A review by djinnandtea
Charmed Life by Diana Wynne Jones

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I've probably read this book a half dozen times, and it still, generally, delights me. I will admit to finding it less engaging on my most recent go around, some of the magic a little dulled with age and exposure (also Gwendolyn really is a foul little girl), but Chrestomanci and his supporting cast are such compelling figures, and I’m still so dedicated to Cat. I enjoy this world immensely, I enjoy Chrestomanci immensely. Jones writes him with such flair and humor, and this book truly changed the way I think of the word “vague” even now, years later. 

I saw someone on Tumblr discuss the inherent classism of this book, which is a thing I can’t really unsee now, and I think it’s important to mention here. It’s also a book of its time. Adults sometimes speak harshly to children (calling them or their actions stupid) and there are a few moments of physical punishment (a character is spanked with a boot, another “boxed” twice on both ears). I don’t think it devalues the story, but it does take me out of the joyful experience of reading it when these moments occur, and it could understandably be off-putting to other readers.
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