I actually avoided reading this book for a long time because the Ghibli film means a lot to me. I heard the book was really different from the film, and somehow I thought that reading the book would take away some of my enjoyment for the film.

I finally decided to pick up the novel on a whim and I’m SO glad I did! Yes, it’s different from the Ghibli version, but it’s a beautiful story on its own.

I loved the fairy tale angle of Sophie’s journey and her relationship with Howl is told with such humour. The story just left me feeling happy and warm. It’s the perfect ‘cosy’ read for me.

Of course I still love the film and I now I also love the book!

Synopsis: In the magical world of Ingary, fairy tale rules apply. Sophie Hatter believes that adventure is out of her reach, as she is the eldest of three sisters, and we know from fairy tales that the eldest of three is always doomed to fail. But unbeknownst to herself, Sophie draws the ire of the powerful Witch of the Waste and is cursed to become an old woman. Despite being the eldest daughter, Sophie figures she doesn't have anything else to lose and sets out on a journey to break the curse. She finds her way to a magical moving castle inhabited by the wizard Howl, where she takes up a position as cleaning lady.

Striking up relationships with a menagerie of characters, including the fire demon Calcifer and Howl’s teen-aged apprentice Michael, Sophie slowly unravels the mysteries surrounding Howl, the Witch of the Waste, and her own powers.