by my partner's brother for Christmas. It took everything not to hide away on Christmas Day and dive into it, I was that excited!
What's it about?
In this book, we learn about Tom’s home life and family, growing up and how he found a passion for acting. His early rise to fame saw him catapulted into the limelight aged just twelve when he landed the iconic role of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films. Of course, there are plenty of shared memories on set, of getting into trouble with co-stars, what it was like growing as an actor, of moving conversations with the people he worked with. He also candidly speaks about the highs and lows of fame and the reality of navigating adult life after filming finished.
My thoughts
Tom has such an easygoing writing style, reading this felt more like a conversation with a friend. Being only in his 30’s, Tom wrote about his life experiences up until that point. At times, this book was lighthearted, funny, endearing, but it was also heartbreaking and sad and brutally honest. I think he did an exceptional job writing and capturing his raw emotions and struggles with mental health. I’m sure it wasn’t easy to be so objective writing your own life story, but he handled it brilliantly. To me, the book ended with two overpowering emotions: gratitude and hope.
I don’t read autobiographies, but I’m so glad I read this book. It was exceptional, powerful and moving. It’s not just for HP nerds, but those who are will also not be disappointed.