I originally read this to study alongside the film as part of my degree and found it an absolute gem of a book, which I actually ended up preferring to the studio ghibli film!
The characters are extremely lovable, and Diana Wynne Jones has a real knack for natural, funny dialogue, and not only does Sophie, the protagonist, have some great old woman lines, but I particularly laughed out loud at Calcifer and his sarcastic humour.
Packed full of wacky and random descriptions, this is a wonderful, light hearted read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I really liked the sisterly dynamic between Sophie, Lettie and Martha and the underlying feminist messages that seemed to be lost in the film in favour of the added war narrative that wasn’t present in the book.
Sophie is much more headstrong and independent which I love and her relationship with Howl develops much more naturally than in the film where at times it seems forced.
I much preferred the book location of the black knob on the castle door: in the film it is where Howl goes to fly as a bird-man and fight battles but in the book it simply leads to a mundane Welsh housing estate where Howl is Howell to his non-magical family and wears a common welsh rugby shirt. I think this contrast to his life as a wizard in Ingary is so much richer than the film and adds more layers to Howl’s character.
There was a slightly abrupt ending which was a bit weird for me but I think that is probably because I am not used to children’s literature conventions. Everything is tied up plot-wise however, so it is still satisfying.
Overall, a whimsical and lovely novel suitable for children but also older readers searching for a bit of easy escapism, I will definitely be buying a physical copy to own and read again.