 | Howl's moving castle (World Of Howl) Author: Jones, Diana Wynne | |
| Price: $8.19 | ||
Summary:
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.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: UG Reading Level: 5.40 Points: 12.0 Quiz: 29765 |
Reviews:
School Library Journal (00/08/86)
Booklist (09/15/17)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/06/86)
The Hornbook (00/05/86)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 02/01/2017 *Starred Review* In a witty, rollicking fantasy, Sophie, the eldest of three daughters, knows that, according to fairy-tale convention, she’s expected to fail first and worst when she sets out to seek her fortune, so she doesn’t even try. She becomes increasingly fearful and withdrawn—until a witch’s curse turns her physically into the old woman she has psychologically become. In that disguise she does find the energy and courage to hobble out into the unknown. Feisty, curious, and determined, she moves into Wizard Howl’s moving castle, a complex world that open onto four different dimensions, many quests and enchantments, and a wonderful host of interrelated characters—human, animal, and inanimate. Splendidly handsome and powerful, Howl is reputed to suck the souls from young girls; but he doesn’t intimidate the “aged” Sophie, who (even as she falls in love) sees that he’s messy, fickle, hysterical, vain (two hours in the bathroom), and vulnerable. “Slitherer-outer!” she castigates him for evading responsibility. “Bossy . . . nosy . . . snoop!” he glares back. The fantasy is elaborate and clever, combining wild magic with cozy domesticity. The language ranges from the poetry of John Donne (“Go and catch a falling star”) to the most casual speech (“the headless figure . . . was getting on her nerves”). Jones’ exuberant comedy and joy in her characters celebrate all the mixed, multiple, and echoing identities; and though the spells are eventually lifted and Howl and Sophie may live happily ever after, it will not be according to any predictable stereotype. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.
