Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones Book Review

A Cosy Fantasy Classic for All Ages

I watched the Hayao Miazaki anime when it first came out back in 2005 and enjoyed it very much and have rewatched a few times since. Yet it has taken me far too long to take the time to read the novel by Diana Wynne Jones (originally published in 1986) which eventually went on to win the Phoenix Award as well as the well-known anime adaptation. The book is slightly different to the anime, so if you loved watching it, you can still get a little more from reading it too.

Billed as a children’s fantasy novel, Howl’s Moving Castle follows Sophie, a hatter and the oldest of three, who is cursed by a witch and reluctantly seeks the aid of the mysterious woman-eating wizard Howl. It’s a heart-warming and quaint tale of growth and acceptance and is equally as earnest and endearing as the anime adaptation yet goes a little deeper into the characters. I enjoyed all the characters much more because of this and, while it is a gentle story, was still invested. Considering the themes threaded through the narrative, as an adult reader, I still feel I got a lot out of it and there is plenty of the wry humour that comes with old age.

I have many favourite characters in the book, but don’t want to spoil it for anyone who has not seen the anime, but it’s safe to say the main protagonist, Sophie, is a joy to follow as she progresses through her arc of growth and change. Overall, the story gives the reader a few laughs and plenty to think about in its cosy, delightful manner. There’s plenty of magic and silliness for young adults, some gentle new adult themes as 18-year-old Sophie sets off into the world to find her fortune, and even some thoughts on growing old. A well-rounded, expertly paced fairytale.

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