Howls
Moving Castle – Book Review
Diana
Wynn Jones
YA
Fantasy
Synopsis:
In which
a witch bewitched the hatter's daughter--and then some…
Sophie lived in the town of
Market Chipping, which was in Ingary, a land in which anything could happen,
and often did--especially when the Witch of the Waste got her dander up. Which
was often.As her younger sisters set out to seek their fortunes Sophie stayed
in her father's hat shop. Which proved most unadventurous, until the Witch of
the Waste came in to buy a bonnet, but was not pleased. Which is why she turned
Sophie into an old lady. Which was spiteful witchery. Now Sophie must seek her
own fortune. Which means striking a bargain with the lecherous Wizard Howl. Which
means entering his ever-moving castle, taming a blue fire-demon, and meeting
the Witch of the Waste head-on. Which was more than Sophie bargained for...
Review:
Howls Moving Castle has always been, and I imagine always will be, one of my favourite childhood books. Written by the late Dianna Wynn Jones who, sadly, passed away a few years ago, it is a magical tale of friendship, sorcery and mayhem.
Howls Moving Castle has always been, and I imagine always will be, one of my favourite childhood books. Written by the late Dianna Wynn Jones who, sadly, passed away a few years ago, it is a magical tale of friendship, sorcery and mayhem.
The story follows the
life of Sophie Hatter, a plain, non-descript girl who is content to live her
life according to the plans of her mother. But then, after a run in with a
witch she is put under a powerful spell that changes her into old women. Afraid
of what people will think and uncertain of what the future will old for her,
Sophie sets off to the wastes to find Howl, a legendary wizard who is notorious
for eating the hearts of beautiful girls.
Yet finding Howl, Sophie
is surprised to find that he’s nothing like the heart-eating monster she
expected. Vain as a peacock, this strange Wizard from the land of Wales spends
more time dying his hair and removing wrinkles then doing magick. Yet living
with Howl is far from dull. Along with his apprentice, Michael, and the fire
demon, Calcifer, Sophie finds her life now full of catastrophes, changing doors
and magically induced chaos. Yet before she can be rid of her own spell, Sophie
must first find a way to help Howl break his…
I truly love this book.
Set in a far off, magical world where there are seven league boots, love
potions and moving castles, this book is bursting with fairytales and fantasy.
With beautiful descriptions and captivating prose, it will hold you spell bound
for hours.
The plot is exciting and
its conclusion interesting. Full of twist and turns, I liked watching how the
character’s developed, and enjoyed reading the strange and unique ways each of
their problems were solved.
Not only is each
character distinctive, but I loved how well Sophie fitted into her role as an
old women. I also liked how with the loss of her youth she loses her inhibitions
and as the story goes on, voices what she really thinks rather than saying what
others want to hear.
Howl is also hilarious
and you can’t help but like him. Watching the relationship between him and
Sophie develop is so entertaining and as couples go they fit each other so
well. Calcifer however, probably remains my ultimate favourite of the cast.
He’s witty and interesting and the plot around him is full of knots and tangles
that are fun to unravel.
Ultimately this is an
amazing work of children’s fiction that will challenge your imagination and
leave you awestruck. Although Diana Wynn Jones may be gone, I like to think
that she still lives on through her books which continue to inspire and
captivate children throughout the world. Fantastical, inspiring and beautifully
written, ‘Howls Moving Castle’ is a
must read. 5 stars!
