Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones ★★★★★ I’ve just finished reading Howl’s Moving Castle for the second time in my life. I was introduced to it by a dear college mate of mine who’s been a friend for most of my life. In her good wisdom she had me read the book before letting me watch the movie.
I will say now. I adore both mediums, which must be credited to the nature of the story rather than its details (though both are excellent). I will later do a review on the film, and then a side by side comparison so that my feelings on each take may help the reader or viewer understand why both stories should be appreciated. First off. The main plot of the story is that Sophie Hatter is the eldest of three, and it is said that the eldest of three children will have the least luck, and the youngest the most. Sophie has accepted this as her lot in life, and goes on quite content to be a nobody. That is until she is cursed by the Witch of the Waste to be a frail old woman. After this event she decides to go off and find fortune for herself (what was the worst that could happen since the worst already had?), but she then runs into a heap of inconveniences which leads her to Howl’s moving castle. She is able to secure a place in his home, not at all afraid of his trying to eat her heart as the rumors have said, for she is no longer a young woman, which it seems is his only prey. Sophie, however, unwittingly falls in love with him, and when he starts courting her sister Lettie she is quite fearful her sister’s heart will be broken. It is not until he seemingly starts courting a stranger that she becomes jealous and her true feelings are revealed. It is at this point the Witch of the Waste’s curse on Howl catches up with him, and Sophie discovers that nothing is at all what it seems, and not at all what she thought Howl’s intentions were. They were better. Diana Wynne Jones has done a fantastic job of creating a world where such distinct characters can live. Without overworking the dreaded “world building” she is able to distinguish a land of fancy that is subtly, but obviously different from our own, so that when ours is introduced, we know without having to be told that there is a shift in dimension. Throughout the chapters she tells her story by showing us the things that Sophie thinks, and must endure to adapt to her new situation. We learn and feel with Sophie, hoping for the best on her behalf because we are her secret friend through her journey. Jones is able to weave anticipation through the use of every day living and subtle hints to the underlining danger that will no doubt rear its ugly head at the story’s end. She makes great use of her characters, playing them against each other and building off their interactions so that we are included in on the gossip even though we are only getting one point of view. This is one of those books that I just can’t put down. Though it’s my second time reading it, and I have seen the film many times, this book is one of those I keep in my purse while reading just so I can catch a few sentences in between the things I must do. It keeps me smiling, and enjoying a story I already know, but can’t help but love. For authors it is a good example of using repetition, whether it be in something a character thinks, or says, and especially in the consistency in how characters interact and treat one another. I had a difficult time finding this book in stores until I happened to ask for it at a Barnes & Noble I was passing through for other purposes. It seems a silly thing since my friend only today mentioned she had seen it at Target. Wherever you go for it make sure to look in the juvenile section. It was the last place I thought to inspect with all those blocks, and kid-books in that part of the store where parents can keep their kids entertained and get them interested in reading. Good luck! And enjoy. I always do.
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