Harrius Potter Continued

I have continued my reading of the Latin version of Harry Potter. As I explained when I began this language adventure, my plan was to read the Romanian version alongside the Latin one. I followed this practice for the first few chapters of the story: I would read a few pages in one language, then read the same passages in the other language. This was great as it helped me to develop my vocabulary in both languages. However, it wasn't doing much to keep me interested in the storytelling — I was reading everything twice, once in Latin and once in Romanian, and, so the plot advancement felt slow in return.

I have to admit: at first, I wasn't intrigued by J.K. Rowling's story. For me, it began as a language experiment through which I would be involved with two languages simultaneously, neither of them being English. As the story developed, though, my interest for the plot grew with each page turned. Being that I wouldn't be able to progress fast enough to satisfy my thirst for knowing what would happen next to Harrius Potter, I put aside the Romanian version for good, and continued exclusively with the Latin. Ever since, I haven't been able to put down the book.

At the moment, I find myself with only a few chapters to go in Harrius Potter. I look back to when I started reading the first pages, and remember how I struggled with some of the vocabulary. Now, I can sight-read the book as I go along as if it were written in English, as I feel the plot intensifying, living all the drama and anxiety, waiting to turn the page to find out the next revelation in the story.

I recently came across the part in which the reader finds out about the Philosophi Lapis — "The Philosopher's Stone", the title of the first book — and I let out a big Aah!, as all the pieces of the puzzle fit in. All of this in the language of Ancient Italy: Latin. The progress made in being able to read Latin fluidly made is obvious.

Accolades to Ms. Rowling and her writing. I have finally understood the success of her story. The Latin translator, Peter Needham, must also be applauded for his excellent work with the Roman language.

Once I am done with the book, I would like to read some works from the ancient authors, such as Cicero, and Caesar, as well as acquire the second Harry Potter book in Latin.

Second book from the Harry Potter series in Latin
Harrius Potter et Camera Secretorum

I am considering getting an e-book reader, such as the Kindle, as there are so many great books in the public domain — so much great material from the early 1900's and late 1800's digitally available on websites like Google Books. I am referring, of course, to books in Latin, but, also I'd be able to read many things in the other languages, like Romanian.

You can find on my first Harrius Potter mention my claim about only reading fiction if it's written in a language other than English. You can see I wasn't kidding.