Sarah's Review: Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Howl's Moving Castle book cover © HarperCollins

In Howl's Moving Castle, Diana Wynne Jones writes a tale of self-discovery, weaving a world filled with magic and intent.

Sofie thinks of herself as plain, as nothing more than the first to fail and the last to receive a fortune...if ever. Daughter of a hatter, eldest of her two sisters, she never seems to think of herself as the center of her world. Oblivious to the magic she embeds in snippets of fabric and to the intent she sows into ribbons, Sofie speaks in private to her hats. She has no idea that there is strength in her words as she breathes life into scarecrows.

Without understanding her magic, Sofie can't understand why the Wicked Witch of the Waste would curse her. Sofie doesn't see herself as special, but under the influence of the curse, she sees herself as free. She travels on, the image she built of herself crumbling. Readers will join Sofie on her journey as she finally allows herself to experience life.

Recommended by Sarah P.

Howl's Moving Castle has been adapted into an acclaimed animated film by Studio Ghibli.

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