Book Review: Howl’s Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones is a timeless classic that I was delighted to revisit as a cozy comfort read. I’d forgotten how truly wonderful this one is!

A BRIEF SUMMARY

Sophie, the eldest of three sisters, finds herself cursed by the Witch of the Waste and transformed into an old lady. Determined to break the spell, Sophie sets off in search of a solution and finds herself at the doorstep of the mysterious Wizard Howl's moving castle. What follows is a delightful adventure filled with eccentric characters, magical encounters, and truly unexpected twists (I’m talking, sentient scarecrows chasing our protagonist and impossibly fast travel to other places with the turn of a knob). We never know what’s going to come next! And ultimately, Sophie must rely on the most feared Wizard of all to help her break the curse.

WHAT I LOVED

One of the standout features of Howl's Moving Castle is its cast of characters, each with their own unique quirks and personalities. From the grumpy yet charming Howl to the hilarious fire demon Calcifer (my personal favorite), every character adds to the story. Sophie herself is a great protagonist, whose journey of self-discovery and empowerment connects with readers of all ages. Even the castle becomes a character in its own right, providing a fun backdrop for everything we experience with the characters as Sophie tries to break her curse.

Howl's Moving Castle is such a joy to read, and is a go-to for cozy and comforting vibes. There’s plenty of action to keep us turning the pages, but there’s an unmistakably fun and warm feeling to the story. It's the perfect book to curl up with on a rainy day or to escape into when you need a pick-me-up. It’s one I reach for when I need to get out of a reading slump.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I give this one 5/5 stars.

Howl's Moving Castle is a delightful read that captures the imagination from beginning to end. With its lovable characters, magical setting, and heartwarming story, it's no wonder that this book has become a beloved classic for readers of all ages. I won’t bother telling you how many times I’ve read this one, but feel free to assume it’s several. No matter your reading mood, Howl's Moving Castle is always a good choice.

Happy reading!