Youth talk

I grew up with Harry Potter. My whole generation did. I know school friends who, for reasons I can never understand, loathe reading and yet they too have read every Harry Potter novel.

Some of my most vivid childhood memories include rereading each and every one, explaining why my copy of the first book is literally threadbare and has a ripped cover.

My first encounter with the wizarding world came at the age of eight, when, noticing that I was bored at my grandparents’ house, my mother picked up a copy of the first book.

I devoured the story within 55 minutes and instantly began begging for a trip to the local bookstore. I picked up the next two books and finished them both on the same day.

I’ve never looked back since, fully embracing the incredible world that is Hogwarts. While I’d always been an avid reader it was the Harry Potter series that really initiated my love for literature as well as my dad’s constant bookworm jokes - thanks for that Pops!

It is therefore no surprise that I, along with millions of fans across the world, were elated to hear the elusive J.K Rowling’s announcement of an eighth text. Contrary to the previous seven novels, The Cursed Child follows the lives of the main characters 19 years in the future. In addition, the text is not actually in novel form but is presented as a play script accompanying the West End production.

I have no doubts in stating that The Cursed Child will easily become the biggest best-seller of the year and deservedly so.

Similar to Pokémon Go, this text is a unique opportunity for our generation to relive a beloved childhood classic.

And hey, it shouldn’t be too difficult to stage a few overseas shows … preferably at the Cultural Hall in Manama, please?