All Things Gee

Hello, lovely readers!

Today, I’m diving into a book that has left me with a whirlwind of emotions – tears, laughter, and moments that made my heart swell. I’m going to do my best to keep this review spoiler-free, but I need you to understand why I found myself teary-eyed when I finished Tom Felton’s memoir, Beyond the Wand. The only way I could describe it to my family was, “It’s AUTHENTICALLY BEAUTIFUL.”

A Foreword to Remember

Let’s start with the foreword, penned by none other than the stunningly beautiful Emma Watson. Her words immediately had my heart ready to burst. Emma speaks about her friendship with Tom in such a heartfelt and genuine way that I was instantly hooked. Their bond is one that seems destined to last a lifetime, and I can only dream of finding a friendship as profound and enduring. If you know me, you know I have a soft spot for Emma Watson, and her words added an extra layer of magic to this memoir.

A Glimpse into Tom’s Life

Beyond the Wand (isn’t that title just perfect?) offers an intimate look into Tom Felton’s life. From his early childhood to his iconic years as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series, and everything in between and beyond, Tom shares his journey with an openness that is both refreshing and touching. Compared to many memoirs and autobiographies I’ve read, this book stands out for its heartwarming and upbeat tone, even when delving into more serious chapters. It’s written in a way that makes even the heavier moments easy to read and digest.

Family and Laughter

One of the highlights for me was reading about Tom’s family life and his three older brothers. Some of these chapters had me chuckling out loud, while others brought tears to my eyes. There’s a sense of honor and privilege in being allowed into these personal stories. Tom’s candidness and humor shine through, making you feel like you’re having a chat with an old friend.

From Draco to Beyond

Now, here’s a fun fact: before landing the role of Draco, Tom had never read the Harry Potter books! (I’m pretending this didn’t hurt me a little.) But this led to a hilarious audition story that I won’t spoil for you. Suffice it to say, we’re all grateful he ended up bringing Draco to life in a way we’ll never forget.

Friends, Co-Stars, and Heartfelt Moments

Tom’s anecdotes about his co-stars, friends, and family are an absolute pleasure to read. I found myself wishing I could ask him more about these stories over a cup of tea. Some are incredibly funny, others deeply moving, and all of them painted a vivid picture of his life and character.

The Hard-Hitting Final Chapters

The last few chapters delve into Tom’s life post-Potter, his time in LA, his struggles with identity, and his experiences with alcohol abuse and mental health. Reading these chapters was tough but also filled me with immense pride for how open and honest he was. Despite the difficulties, Tom speaks about these experiences with a positivity that is both inspiring and moving. His message about the importance of discussing mental health openly and seeking help is powerful and necessary.

A Must-Read Memoir

I’m not usually a fan of autobiographies, but Beyond the Wand is a book I know I’ll return to time and again. It feels so genuine, so authentically Tom (or at least how I imagine him to be). It’s like sitting down with him for a heart-to-heart conversation. This authenticity makes it one of the most beautifully honest stories I’ve read in a long time.

A Quick Side Note on 2:22 A Ghost Story

In his acknowledgments, Tom mentions his first West End performance in 2:22 A Ghost Story. I have to share a quick side note about this! I took my cousin, a fellow Slytherin, to see the show for her birthday, and it was an unforgettable experience. Despite it being his first time on the West End, Tom’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. We were even lucky enough to meet him at the stage door, where he was every bit as lovely as Emma described. We had a mini freakout, and in our excitement, we realized we were standing next to his brother, who was chuckling at our reactions. Oops! But what a birthday memory.

Final Thoughts

Beyond the Wand has secured a top spot on my list of favorite reads from the past few months. It’s a journey through the highs and lows of Tom’s life, filled with authenticity, warmth, and heart.

★★★★★

Have you read this book? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

What did you think?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo