Arts & Literature
![Tom Felton - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_a_tom_felton.jpg)
Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES #1 BESTSELLER
From the magical moments on set as Draco Malfoy to the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, get a backstage pass into Tom Felton's life on and off the big screen.
Tom Felton's adolescence was anything but ordinary. His early rise to fame in beloved films like The Borrowers catapulted him into the limelight, but nothing could prepare him for what was to come after he landed the iconic role of the Draco Malfoy, the bleached blonde villain of the Harry Potter movies. For the next ten years, he was at the center of a huge pop culture phenomenon and yet, in between filming, he would go back to being a normal teenager trying to fit into a normal school.
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.
From the magical moments on set as Draco Malfoy to the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, get a backstage pass into Tom Felton's life on and off the big screen.
Tom Felton's adolescence was anything but ordinary. His early rise to fame in beloved films like The Borrowers catapulted him into the limelight, but nothing could prepare him for what was to come after he landed the iconic role of the Draco Malfoy, the bleached blonde villain of the Harry Potter movies. For the next ten years, he was at the center of a huge pop culture phenomenon and yet, in between filming, he would go back to being a normal teenager trying to fit into a normal school.
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.
Editorial Reviews
NAMED A BEST MEMOIR OF 2022 BY BARNES & NOBLE
"[The] hook of Felton's memoir is his perspective on living a one-in-a-billion experience. Yet "Beyond the Wand" is most insightful when Felton translates his tale into something more universal. Sure, the "boy who lived" was never Draco's moniker - but considering his eventful existence, it suits Felton just fine."―The Washington Post
"A surprisingly deep memoir from the actor who brought a memorable villain to the big screen."―Kirkus Reviews
"Missing Hogwarts? Tom Felton, who played white-haired villain Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise, bas written about the magical moments on set and an adolescence within the pop culture phenomenon."―Parade
"Tom Felton has penned a brilliant memoir about growing up playing an iconic role in the series. . . [W]ith the type of honesty that comes with time and self-reflection, Felton also writes about his past struggles with alcohol and his time in rehab. It's a beautiful memoir - with a forward by Emma Watson herself - that captures the heart, charm, and wittiness of the man beyond the wand."―Buzzfeed
"An honest, at times humorous, and entertaining memoir that movie buffs, especially Harry Potter fans, will enjoy. that movie buffs, especially Harry Potter fans, will enjoy."―Library Journal
"Beyond the Wand is so much more than fan service. With introspection and charm, Felton's narrative captures the growing pains of adolescence."―BookPage
"Actor Felton, best known for his portrayal of bleached-blond antagonist Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, recounts his career in his charming debut memoir. . . Felton weaves a seamless, sensitive narrative that will enchant Potterheads and fans of celebrity memoirs alike."―Publishers Weekly
"[Beyond the Wand] is full of colorful Wizarding World lingo, referring to "aparrating" objects and his "muggle family," making it fun for die-hard "Harry Potter" fans. . . It's basically a wizarding world gold mine."―Deseret News
"[The] hook of Felton's memoir is his perspective on living a one-in-a-billion experience. Yet "Beyond the Wand" is most insightful when Felton translates his tale into something more universal. Sure, the "boy who lived" was never Draco's moniker - but considering his eventful existence, it suits Felton just fine."―The Washington Post
"A surprisingly deep memoir from the actor who brought a memorable villain to the big screen."―Kirkus Reviews
"Missing Hogwarts? Tom Felton, who played white-haired villain Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise, bas written about the magical moments on set and an adolescence within the pop culture phenomenon."―Parade
"Tom Felton has penned a brilliant memoir about growing up playing an iconic role in the series. . . [W]ith the type of honesty that comes with time and self-reflection, Felton also writes about his past struggles with alcohol and his time in rehab. It's a beautiful memoir - with a forward by Emma Watson herself - that captures the heart, charm, and wittiness of the man beyond the wand."―Buzzfeed
"An honest, at times humorous, and entertaining memoir that movie buffs, especially Harry Potter fans, will enjoy. that movie buffs, especially Harry Potter fans, will enjoy."―Library Journal
"Beyond the Wand is so much more than fan service. With introspection and charm, Felton's narrative captures the growing pains of adolescence."―BookPage
"Actor Felton, best known for his portrayal of bleached-blond antagonist Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, recounts his career in his charming debut memoir. . . Felton weaves a seamless, sensitive narrative that will enchant Potterheads and fans of celebrity memoirs alike."―Publishers Weekly
"[Beyond the Wand] is full of colorful Wizarding World lingo, referring to "aparrating" objects and his "muggle family," making it fun for die-hard "Harry Potter" fans. . . It's basically a wizarding world gold mine."―Deseret News
Readers Top Reviews
L. BrownStoneLiz
Let me just get out of the way that many people’s relationship with Harry Potter has been complicated over the last few years. But beyond the maybe crappy people who terrorize marginalized communities, there are a lot of people who worked on the films and have positive memories of the stories themselves. Tom Felton is one of those people, and it’s a pleasure to have spent time with him. He gives you a sense of the people who worked with him, mentored him, antagonized him, and were coconspirators with him during filming. And he is so so empathetic toward all of them, recognizing their humanity with such grace. He extends that grace to himself, retelling his difficulties with substance abuse and mental illness with clear eyes but no self recrimination. It truly is refreshing. I find I like him very much.
