Here’s another book that I’ve been meaning to read since I saw the movie inspired by it. Admittedly, with the current shutdown, I listened to it thanks to someone kindly uploading the audiobook on YouTube.
In the kingdom of Ingary, there lived three sisters. In this world of magic, it is understood that the two younger sisters shall make their way quite well in the world. But the eldest, Sophie Hatter, has the unfortunate business of being doomed to never succeed or properly make a splendid life for herself. However, it would appear that fate has other ideas. One day when Sophie is alone in the family hat shop, the notorious Witch of the Waste comes in and curses the eighteen-year-old Sophie to become a ninety-year-old woman.
During the initial shock of this change, Sophie decides to set out to seek her fortune, despite the guaranteed failure since she is the eldest. So, she wanders into the countryside where she runs into the imposing, moving castle of a wizard. Despite the rumors of how dangerous Wizard Howl is, Sophie hires herself as his cleaning lady. Over time, she befriends Howl’s fire demon, Calcifer, and Howl’s apprentice, Michael. But what are all these secrets about the castle? What is this contract that Calcifer wishes to break? What happened to the Royal Wizard Suliman and the King’s brother, Prince Justin? Why does the Witch of the Waste pursue Howl so ardently? And can Sophie ever get her curse broken?
I was first intrigued by this tale when a few years ago I seemed to see it popping up everywhere that I was visiting on my internet strolls. Believing it to just be a movie, since that was most of what I was seeing, I tried to maybe find it on YouTube to watch and see what the “fuss” was about. No luck. But then, sometime last year, I spied the DVD at a local library and decided to finally appease my curiosity. Thus I was introduced to Howl’s Moving Castle and Studio Ghibli at the same time.
Though I wasn’t used to the blatant magic and a couple incidents, I warmed to the characters and enjoyed the subtle romance. But I will confess, having even a basic knowledge of the book goes a long way in understanding just what is happening, especially as the film reaches its climax and ending scenes. I won’t go into too much detail because they are spoilers for both sources, and I must make myself step away from the film so I can talk about the book.
As tends to be true for most, there are quite a few more characters in the book. While I could keep track of them most of the time, I will confess to getting Sophie’s younger sisters, Lettie and Martha, a little confused. Though it was really only of who was the elder of the two and minor details. But this was most likely due to the fact I was listening to an audiobook and didn’t have a hardcopy in my hand to properly absorb and check for personal understanding.
The characters are each endearing in their own way. Michael is dedicated to his apprenticeship and the lady he is courting. Calcifer and Howl seem to echo each other in both being somewhat self-absorbed, but over time, Howl starts to show signs that he truly cares about others around him. Sophie while initially very mild gradually starts to show her feisty side as well as an occasional temper. (A part of me wants to say it’s understandable considering what and who she has to put up with, but being the main character of the story and thus heroine, it sits a little uneasy with me.)
Howl’s Moving Castle was written by Diana Wynne Jones. She shares this magical adventure within twenty-one chapters (each with their own title) over 212 pages (at least in its first edition). How much would I recommend this book? I’m wavering on that. A couple characters use some swear words, albeit somewhat mild to what other young adult novels may have nowadays. But still concerning for a Christian reviewer. And while I don’t have an issue with magic, I know that some people don’t like it. I’ll give the book four magic brewing dragons out of five.
So, if you enjoy magic and the subtlest of romances, I believe that this could be a good book for you. If you have watched the film and found yourself scratching your head, read the book and see if it maybe makes better sense. If you’ve read the book and have yet to see the film, I’d invite you find the film and give it a chance. Personally, if I were to choose between the book and the film, I would choose the film. The character growth is clearer and while the film refuses to pin any character down as the main villain (unlike the book), it seems more satisfying somehow. And this could even be because, once again, I was listening to the audiobook and thus didn’t have the freedom of tracking such things.
Well, until next time.
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