Beyond the Wand

Books | Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts

4.5

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Tom Felton

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 in this #1 New York Times bestseller. 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.

Memoirs

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More Details:

Author

Tom Felton

Pages

272

Publisher

Grand Central Publishing

Published Date

2022-10-18

ISBN

1538741385 9781538741382

Community ReviewsSee all

"I'm always fascinated by famous actors who sort of stumbled into fame. You'll find this especially entertaining if you're a Harry Potter fan. Also, I recommend the audiobook since Tom himself reads it. "

Mia Corkum

"Fun to hear about Tom’s time working on HP. "

Skye Edelson-Bennett

"Can’t wait to get my hands on this gem! "

Victoria

"To anyone that knows me, my love for the Harry Potter series is no secret. I grew up alongside with the book releases and movie premieres…and I’ve always secretly wanted to be in house Slytherin, along side of Draco Malfoy. When I realized Tom Felton, the man behind the wand, wrote a book- I knew it would be right up my alley. This book was even more than I expected. I knew we’d get a lot of backstage-type dialogue, but what I didn’t know is the magnitude of scenarios pre and post Potter that I would be so emotionally invested in while reading. If you’re thinking of reading this book, let me encourage you to listen to the audio book. Hearing Tom narrate these events is so much more entertaining while listening to his emphasis, laughter, and personality shine through while reading. While I’ve always had a deep love for Draco, I can say that after reading this book, I have a great love for Tom as a person as well, even though the sorting hat has declared me a “Griffin-dork” as Tom calls it. This autobiography takes you through Toms early years, when he decides to try acting just as something to do. Becoming obsessed with the added bonus’ of hotel rooms with cartoons, room service, and snacks..he pursued many auditions, which coincidentally led him to his role in the wizarding world. You learn of the troubles young Tom gets himself into, stories that somehow even slid past the press. You hear of his struggles with rejection, substance abuse, mental health, and so much more. Hearing all of these stories unfold really helps put into the perspective of the pressures that are put on child actors, and how some of these pressures and stigmas affect people as they get older both in and out of the industry. I highly, highly suggest this book to wizards AND muggles; there’s a little bit in this book for everyone to enjoy!"

Mandy

"Entertaining and informative. Was great to hear more about behind the Harry Potter film scenes and its effects on the child stars throughout the films. "

Joe H

"Potterheads- Tim Felton gives an awesome glimpse of what it was like to work on the Harry Potter films. "

Brandi Always Reading

"This was such a heartfelt account on the BTS of what made such a magical childhood for many in my generation. I had a great time listening to not just the quirky things that occurred during HP filming (which will make watching them that much funnier now); but also just the insights of those that made it possible. The HEA really is the friends we find along the way. "

Soni C.

"This was a fun read, especially if you’re a Harry Potter fan."

Olivia Huie

"As a Harry Potter fan and an ex production assistant in film, it was really fun to listen to Tom Felton tell his story in audiobook form. I loved hearing his background story and the things that happened on set. I would recommend to HP fans. "