Jenna L. BrownSto
Harry Potter has been a huge part of my life. I grew up with the books, loved the movies, and even decorated my son’s room with a Hogwarts mural that takes up one whole wall. So, when I had to pick a nonfiction bestseller for my November book club challenge it was a no brainer that I would choose Beyond the Wand. I was excited when I searched for nonfiction bestsellers and this book came up. I’ll admit that since the 3rd Harry Potter movie, I had a crush on Draco Malfoy. Nevertheless, I still would have picked up this book even if it would have been written by a member of the production crew. This book was incredibly enjoyable! I loved reading about the behind the scenes of the Harry Potter set. Felton’s prose is absolutely hilarious, and I found myself laughing out loud throughout the course of this book. Several times I reread a section out loud to my husband because I thought it was so funny. Despite having bought every magazine with a Harry Potter article, there were many things I didn’t know about the filming of these movies. It was great reading Felton’s perspective on the experience and on the other actors that were in the movies. The background of Felton’s life before and after the Harry Potter films was also interesting. I can only image what it would be like to be a child actor thrust into what would become a global phenomenon. It was hard to believe that Felton said he didn’t get recognized out in public that often, but it was nice that he did get some form of a normal childhood. Felton said his experience in that respect was drastically different from Daniel, Rupert, and Emma’s. Honestly, if I would have seen Tom Felton in public, I definitely would’ve recognized him. Overall, I would recommend this autobiography to every Harry Potter fan or those who enjoy reading about actors’ experiences. It was a very easy read and not to be cliche, I couldn’t put it down. It was more than I expecto patronumed and in no way riddikulus 😉! 4.5 ⭐️
Jon & BecaJenna L
Tom Felton is a treasure through and through. To Tom: Thank you for being vulnerable and transparent with us and for sharing parts of the wizarding world and your personal life we would otherwise never be privy too. This autobiography was a delight. It was candid and raw. Undeniably funny at times but also abruptly honest. I'm grateful to have gotten to know him just a bit after reading this. This is honestly a must read for Harry Potter fans and Tom Felton fans alike.
Randian SJon & Be
This book was way more than I expected. Not only could I not put it down, Tom truly does have a way with words and I feel privileged to get to know him through his book. It's rare, I feel, that people truly talk about things in a just honest way anymore, especially in regards to mental illnesses and I am grateful to know that there are still the rare people who do. I thank Tom Felton for this opportunity and I hope life continues to bless this well deserving and humble man.
DarianRandian SJo
I was so excited about this book and still am! As a Potterhead for many years I grasp at the opportunity to indulge in the magic once more any way that I can. To know that Tom wrote this book to give us insight into his journey of becoming a wizard and past that made me so excited and it is a great read for anyone truly a fan of Harry Potter! However, my only disappointment lies in the fact that sadly a lot of pages are missing from the book I received as the story “jumps” to later pages too far in the story and there were duplicate pages inserted in the book that made me start re reading pages that I already read earlier. This made me miss a few chapters and a lot of what Tom wrote about. Now I’m confused and curious to know what else was said and how the story went during the missing pages. I’m sure this was an innocent error on the publisher’s part but it had left me incomplete.
