Howl’s Moving Castle: a book recommendation
5 out of 5 stars.
Everyone knows this book…or they at least know the Miyazaki film version. I adore Miyazaki–Spirited Away is one of my all-time favorite films–but…I have to say that the film version (though wonderful) is not as good as the book. This book is just PURE MAGIC.
In which a witch bewitched the hatter’s daughter–and then some…
Sophie lived in the town of Market Chipping, which was in Ingary, a land in which anything could happen, and often did–especially when the Witch of the Waste got her dander up. Which was often.
As her younger sisters set out to seek their fortunes Sophie stayed in her father’s hat shop. Which proved most unadventurous, until the Witch of the Waste came in to buy a bonnet, but was not pleased. Which is why she turned Sophie into an old lady. Which was spiteful witchery.
Now Sophie must seek her own fortune. Which means striking a bargain with the lecherous Wizard Howl. Which means entering his ever-moving castle, taming a blue fire-demon, and meeting the Witch of the Waste head-on. Which was more than Sophie bargained for…
Now, don’t get me wrong: I think Miyazaki did a fabulous job, but the magic of the book and the magic of the film feel very different to me. I recommend them both. But I really, really recommend the book. 😉
First of all. Howl.
Let me repeat: HOWL. He is so, so, so swoon-worthy. The very first swoon-worthy, arrogant, short-tempered hero I ever encountered as a child. I was (and still am) utterly smitten.
Second of all. Sophie.
Can we talk about what a kickbutt heroine she is? She starts off as meek as a mouse, but she almost instantly transforms into one heckuva leading lady (incidentally, this coincides with when she transforms into an old lady).
Third of all. Resonance.
I’ve talked about it before–about the subtle layering of a story so that everything comes back in an epic, unpredictable-yet-totally-clever way at the end. You know, so the story resonates. Well, this book has it in droves. Every little, seemingly inane detail comes flying back at the end for a climax of massively brilliant proportions.
I love this book. If you like…well…reading, you will love Howl’s Moving Castle too.
You tell me: have you read Howl’s? What did you think? Have you seen the film?
♥
March 26, 2012 @ 11:05 am
I have been wanting to read this book for sooooo long, really, really must get around to it soon 🙂
March 26, 2012 @ 3:00 pm
Sounds fantastic. I’ll have to give it a try. 🙂 You always give great recommendations.
March 26, 2012 @ 6:04 pm
I love this film so much – and have never read the book (although shamefully it sits on my shelf). Howl is droolable! I don’t know why I love him so much! O_o
However, he did show up in The House of Many Ways – although I was excited, he was a child for most of it so didn’t get to enjoy the Howl part as much ; )
March 26, 2012 @ 8:09 pm
This is one of my favorites! Sophie is so dynamic; I love how being an old woman makes her bolder. And Howl is a hilarious and compelling “hero.” Even though the film is very different in terms of plot, I love it as well. So glad to live in a world where there are two equally excellent versions of Howl’s Moving Castle.
March 26, 2012 @ 8:42 pm
I loved the film, which meant I had to read the book. Imagine my surprise when Howl didn’t turn into a giant birdman hahaha.
But srsly, the book was fantastic. So rich and magical and, as you said, layered. Also it made more sense than the movie, to be honest lol. It took me at least three rewatches for the movie’s plot to make sense. Granted, I did a lot of ogling of Howl so that might explain my slowness =P
March 27, 2012 @ 3:46 am
I read it for the first time recently. Then I read the other two just for the GLIMPSE of Sophie and Howl. Because I love them. I even love the movie, despite how different it is from the book. But I absolutely agree with every point you brought up. It is a book that I will always suggest to anyone!
Not to mention seeing the movie first, I was totally hearing Christian Bale’s voice as Howl, which can only make him MORE swoon-worthy. <3
Mer
<3
Is it July yet???? (Your book comes out DAYS before my wedding and I'm PRAYING they leave me alone long enough to read SSAD!!! <3)