4.5/5 stars — lyrical, whimsical, and brimming with adventure

Like Neil Gaiman's Coraline, which I read last month, I somehow made it nearly three decades without picking up this classic. I'm thrilled I got around to it! I saw the Miyazaki film when I was in my teens but honestly wasn't quite clear on what was happening half the time. In the novel, some components of the story are still absurd (everyone being terrified of the scarecrow, for instance), but there's more context to help me understand. In short, both film and book are excellent, but evidently I need things spelled out for me...literally. Next time I take a stab at watching the movie, I'm sure I'll love it!

Howl's Moving Castle was whimsical and touching, with prose halfway between literary and a fairy tale. Sophie was lovable, Howl was infuriating, and Calcifer was alien yet adorable. I enjoyed the dynamic between irascible old-lady Sophie and quick-tempered Howl, and I loved how their relationship shifted so slowly no one (reader included) noticed it happening. Most of all, I liked that amid all the curses and magical doors and talking fire demons, this was a story about Sophie figuring out she could choose her own fate as long as she stopped consigning herself to the 'dutiful eldest daughter' box.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys quirky fantasy—but let's be real; everyone except me has probably read this already. Diana Wynne Jones is famous for a reason, folks! This is a sweet, fun, moving book full of beautifully unique characters. It's absolutely worth your time.