Howl's Moving Castle
by Diana Wynne Jones
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Book Reviews of Howl's Moving Castle
Book Review: An Engaging Tale
Summary: 4 Stars
The story of Sophie Hatter, her curse, and the multitude of relationships that form as a result of her quest to end it form an engaging story. I approached this book from having seen the movie first and was very surprised at how loosely the movie's story was based on the original work.
Diana Wynne Jones has written a children's book set in a land where magic is commonplace and is part of the everyday. While the Castle that moves about of its own accord causes some worry among the populace, its not considered scary or unusual. What this book does very well is build on the relationships it establishes fairly early on. The story itself seems to bounce around quite a bit and I wasn't very impressed with an ending seemed confusing and haphazard...which reduced the impact of the book's climatic scene. That being said, the characters are very memorable and the setting is very well developed.
Book Review: Surprisingly better than the movie.
Summary: 5 Stars
To be honest, when I heard there was a book that Miyazaki's film was based on, I was surprised. I thought the book itself would be no where near as good as the movie. After reading it, I really have to say that the book surpasses the movie by a long shot. It is written extremely well, it is easy to keep up with and really holds your attention. The characters are a bit different in the book compared to the movie, and you also get so much to each of the characters.
If you loved or even liked the Miyazaki production, I would highly recommend reading this book! If you haven't watched the movie but would like to, I'd suggest watching the movie first. Even if you read it first, the story lines are relatively different, as well as some of the characters, so you'll be surprised to see how they are different, especially if you watched the movie first. :)
Book Review: Loved it more than the movie!
Summary: 5 Stars
I never even knew this book existed before Hayao Miyazaki made his film based on it. That movie is truly one of my favorites.....that being said, after I saw the movie and found out it was based on a book by DWJ, I had to read it. I absolutely loved the book.....and after thinking it over, I realized I loved the book more than the film. You get insight into the characters so much more, and Howl's character is so much more lovable and humorous in the book. I also love the different dimensions that were not included into the movie. The thing is, you have to realize that the book and movie are two completely different things; wonderful on their own levels. DWJ's writing is amazingly smooth and witty, for adults and children. I would recommend this book and the sequels very very highly!! I know I will being reading this book and the others to my children one day.Book Review: One of the greatest fantasy novels ever penned.
Summary: 5 Stars
My favorite book from this amazing author and one of my favorite books of all time. Sophie, a meek, mousy eldest daughter (and therefore curse to never be much of anything) is cursed to be a 90-year-old woman by the Witch of the Waste. Finding herself feisty, she barges her way into the magical castle of the vain, drama-queen, heartless Wizard Howl. Sophie finds herself trying to break the contract between Howl and his fire demon, Calcifer, and also finds herself falling for Howl. Amazing, hilarious book, a unique and magical fairy tale with great character and one of the best love stories of all time. A rare book that is a fantastic blend of humor, drama, magic, and mystery. Also made into one of the best movies of all time, from a master storyteller in his own right, Hayao Miyazaki. Also, the book is followed by two wonderful sequels. Grade: A+Book Review: Even better than I expected!
Summary: 5 Stars
I watched the Miyazaki film many years ago, and though I did enjoy it overall I was rather unimpressed with the ending and some of the character development. However, one of my friends had read the book and had suggested I read it. I finally picked this up the other day, and I couldn't put it down! I have to say I didn't expect it to be nearly as enjoyable as I found it. Ms. Jones world is absolutely fantastical and fleshed out in such a way that it quickly moves her story along without seeming to skeletal and unrealistic. She also does an excellent job with giving her characters dimension. If you're looking for an epic fantasy, this is not it - as should be apparent in the book's size. However, if you're looking for that warm and fuzzy feeling from a fairy tale along with a dash of biting humor and raised eyebrows, you won't be disappointed!