Summary
Howl's Moving Castle, first published in 1986, is a beloved fantasy novel by Welsh author Diana Wynne Jones. The story follows Sophie Hatter, a young woman transformed into an old crone by a witch's curse, who finds herself embroiled in the magical affairs of the mysterious and flamboyant Wizard Howl. Set in the fantastical kingdom of Ingary, where fairy tale tropes are everyday occurrences, the novel blends whimsical humor with poignant themes of self-discovery and the nature of identity.
Jones' imaginative tale garnered critical acclaim upon release, earning a spot as a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book and an ALA Notable Book for Children. The novel's enduring popularity led to its winning the prestigious Phoenix Award in 2006, recognizing its rise from relative obscurity to become a modern classic of children's literature. Howl's Moving Castle is the first in a loose trilogy, followed by Castle in the Air and House of Many Ways.
While already a treasured work in its own right, Howl's Moving Castle gained even wider recognition through its 2004 animated film adaptation by renowned director Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. The movie, which took some creative liberties with the source material, was a critical and commercial success, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature. This adaptation introduced Jones' charming and complex characters to a new generation of fans, cementing the story's place in popular culture.
Plot
Sophie Hatter, the eldest of three sisters, works in her family's hat shop and believes she is destined for a dull life. One day, she encounters the Witch of the Waste, who curses her by turning her into an old woman. Sophie leaves home and finds her way to the moving castle of the notorious wizard Howl. She strikes a bargain with Howl's fire demon, Calcifer: if she can break the contract between Howl and Calcifer, the demon will return her to her youthful form.
As Sophie settles into life at the castle as Howl's cleaning lady, she learns that Howl is not the wicked wizard he's rumored to be, but rather a vain, cowardly man who avoids responsibility. The castle itself is magical, with a door that opens to four different locations. When the King orders Howl to find the missing Prince Justin and Wizard Suliman, as well as defeat the Witch of the Waste, Howl tries to slither out of these duties, as the Witch is a jilted former lover who has placed a curse on him.
Sophie eventually discovers she has magical abilities of her own - she can talk life into objects. As she grows closer to Howl, the Witch of the Waste lures Sophie into a trap. Howl comes to Sophie's rescue, revealing his love for her by arriving disheveled and ungroomed. He defeats the Witch, but her fire demon attempts to steal Howl's heart, which he had given to Calcifer years ago as part of their contract.
In the final confrontation, Sophie uses her magic to free Calcifer and break his contract with Howl. With his heart restored, Howl destroys the Witch's fire demon. Sophie returns to her youthful form, and she and Howl admit their love for each other. Calcifer, now free, chooses to remain with them, and they all look forward to living happily ever after.
Themes
Self-discovery and personal growth
Subverting fairy tale tropes and expectations
The power of names and identity
Overcoming fear and finding courage
The nature of family and belonging
Magic as both wondrous and mundane
Love and sacrifice
Setting
Howl's Moving Castle is set in a fantastical version of early 20th century Europe, specifically in the fictional kingdom of Ingary. The story takes place across various locations within this magical realm, including the bustling market town of Market Chipping, the seaside city of Porthaven, and the royal capital of Kingsbury. Much of southeastern Ingary consists of a harsh wilderness known as “The Waste,” where the titular moving castle roams.
The novel's setting blends familiar elements of traditional European fairy tales with more modern touches. While magic and wizards are commonplace, the world also features recognizable technologies like cars and trains. This creates an intriguing mix of the magical and mundane. Interestingly, the story also incorporates a portal to our own world, specifically Wales, adding another layer of complexity to the setting.
At the heart of the novel is Howl's mysterious moving castle itself. This fascinating structure serves as both a dwelling and a magical transportation device, with doors that can open onto different locations. The castle's interior spaces shift and change, mirroring the mercurial nature of its wizard owner. This enchanted abode provides a unique and ever-changing backdrop for much of the story's action, embodying the fluid and whimsical nature of the magical world Diana Wynne Jones has created.
