Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton
Grand Central Publishing
Audible Release: October 18, 2022
Listening Length: 6 hours 36 minutes
Narrators: Tom Felton
Genre: Memoir
KKECReads Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
KKECReads Rating for Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
KKECReads Rating for Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I purchased this audiobook on Amazon, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Tom Felton is an English actor, best known for playing Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films. He has also appeared in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Belle, The Flash, A United Kingdom, The Forgotten Battle and 2.22 A Ghost Story in London’s West End. He lives in London with his dog Willow.
Speaking with great candor and his signature humor, Tom shares his experience growing up as part of the wizarding world while also trying to navigate the muggle world. He tells stories from his early days in the business like his first acting gig where he was mistaken for fellow blonde child actor Macaulay Culkin and his Harry Potter audition where, in a very Draco-like move, he fudged how well he knew the books the series was based on (not at all). He reflects on his experiences working with cinematic greats such as Alan Rickman, Sir Michael Gambon, Dame Maggie Smith, and Ralph Fiennes (including that awkward Voldemort hug). And, perhaps most poignantly, he discusses the lasting relationships he made over that decade of filming, including with Emma Watson, who started out as a pesky nine-year-old whom he mocked for not knowing what a boom mic was but who soon grew into one of his dearest friends. Then, of course, there are the highs and lows of fame and navigating life after such a momentous and life-changing experience.
Tom Felton’s Beyond the Wand is an entertaining, funny, and poignant must-read for any Harry Potter fan. Prepare to meet a real-life wizard.
“Just because Draco acts like a real dick doesn’t mean I have to.”
Tom Felton shares his journey so far as an actor. From starring in one of the biggest film franchises in the world to fame in Los Angeles to finding happiness in being himself.
This audiobook was brilliant. Tom shares his story in the most charismatic way. We get glimpses into his life as a child actor turned adult actor and everything in between.
I enjoyed this book immensely. Tom is hilarious, and listening to his book felt like we were sitting together in a casual setting just chatting.
Hearing Tom talk about his family was lovely. He adores his parents and grandparents and has a lot of love for his big brothers. The stories he shared with his siblings were hilarious and often very sweet.
I loved how respectfully and graciously he spoke of his Harry Potter costars. He shared stories and memories of his time on set and offered an honest look at what being a wizard was all about.
I found the way Tom talks about others endearing. He did not have a bad word to say about anyone. I love that he appreciated every moment of learning something from those he encountered and that he is humble.
This is a man who has seen the bright lights of Hollywood and incredible fame. A man could do whatever he wanted because he was an actor. And a man who has struggled and lost his way- only to find his path and regain his direction.
This man has a beautiful heart and incredible wit. I enjoyed listening to him share his struggle with addiction and his feelings about needing help. Tom is incredibly self-aware and is not shy about admitting he needed help.
I appreciate how openly he discusses his mental health and the things that helped him realize that talking about it is what makes overcoming the bad days better.
I found this book honest and vulnerable. Tom delivered a magnificent performance with his memoir. He will make you laugh and leave you with touching moments.
This was a delightful book. It was a beautiful insight into a beautiful human. I would highly recommend everyone listen to this memoir. If you spend money on one audiobook, make it this one.