Barnes & NobleHarry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: The Illustrated Edition (Harry Potter Series #2) by J. K. Rowling

Is this really a classic?

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5) On this reread, I was struck by just how incomplete this installment of the series feels. While The Chamber of Secrets holds a nostalgic place for many, it's hard not to notice how little is actually asked of the author in terms of depth. The plot is riddled with holes, the characters remain two-dimensional, and the pacing drifts from whimsical to chaotic without much cohesion. 🖌 Let’s be clear: the illustrations by Jim Kay are nothing short of breathtaking. They elevate the book into something magical that the text alone doesn’t quite deliver. His work deserves five stars all on its own—no notes, just admiration. ⚠️ It’s also important to acknowledge that the harm caused by the author to marginalized communities, especially trans and nonbinary people, cannot be separated from the text for many readers. The disconnect between the themes of love and acceptance in the books and the author’s real-world behavior adds a layer of discomfort for those who once saw Hogwarts as a refuge. 💬 Final Take: This edition is visually stunning, and for fans of Jim Kay’s art, it may still be worth the read. But as the world continues to reexamine who we elevate and why, it’s fair to hold stories (and their creator) to a higher standard.