I was introduced to Howl’s Moving Castle when I saw the movie years ago. I can’t recall when I first saw it but I do remember that it was enchanting. So when I found out it was a book, I knew I had to read it.

As an adult reading this book, I’m sure my perspective is quite different from a child but I still adored the characters, settings, and the story as a whole.

Sophie Hatter is the eldest of three daughters of a widow. They run a hat shop and Sophie is quite convinced that she will always have misfortune because she is the eldest. She is a very gifted hat maker though this brings down the Witch of the Waste’s anger and she ends up transformed into a little old lady. She leaves the hat shop and makes her way to the castle of the wizard Howl.

Each character is so colorful, fun, and quirky that they really come to life on the page. Calcifer the fire demon is one of my favorite characters in the story (outside of Sophie and Howl of course). For me, the story was about seeing beyond the obvious, learning about oneself, and about the true nature of others and the world. Really, it’s a lot about self. Sophie has to find her way in this new form. This story has one of the most satisfying endings I have ever read. I cheered out loud (waking my husband).

In my opinion, this is a book that will delight adults and children alike. It’s exactly the kind of book that I would love to read with my niece one day.