212 pages
English language
Published Nov. 11, 1986 by Greenwillow Books.
Eldest of three sisters in a land where it is considered to be a misfortune, Sophie is resigned to her fate as a hat shop apprentice until a witch turns her into an old woman and she finds herself in the castle of the greatly feared wizard Howl.
Content warning Spoiler for end of book
Lowkey read the book to see if it had been Miyasaki or the original author's intent to have Sophie fall in love with Howl (who stands very much as a spoiled, fickle manchild)...the story and imagery are beautiful, I just still can't get over the author's choice to have Sophie fall for someone she is literally mothering throughout the entire book...
We've had a lot of discussions at home of book v film, and I enjoy the film, but I think of it as an almost completely separate thing. I very much enjoy the book - it is a great readaloud with plenty to get into.
Fun, slapstick, and gross, mixed up identities and perspectives on fantasy and youth.
