Howl's Moving Castle

[vivdunstan]

I'm newly reading "Howl's Moving Castle" for the book club I'm in. Never read it, despite reading many Diana Wynne Jones books before. Also never seen the Studio Ghibli movie. However I plan to rectify that after reading the book! The movie is on Netflix, which we have. I was browsing a graphic novel version (volume 1 of 4) of the story this morning in Waterstones, using the images from the film. Managed to resist buying that. But then this afternoon found there is a playing card set based on it (I collect playing cards). Oops. Oh and I plan to watch the movie with the English language dub. The lead voice actor is Jean Simmons, who is one of my favourite acting folks of all time.

Comments

[a_cubed]

I rarely read kid's books (except what I read to $DAUGHTER in the past) but the Howl Trilogy by Diana Wynne Jones is an exception to that rule. The other two (Castle in the Sky and House of Many Ways) are also very much worth reading.

The movie takes only a moderate inspiration from the book. It's a lot of fun in its own way, but nowhere near any kind of faithful adaptation. DWJ loved it, though, by all reports (I'd met her, though couldn't claim to know here, though we have a number of mutual friends - she was moderately active in fandom earlier, but was slowing down by the time I was getting heavily involved).

[vivdunstan]

Thanks. Yes I have one of the sequels already for the Kindle, picked up in a bargain sale. I intend to read both of them. I'm looking forward to watching the movie, and aware of the differences. Very pleased DWJ loved it. Not a Dark is Rising situation then!

[watervole]

The move is good (as is the book), but don't expect the stories to be identical.

[vivdunstan]

Thanks, yes I've been warned by that. Including by fellow book club members who have seen the movie before, and some of which are finding the book too different. I am looking forward to watching it soon :)