Characters
Sophie Hatter: The eldest of three sisters and the main protagonist. Initially resigned to a dull life, Sophie is transformed into an old woman by a witch's curse. She becomes a cleaning lady in Howl's castle and discovers her own magical abilities. Sophie is dutiful and kind, but can also be impulsive and temperamental. Her journey involves overcoming self-doubt and finding confidence in herself and her powers.
Wizard Howl: A powerful but enigmatic wizard with a reputation for wickedness. Howl is vain, charming, and prone to dramatic mood swings. He avoids responsibility and “slithers out” of difficult situations. Despite his flaws, Howl proves to be caring and courageous when it matters most. His true name is Howell Jenkins, and he comes from Wales in our world.
Calcifer: A fire demon bound to Howl through a magical contract. Calcifer is snarky, perceptive, and often cryptic in his comments. He powers the moving castle and agrees to help break Sophie's curse if she can free him from his bond with Howl.
Michael Fisher: Howl's 15-year-old apprentice. Kind-hearted but sometimes overwhelmed, Michael helps manage the castle and Howl's magical business. He is in love with Sophie's sister Martha.
The Witch of the Waste: The primary antagonist, a powerful sorceress banished to the Waste. She curses Sophie out of jealousy and pursues Howl for her own nefarious purposes.
Lettie Hatter: Sophie's beautiful middle sister. She switches places with Martha to study magic and becomes protective of Sophie when she learns of her curse.
Martha Hatter: Sophie's youngest sister. She switches places with Lettie to work at a bakery and is in a relationship with Michael.
Fanny Hatter: Sophie's stepmother. She runs the hat shop after Mr. Hatter's death and arranges apprenticeships for her stepdaughters.
Wizard Suliman: The missing Royal Wizard, originally from Wales like Howl. He becomes entangled in the Witch's schemes.
Mrs. Penstemmon: Howl's former teacher, a powerful and respected witch who worries about Howl's path in life.
Quick facts
The novel was inspired by a young boy who asked Diana Wynne Jones to write a book called “The Moving Castle".
It was first published in 1986 and became one of Jones' most popular works.
The book is the first in a trilogy, followed by Castle in the Air and House of Many Ways.
Howl's real name is Howell Jenkins, and he is originally from Wales.
The novel contains references to works by John Donne, Shakespeare, and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Sophie's magical ability to talk life into objects is a key element of the story.
The book won the Phoenix Award in 2006, recognizing its rise to classic status over time.
Studio Ghibli adapted the novel into an acclaimed animated film in 2004, directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
The character of Howl is modeled on the Byronic hero archetype.
Jones deliberately subverts many traditional fairy tale tropes throughout the novel.
About the Author
Diana Wynne Jones was a prolific and influential British fantasy author who wrote over 40 books for young readers during her four-decade career. Born in London in 1934, Jones had a difficult childhood marked by evacuations during World War II. These early experiences helped fuel her vivid imagination and love of fantasy. She studied English at Oxford, where she attended lectures by C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, further inspiring her passion for myth and magic.
Jones began writing in the 1960s while raising her three young sons. Her first novel, Changeover, was published in 1970. Throughout her career, Jones's books were characterized by inventive magic systems, multiple universes, and witty humor. Some of her most popular works include the Chrestomanci series, the Howl series beginning with Howl's Moving Castle, and The Tough Guide to Fantasyland. Her novels earned critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize and the World Fantasy Award for lifetime achievement.
Known for her sharp wit and creativity, Jones inspired many other notable fantasy authors, including Neil Gaiman and J.K. Rowling. Her works often subverted common fantasy tropes and challenged readers' expectations. The animated film adaptation of Howl's Moving Castle by Hayao Miyazaki introduced Jones's imagination to an even wider audience, becoming one of the most financially successful Japanese films in history.
Jones continued writing until shortly before her death from lung cancer in 2011 at age 76. Her final novel, The Islands of Chaldea, was completed posthumously by her sister. Jones's legacy lives on through her rich body of work, which continues to enchant readers with its boundless creativity and humor. Her unique voice and innovative approach to fantasy storytelling have secured her place as one of the most beloved children's authors of her generation.
