Usually, these blurbs are about the video games I’m currently playing, but this time they are mainly about the books I’m reading. Books that are the basis of the Ghibli movie “Howl’s Moving Castle”.
You can find the previous ones here if you like these random thoughts.
Christmas Themed Recipes in Animal Crossing
I’ve been busy these past weeks gathering my Christmas-themed recipes in Animal Crossing New Horizons. It might seem strange to you when the game has just celebrated its 5th Toy Day. When decorating my town however I realized I missed a lot of the recipes like the ones for the Illuminated set, the Ornament set and the Festive things. So I made it my mission to check in daily to acquire them and it worked, got them all now.
Looks nice, though, to see my island decked out, even if Christmas is over.
Ghibli Movies and Books
Christmas gifts led me to another hobby: reading. I got a book called Ghibliverse: Studio Ghibli Beyond the Films, a great read for any fan of Ghibli films. I’ve enjoyed them for years, and most of them are available to watch on Netflix. And of course, we went to the cinema to see the latest, The Boy and the Heron. We even went twice!
Ghibliverse taught me that most movies are based on already existing books. One of my favourites, Howl’s Moving Castle, is based on books by Diana Wynne Jones and adapted into a stunning animated movie by Hayao Miyazaki. This British writer wrote mainly children’s books and books for young adults, she also wrote Earwig and The Witch, also turned into a Ghibli movie. According to Wikipedia, she has been an inspiration for writers like Philip Pullman and Terry Pratchett. The latter I can readily believe as the kobolds that feature in the third book sound much like the Wee Free Men in the Tiffany Aching books!
When I downloaded the three books in the Howl series, curious to see how the book held up the movie, I wasn’t disappointed at all. That I’m writing to you about them shows how enthusiastic I am about them!
Howl’s Moving Castle
As this first book in the series is made into a film, you cannot help but compare the two. It’s familiar, sure, but they tell their stories in very different ways. While both versions share the same magical core, they take unique paths in how the story evolves.
The book, set in a richly detailed world inspired by early 20th-century Europe, weaves together complex subplots and a layered magic system. Themes of self-discovery and the quirks of human nature shine through in a humorous and heartfelt way.
Meanwhile, Miyazaki’s film leans into visual storytelling, adding a steampunk flair to the fantastical setting and introducing a stronger focus on anti-war and environmental themes. In the book, the war is mentioned, but no more than that.
The biggest difference to me are the characters of Sophie and Howl. In the movie, Sophie’s ageing is of course much more visually apparent, while in the book you are reminded about it by her trouble getting around. Otherwise, you would almost forget it. She’s also much softer and heroic in the movie, while in the book she is proactive, determined and clever.
In the movie, Howl is a brooding, protective figure, dashingly handsome and oh-so-romantic. The book shows him in a much more realistic manner. He is portrayed as flamboyant and selfish but deeply insecure, and his relationship with Sophie develops gradually. Nice detail; he originates from Wales, like Diana Wynne Jones herself!
During the entire story, you will find differences, the premise is much the same, but otherwise, the background story, Sophie’s sisters, the character of the scarecrow and even that of the Witch of the Waste are very different. What I love in a book is that it offers a satisfying resolution, tying up subplots and character arcs neatly, while the film opts for an open, hopeful conclusion, prioritizing the resolution of its war-focused narrative.
Both versions bring something special to the table—one a witty, character-driven tale, the other a visually mesmerizing and thematically rich experience. Equally great, though, it’s like reading a very new tale of wonder.
Castle in the Air
The second book in the series, Castle in the Air takes you to another magical adventure filled with humour, twists, and a touch of romance. While we are still in the same world, this time, we travel to the Sultanates of Rashpuht to the south. It introduces Abdullah, a humble carpet merchant with big dreams. Abdullah’s life takes a wild turn when he acquires a magical flying carpet that whisks him into an adventure involving genies, princesses, and a castle that quite literally floats in the sky.
If you’ve read the first book and can’t wait to read more of the life of Sophie and Howl, you might be in for a bit of disappointment as almost the entire book is about the adventure of Abdullah. Eventually, though, the writer neatly ties the story to the first book and you get to meet Sophie, Howl and Calcifer again in a surprising way.
The story brims with wit and creativity, blending a fairy-tale-like setting with unexpected turns. Maybe because the story was entirely new to me, I enjoyed it even more than Howl’s Moving Castle.
House of Many Ways
House of Many Ways is the third book, and it’s lovely to return to the enchanting world of Howl’s Moving Castle. This sequel introduces Charmain Baker, a sheltered young woman who suddenly finds herself in charge of her uncle’s magical house while he’s away. The house from Great-Uncle William is full of secrets, with ever-changing rooms, peculiar spells, and a magical library that’s more trouble than she bargained for.
As Charmain stumbles through her new responsibilities, it’s not like Charmain ever learned how to take care of herself: as is appropriate for young ladies, her mother made sure she’s never had to cook, clean or even leave her home much. Now, she’s joined by an eager apprentice wizard, Peter, who annoys her constantly. A little cheeky magical dog named Waif is her constant companion. Together, they uncover a royal mystery, a missing treasure, and even a sinister magical threat.
Like in the second book, you’ll also see the return of beloved characters, including Sophie, Howl, and Calcifer, who play charming roles in the story. And like the second book, I love this one as much. Difficult to put down, and I think, once I’m finished, I’ll read Castle in the Air and House of Many Ways again, this time slowly savouring my journey!
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