A review by maryy_r0se
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
adventurous
funny
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
“I think we ought to live happily ever after.”
18-year-old Sophie Hatter’s life takes an unexpected turn when a curse from a witch transforms her into an old woman. Seeing no other option, Sophie abandons her position at her family’s hat shop and leaves to explore the countryside. In another unexpected turn, she ends up taking shelter within the notorious wizard Howl’s enchanted castle, where she begins working as a maid. Sophie finds herself pulled into a world of enchantments, witchcraft, demons, and political entanglements.
This is your sign to try a book in a genre you don’t typically read! I don’t read fantasy often, but when I do, I love books that have a comforting, fairytale sort of mood. This book felt like a warm hug. I gave it a shot because my partner loves it and I love the Ghibli adaptation, and I’m so glad I did. The characters were lovable and endearing, the Sophie/Howl dynamic was fun and enjoyable, and the setting was just gorgeous. My favorite part was probably the trip to Wales; it really informed the rest of the setting and was such an interesting interlude. This book has inspired me to give more fantasy books a chance, and I definitely want to read the sequels.
18-year-old Sophie Hatter’s life takes an unexpected turn when a curse from a witch transforms her into an old woman. Seeing no other option, Sophie abandons her position at her family’s hat shop and leaves to explore the countryside. In another unexpected turn, she ends up taking shelter within the notorious wizard Howl’s enchanted castle, where she begins working as a maid. Sophie finds herself pulled into a world of enchantments, witchcraft, demons, and political entanglements.
This is your sign to try a book in a genre you don’t typically read! I don’t read fantasy often, but when I do, I love books that have a comforting, fairytale sort of mood. This book felt like a warm hug. I gave it a shot because my partner loves it and I love the Ghibli adaptation, and I’m so glad I did. The characters were lovable and endearing, the Sophie/Howl dynamic was fun and enjoyable, and the setting was just gorgeous. My favorite part was probably the trip to Wales; it really informed the rest of the setting and was such an interesting interlude. This book has inspired me to give more fantasy books a chance, and I definitely want to read the sequels.