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ravalyn 's review for:
Howl's Moving Castle
by Diana Wynne Jones
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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:
Complicated
This is the best book by Diana Wynne Jones that I've read thusfar. I read her Chrestomanci series and enjoyed them, but the series has a dark and sinister atmosphere and some very mean characters in them. On the other hand, Howl's Moving Castle is lighthearted and funny, while still having the typical magical atmosphere and the double layer of things that are going on - both of which are characteristically Diana Wynne Jones.
Writing style
The author took writing classes from C. S. Lewis and it shows. In my humble opinion, Howl's Moving Castle reads like a book by Lewis, but better. You could say it reads like a crossover between Lewis and Terry Pratchett. The humor is sublime. No doubt Pratchett was influenced by Jones in his writing. I also enjoyed the many plot twists and new insights into magic throughout the whole book. There are no predictable parts: you never see coming what's next.
Characters
The characters are well written: they have their flaws but are loveable nonetheless. The inhabitants of the castle grow out to be a family. The romance is not your typical love story and I liked that.Sophie can handle the charismatic, but childish Howl; nobody of the women he woed before meeting her would have worked out. Both are equally strong minded and strong with magic in their own unique way. This makes them realistic characters, capable of true love (not in the popular romantic way).
Sophie is very practical but doesn't think things through, which creates many hilarious moments. She is an epic protagonist. You even grow to like Howl, even though he initially seems vain, dismissive, unpredictable and childish. In the end, you can tell from his actions (many of which he keeps hidden) that he is a good and generous man. He is a Chrestomanci-like character: powerful and flawed, but kind and wise in his own way. Grumpy Calcifer - supposedly evil, because he is a demon - turns out to be extremely loveable. He is both hilarious and adorable.
Opinion
I understand why this is Jones' most famous book: I enjoyed every page of it. It deserves a solid five stars.
Apparently, there's a part 2 and 3 to Howl's Moving Castle. I already ordered them secondhand online when I was only halfway through the book - I cannot wait for them to arrive.
Writing style
The author took writing classes from C. S. Lewis and it shows. In my humble opinion, Howl's Moving Castle reads like a book by Lewis, but better. You could say it reads like a crossover between Lewis and Terry Pratchett. The humor is sublime. No doubt Pratchett was influenced by Jones in his writing. I also enjoyed the many plot twists and new insights into magic throughout the whole book. There are no predictable parts: you never see coming what's next.
Characters
The characters are well written: they have their flaws but are loveable nonetheless. The inhabitants of the castle grow out to be a family. The romance is not your typical love story and I liked that.
Sophie is very practical but doesn't think things through, which creates many hilarious moments. She is an epic protagonist. You even grow to like Howl, even though he initially seems vain, dismissive, unpredictable and childish. In the end, you can tell from his actions (many of which he keeps hidden) that he is a good and generous man. He is a Chrestomanci-like character: powerful and flawed, but kind and wise in his own way. Grumpy Calcifer - supposedly evil, because he is a demon - turns out to be extremely loveable. He is both hilarious and adorable.
Opinion
I understand why this is Jones' most famous book: I enjoyed every page of it. It deserves a solid five stars.
Apparently, there's a part 2 and 3 to Howl's Moving Castle. I already ordered them secondhand online when I was only halfway through the book - I cannot wait for them to arrive.