Paperback, 304 pages
English language
Published Nov. 24, 2000 by HarperCollinsChildren'sBooks.
As the oldest daughter, willful, outspoken Sophie knew that her life could lead to nothing but mistakes. When her father dies, her stepmother sends her two sisters out to make their fortunes while Sophie continues to work in the family hattery. As she whispers her thoughts to the hats she trims, the shop begins to grow in popularity, until she offends the Wicked Witch of the Waste. The witch casts a spell turning Sophie into an old woman. Sophie leaves the shop and happens upon the castle of the Wizard Howl. He has a reputation for finding young women and eating their hearts but that doesn't stop Sophie from moving in and turning the lives of the whole castle, including Howl's apprentice and his fire demon, upside down in a battle against the wicked witch and for Sophie's future.
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.
