Reviews with content warning for Violence - Howl's Moving Castle

This is one of the rare occasions where I liked the movie so much better than the book. Frankly, I feel like the novel is trying too many things at once and ends up being all over the place.

Also, I know this is from the 80s, but Sophie’s main characteristic is that she cleans all the time. Didn’t love that.

I’ll stick to Miyazaki’s version.

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bexi's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

The book is way better than the movie and I will die on that hill.

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peachani's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

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swordspoint's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

TL;DR, content breakdown, and recommendations at the bottom!

Okay, my review may be a bit biased as this has occupied my All-Time Favorite Book slot for 8 or so years now... but I absolutely love Howl's Moving Castle.

The book almost reads like a fairy tale. Set in the land of Ingary, where wizards and witches roam, seven-league boots are well-known, and only the youngest sibling will go on to find their fortune in fairy-tale fashion. Sophie Hatter is an eldest daughter, doomed to a boring life, so it comes as a surprise when she has a run in with the evil Witch of the Waste. Cursed by the Witch, Sophie leaves her home and goes to the only other place that could help- an equally powerful source of magic, the mysterious Wizard Howl, who is said to capture girls and eat their hearts. Of course, nothing goes as she expects, and the plot thickens delightfully as the book goes on.

This is a quick read- partially because it's short and partially because it's so attention catching and funny that it's impossible to put down before finishing it. Diana Wynne Jones' humor is just absolutely unparalleled- that sort of Terry Pratchett-esque wordplay, cleverness, and jabs that make me laugh aloud no matter how many times I've read the book. Her writing is quick and lightheartedly descriptive, comparable in tone to the first book of Harry Potter or one of Eva Ibbotson's books.

If Jones' writing is fantastic, her characters are equally so. Sophie, Howl, Calcifer, and Michael, our main cast, are all distinct personalities with their own flaws, fears, and strengths. The growth of the characters and their relationships is fantastic, because all of the characters are so completely human. They fight, they make mistakes, they tease each other. Sophie is a strong, stubborn heroine who I think is often overlooked as a great female lead.

The plot is surprisingly complex for a middle grade novel- it's one of those books that takes a few rereads to catch all the little pieces of foreshadowing scattered about. It really comes to a head in the last 80 or so pages, plot and tension building until it breaks and ends on a glorious and heartwarming high note. That said, it can be a little confusing on a first read, as it's difficult to see where everything fits together until it all resolves at the end. But, if you're willing to just go along for the ride- it's worth it.

I would absolutely recommend this book. I reread it at least once a year and it never gets old. There are so many fantastic one liners- "I hope your bacon burns," "I'm going to the funeral, probably disguised as another corpse" that just add to an already fantastic work. Read it. Seriously. I need more people to talk about it with.

TL;DR: Absolutely amazing book for all ages with humor, heart, and magic.

Content Breakdown: Some mild fantasy violence and horror. Anyone who has read Harry Potter will be fine with this one.

Recommended For: Lovers of Eva Ibbotson's work, those who like Harry Potter, anyone in need of a lighthearted read, Tamora Pierce fans, folks who fall for the dramatic twink every time... or folks who relate to the dramatic twink.

Favorite Moment: "I assure you, my friend, I am cone sold stober."

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