Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling is the first book in the Harry Potter series. It is set in England in the nineties and the story revolves around the life of an orphaned boy named Harry Potter whose parents were killed when he was one- year-old by the evil wizard Lord Voldemort. Voldemort also tried to kill baby Harry but he failed because Harry has magical powers. Harry is sent to live with his cruel and abusive aunt and uncle and their son – the Dursleys.
The novel juxtaposes the ordinary world of humans who are referred to as Muggles with the magical world of Wizards. At the beginning of the novel, there are images of a cat reading a map, figures in coloured cloaks and whispers about you-know-who that refers to Voldemort which symbolise the magical realm of Wizards and is contrasted with the normal world the Dursleys live in.
Harry is a good-natured, lovable boy with noble qualities and a rebellious streak which is appealing because it shows that he is courageous, independent and has a mind of his own. Harry is not afraid to venture into the unknown and break rules which have to be broken for the greater good. The best thing that happens to Harry is his admission to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry which enables him to escape the cruel and abusive Dursleys and carve out an independent identity of his own.
The novel is beautifully written with very good characterisation and themes such as the plight of an orphan and the victory of good over evil. The most remarkable aspect of the novel is its brilliant plot which ensures that you cannot stop reading the book until you reach the end.