Carry On by Rainbow Rowell PDF Download

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell follows Simon Snow, a young wizard attending a magical school in England. As the Chosen One, Simon faces the daunting task of mastering his powers while battling dark forces and navigating complex relationships with his friends, particularly his enigmatic roommate, Baz. The novel explores themes of friendship, love, and identity within a fantastical setting. Fans of young adult fantasy and LGBTQ+ literature will find this story engaging and relatable. This edition includes all the enchanting elements that have made Simon Snow a beloved character in contemporary fiction.

Key Points

Follows Simon Snow, a wizard at Watford School of Magicks, as he confronts his destiny.
Explores Simon’s relationships with his friends, including his complicated bond with Baz.
Addresses themes of identity, love, and the struggles of being the Chosen One.
Features a richly developed magical world filled with unique creatures and spells.

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SIMON

Iwalktothebusstationbymyself.

There’salwaysafussovermypaperworkwhenIleave.Allsummerlong,

we’renotevenallowedtowalktoTescoswithoutachaperoneandpermission

fromtheQueen—then,intheautumn,Ijustsignmyselfoutofthechildren’s

homeandgo.

“Hegoestoaspecialschool,”oneoftheofficeladiesexplainstotheother

whenIleave.They’resittinginaPlexiglasbox,andIslidemypapersbackto

herthroughaslotinthewall.“It’saschoolfordireoffenders,”shewhispers.

Theotherwomandoesn’tevenlookup.

It’s like this every September, even though I’m never in the same care

hometwice.

TheMagefetchedmeforschoolhimselfthefirsttime,whenIwas11.But

thenextyear,hetoldmeIcouldmakeittoWatfordonmyown.“You’veslain

adragon,Simon.Surelyyoucanmanagealongwalkandafewbuses.”

Ihadn’tmeanttoslaythatdragon.Itwouldn’thavehurtme,Idon’tthink.

(I still dream about it sometimes. The way the fire consumed it from the

insideout,likeacigaretteburneatingapieceofpaper.)

Igettothebusstation,theneatamintAerowhileIwaitformyfirstbus.

There’sanotherbusafterthat.Thenatrain.

OnceI’msettledonthetrain,Itrytosleepwithmybaginmylapandmy

feet propped up on the seat across from me—but a man a few rows back

won’tstopwatchingme.Ifeelhiseyescrawlingupmyneck.

Couldjustbeapervert.Orpolice.

Oritcouldbeabonetyhunterwhoknowsaboutoneofthepricesonmy

head.…(“It’sbountyhunter,”IsaidtoPenelopethefirsttimewefoughtone.

“No—bonety hunter,” she replied. “Short for ‘bone-teeth’; that’s what they

gettokeepiftheycatchyou.”)

Ichangecarriagesanddon’tbothertryingtosleepagain.ThecloserIgetto

Watford,themorerestlessIfeel.Everyyear,Ithinkaboutjumpingfromthe

Overview

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

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lives in Omaha, Nebraska, with her husband and two

FAQs

What is Simon's experience with magic in 'Carry On'?

Simon Snow struggles with his magic, which is described as unpredictable and explosive. Unlike his classmates, who experience magic as a flowing and controlled force, Simon's magic goes off like a bomb. This creates a sense of frustration and inadequacy for him, as he feels he cannot harness his power effectively, especially when it matters most.

Who are the key characters in 'Carry On'?

The key characters in 'Carry On' include Simon Snow, the protagonist who is a powerful but struggling magician; Baz, his roommate and rival, who has a unique relationship with Simon; Penelope, Simon's best friend who is intelligent and resourceful; and Agatha, another student at Watford who has her own challenges with magic. Each character brings a distinct perspective to the magical world they inhabit.

What is the significance of Watford School of Magicks?

Watford School of Magicks is central to Simon's identity and experiences. It is where he learns to harness his magic and confronts various challenges, including friendships, rivalries, and the looming threat of the Humdrum. The school symbolizes both a safe haven and a source of anxiety for Simon, as it is tied to his past and his future as a magician.

How does Simon feel about his summers away from Watford?

During the summers away from Watford, Simon tries not to think about the school or his magic, as he finds it painful to miss it. He feels a strong craving for the magic and the connections he has at Watford, which makes the time away feel like a deprivation. Despite his attempts to shut off from the magical world, he ultimately looks forward to returning each autumn.

What is the role of the Mage in Simon's life?

The Mage plays a pivotal role in Simon's life as a mentor and protector, but also as a figure of control. He decides where Simon spends his summers and how he navigates his magical education. Simon feels a mix of gratitude and frustration towards the Mage, as he is guided but also restricted by his decisions.

What challenges does Simon face with his magic?

Simon faces numerous challenges with his magic, primarily its unpredictable nature. He struggles to cast spells effectively, often feeling overwhelmed by the power that he possesses. His inability to control his magic leads to significant consequences, especially when facing dangerous magical creatures like the chimera.

How does Simon view his relationships with other magicians?

Simon feels a sense of isolation from other magicians, as they often sense his power and instinctively shy away from him. He longs for connection but finds it difficult to relate to those who have grown up in privileged magical families, like Baz. This dynamic complicates his friendships and his understanding of his place within the magical community.