Howl's Moving Castle

By: Diana Wynne Jones

Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin

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)

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!

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.

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.

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.

An Enchanting Listen

I had known this title originally as a movie, so on a whim I picked it up during a sale. Naturally it is different from the movie, yet it was still a great experience. The narrator, Jenny Sterlin, does a great job in conveying the tone of the story, matching the perspective of the main character's struggle.

I definitely recommend this title for anyone who enjoys fantasy, or at least those who have fond memories of being read fairy tales!

I love this book! <br />

I must have read this book over a dozen times and the story never gets old. between Howells silly antics and Sophie's stubbornness, makes for a great read. Each of the characters are well developed and the story is both light hearted and captivating. I find myself not wanting to put it down, no matter how many times I have heard it before.

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.

loved it

I absolutely love the story and the narration was well done. I only felt that some of Howl's comments could have been delivered in a more sarcastic tone, but other than that, it was a great experience.

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).

A World to visit Anytime

Love this book! A truly great work of fiction, fantasy, prose and storytelling. Character development is excellent, and will have you ready for more!