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Howl's Moving Castle  By  cover art

Howl's Moving Castle

By: Diana Wynne Jones
Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin
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Publisher's summary

A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book and ALA Notable and Best of the Year in Young Adult Fiction, Howl's Moving Castle is by acclaimed fantasy writer Diane Wynne Jones and was transformed into an Academy Award nominated animated motion picture by Hayao Miyazaki. On a rare venture out from her step-mother's hat shop, Sophie attracts the attention of a witch, who casts a terrible spell transforming the young girl into an old crone.

©1986 Diana Wynne Jones (P)2008 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"A wonderful blend of humor, magic, and romance." ( Publishers Weekly)

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What listeners say about Howl's Moving Castle

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Nothing like the Movie-The book is so much better!

What made the experience of listening to Howl's Moving Castle the most enjoyable?

I watched the movie with my kids and was struck that some movie events did not relate to each other. A sure clue that the book has been selectively abridged for the screenplay. The book's story and movie actually are two entirely different stories that cover the same characters and some events. This book is great! The movie now disappoints, even though it was an Academy Award nom. Ghibli films are always well done, but Ms. Jones wrote a much better book!

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31 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Story

Age has no barriers to enjoying this story. If you enjoy any of Terry Prachett Disc world stories you will enjoy this book.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Felt like an old fairy tale.

Would you listen to Howl's Moving Castle again? Why?

I already have. Because it's understated, but still really moves.

What did you like best about this story?

Watching the characters grow without them realizing how they were changing.

Which character – as performed by Jenny Sterlin – was your favorite?

Howl. He was hilarious--he never said anything nice, but was one of the kindest, wisest characters.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The happily ever after she was never looking for.

Any additional comments?

I can't even remember why I bought this. I had never heard of it or the author before. But I love, love, love it. The characters, in a magical and unrealistic setting, are very real and accessible and likable. The plot is unexpected and exciting.

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2 people found this helpful

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Absolutely wonderful

I love this story. The book is extremely different from the movie but both are absolutely beautiful. I love grouchy, headstrong, nosey Sophie; and I love fickle, childish Howl. It makes me laugh out loud, and I smile as I work listening to it.

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top notch narrator, very enjoyable book

This narrator is the best I've heard! We bought the audiobook because we loved the Miyazaki movie of the same. Very happy to have spent the hours in the world of Sophie, Howl, and company.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic! Better than the movie.

Well paced book, great story, wonderfully narrated, nice wrap-up (do not worry that you may need the series to get an ending).

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Creative

It's true, somehow the book was even better than the movie (which is fantastic). I completely adored every moment of it! Credit well spent

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  • Ty
  • 11-03-17

What Fun!

I really enjoyed this book. Even more so than the movie. Which might be saying a lot.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Totally different from the movie

What made the experience of listening to Howl's Moving Castle the most enjoyable?

Jenny Sterlin you are a rockstar! I loved her performance! I was worried at first because I was worried a woman trying to sound like a man would detract from the performance. It did not.

What other book might you compare Howl's Moving Castle to and why?

Howl's Moving Castle is very unique I don't really think I could compare it to anything else.

Which character – as performed by Jenny Sterlin – was your favorite?

Sophie is definitely my favorite character. She is such a great example of someone who rises above her circumstances. She could have given up and she did not.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I am fairly certain some of my fellow commuters thought I was a little off because of how much I laughed and smiled at Howl and Sophie's antics.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful BOOK!!

Would you consider the audio edition of Howl's Moving Castle to be better than the print version?

Since I haven't read the printed version I don't know. But I loved listening to this book. I bought three more by this author! I'm sad their will be no more books.

What about Jenny Sterlin’s performance did you like?

Great Job from Jenny Sterlin! I would listen to her again any time.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES! and I did.

Any additional comments?

This was one of the best books I have bought on sale from Audioable! I have bought over 200 books and this is one of my favorites after one listen.

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