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A review by percys_panda_pillow_pet
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I am so so happy to have the chance to not just read this book, but own it as well. I couldn't believe it when I saw it in my local used bookstore and even did a little jig when I picked it up, to the amusement of a friend haha. I've heard so many great things about this book, and it does not disappoint.
First of all, if you're a fan of the movie, like me, you might have heard that the book is WAY different from the movie and were afraid of not liking it. This is simply not true! While there are a few notable differences in plot, characters, and background lore, the basis is all the same. It is honestly quite similar to how a movie turned into a musical might rework a character or plot point for the stage production, or mix characters together to save time (think Heathers the movie vs the musical or Newsies the movie vs the musical!).
Taking all that into account, it's fair to say that the things you loved most about the movie were from Diana Wynne Jones's hand. Calcifer's personality, the unique setting and worldbuilding, the beloved characters...Miyazaki simply took what Jones had done and turned it into his own thing, obviously taking into account the difference in medium. So while Miyazaki explored the Witch of the Waste's character more, Howl's character wasn't as explored as compared to the book. Don't get me wrong though, both the movie and the book are amazing in their own ways. The way I see it, if they're both a picture puzzle, the pictures are the same, it's just the puzzle pieces that are different. They both have the same basis, the same idea, they just use different pieces to inform the narrative.
And while I can't help but compare the two, you definitely don't need to see/read the one to enjoy the other! Jones's book is wonderful all on its own, without even thinking about Miyazaki's influence. It was such a genuinely delightful read, I loved the way all the characters just fit together in this world. To me, it was believable that out there somewhere is this land where magic is real, people's last names fit their occupation, curses can turn young women into old women, and a castle can roam the land with a door that goes to many different places all at once.
If you are a fan of the movie, I really recommend you give this book a try; and even if you've never even heard of the movie, well, there shouldn't be anything stopping you from reading the book. And, of course, I have to recommend watching the movie after reading the book. I know that's what I'm going to do now, despite this being my, what, 6th rewatch? It's a good movie, and apparently a fantastic book!
First of all, if you're a fan of the movie, like me, you might have heard that the book is WAY different from the movie and were afraid of not liking it. This is simply not true! While there are a few notable differences in plot, characters, and background lore, the basis is all the same. It is honestly quite similar to how a movie turned into a musical might rework a character or plot point for the stage production, or mix characters together to save time (think Heathers the movie vs the musical or Newsies the movie vs the musical!).
Taking all that into account, it's fair to say that the things you loved most about the movie were from Diana Wynne Jones's hand. Calcifer's personality, the unique setting and worldbuilding, the beloved characters...Miyazaki simply took what Jones had done and turned it into his own thing, obviously taking into account the difference in medium. So while Miyazaki explored the Witch of the Waste's character more, Howl's character wasn't as explored as compared to the book. Don't get me wrong though, both the movie and the book are amazing in their own ways. The way I see it, if they're both a picture puzzle, the pictures are the same, it's just the puzzle pieces that are different. They both have the same basis, the same idea, they just use different pieces to inform the narrative.
And while I can't help but compare the two, you definitely don't need to see/read the one to enjoy the other! Jones's book is wonderful all on its own, without even thinking about Miyazaki's influence. It was such a genuinely delightful read, I loved the way all the characters just fit together in this world. To me, it was believable that out there somewhere is this land where magic is real, people's last names fit their occupation, curses can turn young women into old women, and a castle can roam the land with a door that goes to many different places all at once.
If you are a fan of the movie, I really recommend you give this book a try; and even if you've never even heard of the movie, well, there shouldn't be anything stopping you from reading the book. And, of course, I have to recommend watching the movie after reading the book. I know that's what I'm going to do now, despite this being my, what, 6th rewatch? It's a good movie, and apparently a fantastic book!