Howl’s Moving Castle has become a worldwide phenomenon, thanks in large part to Studio Ghibli’s beloved film adaptation. The novel has been on my radar for quite some time; however, it wasn’t until two years ago, when my fiancé and I stumbled upon the second book in the series at a pre-loved bookshop in Silang, Cavite, that we decided to collect the entire trilogy.
The story follows Sophie Hatter, whose life initially feels like something out of a Cinderella tale. After her father’s death, she is left to live with her stepmother, Fanny, and her two stepsisters. One unfortunate day, the Witch of the Waste visits the family’s hat shop and places a terrible curse on Sophie, transforming her into an old woman. Unable to tell anyone about the curse, Sophie sets out in search of a way to break the spell, a journey that eventually leads her to the infamous Wizard Howl.
I absolutely fell in love with this book. The simplicity of its storytelling was one of its greatest strengths. It was accessible without feeling shallow, the world-building was rich without being overwhelming, the magic was delightfully imaginative, and every character brought something memorable to the story.
I’m so glad I finally picked up this book. I can’t wait to continue with the remaining two novels in the series and discover what other adventures await.
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