Book Review: Beyond the Wand: The Magic & Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard by Tom Felton

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“Beyond the Wand” is Tom Felton’s memoir of growing up as a child star of the famously beloved Harry Potter series (known for his exceptional role as Draco Malfoy), his close relationship and appreciation with his cast members, and his harsher adult years dealing and recovering from mental health problems.

Buy “Beyond the Wand”

As mentioned, “Beyond the Wand” is Tom Felton’s reflective and deeply intimate memoir of his life in and apart from the magic of the Harry Potter world.

“Beyond the Wand” is a strong memoir when it comes to the realm of celebrity memoirs. I think it’s partially because Tom Felton is down-to-earth, relatable, and humble.

I liked learning about Tom Felton and his journey as an actor – I liked learning that from the main child actors, himself and Daniel Radcliffe were already on screen before Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.

I also loved the anecdotes he shared and the respect he presented when talking about his lifelong friendship and admiration for Emma Watson. The way he talks about her is so beautiful. Emma being the one to write the epigraph was a sentimental touch. Knowing that Watson is a bookish girl in real life, I do she chooses to publish one day.

I’ve always had a secret love for Emma, though not perhaps in the way that people might want to hear. That isn’t to say there’s never been a spark between us. There most definitely has, only at different times. p. 148

I also love the other anecdotes with the cast, Robbie, Alan, and the two Dumbledores (Richard Harris then Michael Gambon). His experiences show how much a child and teen can truly achieve when surrounded by good, encouraging adults and cast members. It’s clear to me that Felton had HUGE self-esteem issues that continued late into his adulthood.

Very slowly, very distinctly, Alan intoned, “I’ve …peaked.” Then he turned his head to look the other way. But as he turned, I saw the whisper of a smile on his lips. And I realised then that, far from being the terrifying figure I’d always assumed he must be, Alan was a man with a brilliantly dry sense of humour. I didn’t need to be wary of him. Far from it. I needed to relish the time I had with this smart, witty, interesting man. p. 199

I think Felton holds on to Harry Potter as safety and self-soothing. Part of him still doesn’t feel worthy of being a part of the Harry Potter franchise and that’s so unfortunate. It’s interesting because he was one of the kids that did have more of a normal life and routine compared to the trio.

Say what you will about Felton and his memoir, but it is apparent to me that his gratitude for acting and his cast members shines through to the very end. It is so refreshing to read. It is so amazing and heartfelt to hear of child stars who weren’t abused, mocked, and worked to the bone.

Tom Felton is emotionally vulnerable and sensitive. He’s developed this cool nonchalant guy persona – likened to his Draco character – to protect himself when he’s quite the opposite. Emma Watson, in her interviews, says she was the most emotionally connected and understood by Felton growing up. Part of adopting this persona was simply a result of being the youngest sibling of 3 troublemaker brothers and his own personal anxiety.

I do wish we got more focus about his struggles with his addiction and mental health issues – those last chapters felt rushed, as if he’s holding himself back, still afraid to shatter the gap between him and the real world, which is unfortunate. As an ex-addict, I can’t blame him for it. He wants to remember and immortalize the good and work though the bad behind doors, and no one can fault him for that. He has my support!

I didn’t appreciate it in that moment, but my tears were teaching me another important lesson. An audience can go back and watch a film any number of times they want. It’s always there for them. For the cast and crew, the relationship with a film is more complex. The magic is in the making, and that process is a discreet unit of time in the past. You can reflect on that unit of time, you can be proud of it, but you can’t revisit it. p. 43

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