My English teacher used to mention this book very often in class back then. I am so glad that I was able to finally read and watch the movie after years of procrastination.

I wasn’t planning on reviewing this book, but since I’ve just finished watching the movie, I wanted to make a few comparisons instead:

• In terms of the plot, a lot of changes were made and as always, I’m open to that. Although, I still think the book was able to deliver a more intact storyline. In the movie, the plot was more climactic, however less organized. Given the 2hr time frame, a lot of things weren’t given clear explanations; It kind of just happened and you just had to deal with it.
• What I did like about the movie though, were the Sophie and Howl moments. We don’t get a lot of that in the book. How I wish!
• Also, movie Howl was so much finer than the book Howl, yes?
• I still think there’s nothing special about the villain—both in the book and in the movie. She didn’t really have a clear motive and wasn’t presented as strongly as I hoped she would be. For me, charismatic villains are the best villains because they leave a huge impression on the reader. The villain of this particular story didn’t have any of that at all.
• And finally Sophie, our beautiful, dear Sophie. Even after watching the movie, I still loved her the same. She deserved that happily ever after.

As a final thought, both the book and movie were unique in their own special way and both were excellent masterpieces. Howl’s Moving Castle was my first Ghibli film and it was a very fantastical, ethereal, and enjoyable experience for me.