Cj answers “How does it compare to the movie? It's a...”

QNPoohBear asked this question about Howl’s Moving Castle (Howl’s Moving Castle, #1):

How does it compare to the movie? It's a favorite of my oldest niece (now "almost 6") but I wasn't enamored with it.

Cj I believe the movie is a bit more whimsical than the book. In my mind the movie is better suited for those who want a specific feel to a story; that b…moreI believe the movie is a bit more whimsical than the book. In my mind the movie is better suited for those who want a specific feel to a story; that being light hearted and almost nostalgic in depiction.

The book is more focused on laying out characters, backgrounds and relationships, but does so in a very real way. I think Howl himself is a bit darker and Sophie is given a huge amount of detail into her personality.

They are both great, and hold up for very different reasons. If you are a fantasy novel fan leaning towards the mysterious and unexplained wizardry of European-esque tales the book will not disappoint. If the flowing animation, music and colors of the movie is what brought you to the party, not an interest in Howl or Sophie as intelligent and real characters, then stay with the movie.(less)

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Howl’s Moving Castle

by Diana Wynne Jones

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