Howl's Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I had to read this book. This is the favorite book of one of the best readers here at Union Middle School. She routinely picks this book off the shelf in between reading other books. I had to know what the attraction was. I must admit, I could see immediately why this book has such a hold on her. Diana Wynne Jones makes this most unique fantasy come alive. Sophie, the heroine, is turned into an old woman by the wicked witch of the waste. She quietly leaves the hat shop where she works with her stepmother, and ends up at the castle of the sorcerer Howl. Howl has a reputation of stealing the souls of young girls. The curse of being an old woman changes Sophie. Her personality comes alive. She becomes an outspoken,delightfully pushy old woman. As such, Sophie is able to work her way into the castle and becomes Howl's cleaning lady. She meets his apprentice Michael, and his fire demon, Calcifer. The story has many magical elements, including the "Moving Castle" which moves across the countryside. Sometimes it is hard to follow with so much magic going on, but it Wynne has a way of making magic seem believable. Truly a fun read.



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