Title: Beyond The Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard
Author: Tom Felton
Date of publication: 18th October 2022
Number of pages: 305 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Read on Libby
From the magical moments on set as Draco Malfoy to the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, get a backstage pass into Tom Felton’s life on and off the big screen. Tom Felton’s adolescence was anything but ordinary. His early rise to fame in beloved films like The Borrowers catapulted him into the limelight, but nothing could prepare him for what was to come after he landed the iconic role of the Draco Malfoy, the bleached blonde villain of the Harry Potter movies. For the next ten years, he was at the center of a huge pop culture phenomenon and yet, in between filming, he would go back to being a normal teenager trying to fit into a normal school.
Speaking with great candor and his signature humor, Tom shares his experience growing up as part of the wizarding world while also trying to navigate the muggle world. He tells stories from his early days in the business like his first acting gig where he was mistaken for fellow blonde child actor Macaulay Culkin and his Harry Potter audition where, in a very Draco-like move, he fudged how well he knew the books the series was based on (not at all). He reflects on his experiences working with cinematic greats such as Alan Rickman, Sir Michael Gambon, Dame Maggie Smith, and Ralph Fiennes (including that awkward Voldemort hug). And, perhaps most poignantly, he discusses the lasting relationships he made over that decade of filming, including with Emma Watson, who started out as a pesky nine-year-old whom he mocked for not knowing what a boom mic was but who soon grew into one of his dearest friends. Then, of course, there are the highs and lows of fame and navigating life after such a momentous and life-changing experience.
Tom Felton’s Beyond the Wand is an entertaining, funny, and poignant must-read for any Harry Potter fan. Prepare to meet a real-life wizard.
***
Harry Potter has always been my favorite series all time. I love how every character from the book has alive. Which character that I love the most? Of course, it would be Draco Malfoy who is portrayed by Tom Felton. So, when by chance I found this book on Libby, I immediately borrow and read it. This memoir of Tom Felton is incredibly interesting. We can learn about the life of Tom Felton as a human, not just about his celeb life--or his wizarding life.
The Story and Opinion
In this book, Tom invited us to get to know about his life, even before he was cast as the iconic Slytherin student, Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise. Just like the title, he told us not only about the magic of growing up as a child actor from the very start but also about the mayhem that he had to face. Of course, it's not easy walking in the park to deal with the fame and all, but Tom, with the support from his family and close friend.
Tom Felton, in the beginning, didn't realize that the audition that he took part, in could change his life entirely. Even though Tom still can feel life as a normal boy at his age, he also sometimes felt a dilemma about which one of his real world. Going to school and trying to get a good mark or acting in front of the cameras with the other actor and actresses. Harry Potter did make a huge influence on his life for Tom.
Through Tom's story, we will get to know about how the movie is set, and the interactions between the actor and actresses--either on set or not. Of course, one of the very interesting things is the truth about the relationship between him and Emma Watson and how is his interaction with the Malfoy family.
Aside from the life of Draco Malfoy, Tom also conveyed the story when he was done filming the entire series. Even though you got all of it, as for the fame and money, Tom realizes that the movie industry and environment won't be easily accepted him on the next project. He learned that he has to go audition all over again to get a part of some projects. It's of course exhausting and sometimes those experiences made him so frustrated. Thankfully, his hard work is really paid off. He could land on some big project with his own capability. In my opinion, Tom Felton is one of Harry Potter's actors that could get a steady project since Harry Potter has ended.
What I didn't expect the most is the part when Tom admit that he also struggle with his mental health. Some frustration made him have to go to rehab. I believe it won't be easy for him to open up about this. But, he is brave enough to share this story with us.
Conclusion
There are so many things that I like about this book. Tom's playful story and the real struggle of his life as a child who grew up in a wizard world. I love how Tom is capable to convey his story in a simple yet touching way. He is really a great storyteller in my opinion. I think this is the first time I didn't feel that much bored when reading a memoir.
So, of course, 5 out of 5 stars for this book.
Sincerely,
Ra
Be First to Post Comment !
Post a Comment