Diana Wynne Jones, Gabriele Haefs, I. C. Salabert: Howl's Moving Castle (1986, Egmont Books)
160 pages
English language
Published Nov. 11, 1986 by Egmont Books.
As the oldest daughter, willful, outspoken Sophie knew that her life could lead to nothing but mistakes. When her father dies, her stepmother sends her two sisters out to make their fortunes while Sophie continues to work in the family hattery. As she whispers her thoughts to the hats she trims, the shop begins to grow in popularity, until she offends the Wicked Witch of the Waste. The witch casts a spell turning Sophie into an old woman. Sophie leaves the shop and happens upon the castle of the Wizard Howl. He has a reputation for finding young women and eating their hearts but that doesn't stop Sophie from moving in and turning the lives of the whole castle, including Howl's apprentice and his fire demon, upside down in a battle against the wicked witch and for Sophie's future.
It was easy to notice the elements of this story that inspired the Ghibli film, but the themes were quite different, with more focus on fate and the strengths of age. I enjoyed the characters and the story, and found the plot more cohesive than the film. As a whole, it's a fun fantasy that subverts expectations beautifully.
Beautifully written, with adventure and love
This book is great! It’s exciting and adorable. I’ll have to rewatch the movie.
Dur dur de détacher le film du livre pour le coup tellement le film m'avait marqué. Les deux sont assez différents mais se complètent en un sens, l'histoire ici creuse les personnages plus en profondeur, et crée un univers unique autour du château ambulant. Un très bon moment, enchanteur, et assez poétique :)
