Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Howl's Moving Castle
Book Review: Doesn't take itself seriously even as it delights with humor, magic, and skewers Fairy Tale conventions
Summary: 4 Stars
I picked up the novel this month because I enjoyed Miyazaki's film of it so much. I had read somewhere that the film didn't follow the novel exactly, so I wanted to see where the differences lay.
As it turns out, I loved the differences in the novel (and the fleshing out of Sophie and her family situation). Each-film and novel--offer something a bit different, but essentially, it's the story of a cursed Sophie (the Witch of the Waste, beautiful in the novel, a strange and fat big-headed creature in the film), who is turned into an old woman by the jealous witch. Sophie wanders off, liberated by her new old body, and encounters Howl's castle, which, in fact, IS mobile, as well as able to open out to different parts of the land at the turn of a knob. Multi-locatory?
The novel (like the film based upon it) is full of people who are under some sort of curse/spell--Sophie, Howl, Calcifer, the scarecrow. But the novel adds other characters, and in so doing, becomes more complex and more interesting for it.
Eventually, as in all good fairy tales, things get sorted out. It's in caring about imperfect characters and the outcome of their trials that one has delight. Diana Wynne Jones employs a sort of blithe, even tongue-in-cheeky voice that is a delight to read. All age groups can enjoy this novel. (For concerned parents, no cussing or naughtiness, so it's a safe read.)
One thing the movie had that the book doesn't--and that I actually really enjoyed in the movie--is the "beast" aspect for Howl (in the novel, he doesn't turn into a weird flying monster), and the "love thy enemies" and compassion that is bestowed on the Witch of the Waste. Wynne Jones doesn't turn the Witch soft and senile. So, as I said, there are merits to the anime interpretation, which allows for transformation of the more extreme sort and a kinder message of forgiveness.
In the novel, family problems play a larger role, and so does the apprentice. Romance definitely colors the air. And Howl and Sophie both have growing up to do.
It's a fine novel and a fine film, and both should give you great enjoyment. I recommend you get/watch/read both.
Mir
Book Review: EXCELLENT!
Summary: 5 Stars
The book was most definately excellent, but everything is slumped into the end...was annoying but other than that excellent book...Book Review: Enchanting, simply enchanting!
Summary: 5 Stars
Before the movie came out on DVD I wanted to read the novel. I know what the movie is about and I heard it was "loosely based" on the novel.
Little did I know that the novel was so delightful! As much as I love Miyazaki films, I don't think he could have wrapped up all the delightful parts for his readers in 2 hours or so. For those who have not seen the movie, I think the two can remain separate (meaning you can partake in one and not the other and be equally satisfied) because from what I read of Miyazaki's interviews, the movie goes along very different focuses and themes.
What I found the most enchanting about the book were the rich characters. I don't think any movie could ever do it justice, Miyazaki or not. Howl seems to be the absolute opposite of what a hero should be, but he does grow on the reader and he's really not quite as clueless and self-absorbed as he leads others to believe. And Sophie is the spunky heroine that I thought she would be, although flawed and imperfect, she is very human and this makes her admirable.
It's an easy 300 some pages to read and I finished it in a day (laughter occupied some time, and I reread the ending 2x). It brings back familiar themes of fairytales from childhood and evokes some nostalgia on the reader's part. There's an evil witch, a hero and heroine, rich people and poor people, the working middle class and royalty. But the author is a riot in the way she says things so simplisticly, matter-of-factly and sarcastically. She's very witty throughout, which makes it such an entertaining read!
In this book there are surprises around the bend, and nothing is as it appears. All in all I think people of all ages can and should read this book, though notably it is in the young reader/independent reader/teen section. My only complaint is that it wasn't long enough to satiate my interest, and the denoument cuts off rather abrutly. But you can be the judge of how much romance you need in your life to be satisfied.
Book Review: Everyone should read this magnifcent book!
Summary: 5 Stars
When I first picked up Howl's Moving Castle, Diana Wynne Jones was already one of my favorite authors. I had torn through her Chrestomanci and Dalemark books, as well as Dogsbody and The Dark Lord of Derkholm. However, I just couldn't begin this book. I tried harder to start it. Then I realized how absolutely incredible it is!The characters in the story are very realistic and have great personalities. Howl is arrogant and conceited, Michael is quiet, and Calcifer is ... Calcifer. The story jumps to different dimensions, like the worlds of Chrestomanci (it doesn't take place there, though.) Howl's Moving Castle is now my #1 favorite book, and if I had to name the worst part of it, I would say it was when it ended. I reccommend this book to all fans of the fantasy genre.
Book Review: Exciting Adventure
Summary: 5 Stars
Howl's Moving Castle is an excellent fantasy story. It deals with Sophie, the oldest of three sisters. She believes, as the oldest of the three, she is doomed to a bad fate. One day her father, a hat seller, dies and leaves the girls with their step-mother. The youngest goes to live with a witch to learn magic. The second sister goes to work at a bakery. Sophie is stuck with the hat shop. One day, an evil witch, the Witch of the Waste, comes in and without explanation turns Sophie into an old woman. Sophie decides to leave the hat shop and find her own destiny. After leaving the town, she runs into a huge moving castle. This castle belongs to Wizard Howl who is know to steal the souls and eat the hearts of young girls. Believing herself to be too old for Howl's morbid tastes, she decides to enter the castle. Perhaps Wizard Howl can lift the spell she is under. This begins Sophie's adventure.For fans of fantasy, this is an excellent book. Diana Wynne Jones is an excellent storyteller. Also, for fans of Japanese animation, Hayao Miyazaki's next film will be based on this book. Be sure to read this before watching the movie. I'm sure you'll love reading it as much as I did.