(I hesitated about posting this, since Ana (who is without internet at the moment) was so curious about my experience of reading my first Diana Wynne Jones. However, the book seemed the perfect choice for today and I could always redirect Ana to this post later)
Book Blogger Appreciation Week asked us to post about a new treasure today, a book or genre that you have read because another blogger advised you to. I choose to write about my experience reading Howl’s Moving Castle by Dianna Wynne Jones.
Premise: Sophie Hatter is the oldest of three girls and soon realises that as the eldest she is doomed to be a failure. When her sisters leave home for apprenticeships, she stays on in her late father’s hat shop, believing that there is nothing better in store for her. However, an unhappy evil befalls her which makes her have to leave her certain future behind and seek refuge in the castle of the wizard Howl. Howl is a strange man and Sophie is soon caught up in his adventures..
A few months ago, I noticed that Jenny and Ana were talking on twitter about an author they loved and who was ill. I instantly became curious, both Jenny and Ana have impeccable taste in books. So a favourite author of them that I hadn’t heard of could only mean that I needed to start reading her. Sometime later, Jenny decided to host a Diana Wynne Jones Week on her blog. Due to the craziness of an impended 4-month move to Sweden, I couldn’t participate in this week, but Jenny’s and Ana’s enthusiasm for Jones’ books convinced me to read Howl’s Moving Castle. Even though Jenny said that if you loved Harry Potter, this book might be a perfect fit, I have to admit I was a little sceptical. I am not a big fantasy reader, although I am not at all sure why, and this looked like fantasy. A friendly way to start in the genre maybe, but not something I expected to fall in love with.
Boy, was I wrong. I read Howl’s Moving Castle a day after I had to say goodbye to my boyfriend for 4 months and I was in desperate need for a pick me up. This book was a perfect fit. It is light and entertaining, it’s full of humour but never too silly to make you just not care about anything that is happening. Actually, that description might make the book seem a lot less intelligent than it actually is, because to me it was more than just a pick me up. The plot is interesting and remains interesting, there are so many twist and turns and I admit that I saw none of them coming. And I know how sometimes a lot of twists and turns might make a messy end, but Diana Wynne Jones managed to tie everything up in such a satisfactory manner that all I can say is that I’m looking forward to reading many more of her books.
All I can say is, I can’t believe I doubted Jenny and Ana even for a second. And without them, I am sure I would never have read this book.
I suppose by now I hardly need say that positive reviews of Diana Wynne Jones books fill my heart with joy. I’m thrilled you enjoyed Howl’s Moving Castle so much! And I hope you read more of her books, though be warned that they are not all quite so immediately accessible as Howl’s Moving Castle. Some of them you have to read twice in order to love them.
I thought DWJ wrote children’s books until Jenny’s week opened my eyes–anyone you have to reread to appreciate fully is probably not primarily a children’s author!
Same here, I thought it was a kids book.
That is wonderful that you loved the book Iris! I really must read something by DWJ at some point soon
Your post reminded me that I need to read some DWJ! I’ve only watched the Japanese anime by Hayao Miyazaki but I’ve been hearing how good DWJ is for years. I really should read her soon, shouldn’t I?
I’ve been reading DWJ in the past week and am heartbroken that I finished the book, The Dark Lord of Derkholm. I’d been saving it up to read for ages and finally decided to read it for R.I.P.V. I love it already – think it is my favourite of her books apart from Fire and Hemlock (but it’s completely different, so I can have two) and I shall be reading it again as soon as possible!
I read some of DWJ’s early books but nothing since I was a child – I really like the sound of this!
My friend Karen really, really wants me to read this. I’m glad to hear it’s a pick me up sort of book!
I was sad when I heard that DWJ was ill and I even wrote her a letter to tell her that I love Howl’s Moving Castle. I’ve read a couple of her other books and it’s still my favorite. So glad you discovered DWJ! I hope you get to read more of her books. I really liked Howl and Sophie in the companion novel, House of Many Ways.
COOL! This is a huge coincidence. I was looking over the reading list for my sf class for next term, and Howl’s Moving Castle is on the list. I’d never even heard of it, and now I know what it is! I’m even more excited because I’ve intended to read Wynne Jones for a good while now. Exciting!
I think someone said it above, but Miyazaki’s movie based on the book is AMAZING. You must find it and rent it now. It never even occured to me when I saw the movie that it was based on a book, so I guess I need to read it. I would trust Ana’s recommendation for just about anything!
oh I may have to read this!
Ana Ana Ana–on everyone’s blame list (yes, mine too).
I’ve heard her talking about Diana Wynne Jones but it wasn’t until your post today that I knew anything about her. So thank you for the enlightenment. 
Oh yay! I just got a copy of this from Goodwill last month, and I’m saving it for my own move.
Loved the review. I have so many books to add to my reading list.
I haven’t read anything by Diana Wynne Jones yet, but I do love the animation Howl’s Moving Castle! I think I’ve one or two books by her in my pile and I need to get to them soon!
This was near the top of my wishlist (thanks, of course, to Jenny and Ana) and even higher now!
Have you watched the film yet? Perhaps you should comfort yourself some more with that. As someone who did two-years long distance in my relationship, you have my full understanding. It is time for you to grow as an individual though and sometimes that has the very welcome by-product of a strengthened relationship.
DWJ is amazing! So glad you’ve discovered her! I’m still working on her Chrestomanci series – which has some high points and some okay-ish points. But overall I’m thrilled to have discovered her. Howl’s is high up on my list to read next!
I’m so glad (speaking as a DWJ fan) that you enjoyed this!
I wish I like Jones, but I actually didn’t like this book! Sad, I know! Honestly, it has more to do with my inability to escape into it than anything else. I’m always glad though to see that others can enjoy or like something I didn’t, as it proves that we’re all unique and can keep the range of books out there coming, right?
I love Charmed Life, and when I found out that Howl’s Moving Castle was a book (I’ve seen the anime film and loved it) I started looking for it. I haven’t found it in the shop yet but it’s definitely something I want to read soon, along with the rest of the Crestomanci books I never knew existed!
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