Unexpected Wales (Howl's Moving Castle)

[nineveh_uk]

I have just finished Howl's Moving Castle, one of those books that gained prominence a bit late for me to read it as a child. I really enjoyed it - Sophie's attitude is great - and have really only two things to say:

(1) It really is incredibly 1980s Sunday family tea-time drama. As I was reading I could just see it on the screen in place of Narnia or The Box of Delights. I've seen the Ghibli film, but the BBC should definitely still do it.

(2) Where are the Torchwood crossover? Seriously? We suddenly leave the realm of fantasy to go on a trip to the Valleys and yet there are no Torchwood crossovers on AO3? I am shocked. Also, I adored this chapter and backstory. The new computer game beginning "You are in an enchanted castle with four doors." is possibly my favourite line in my entire book, and no doubt now incomprehensible to the average 10 year old reader.

Anyway, it was absolutely charming, I shall be reading the sequel, and I recommend it.

Comments

[mrs_redboots]

I shall look forward to reading the crossover when you have written it!

[nineveh_uk]

Alas, you may need to wait a long time. The WIPs list is terrible as it is!

[white_hart]

It is a delightful book, and also the thing that first introduced me to John Donne. I must have been about 14 when I read it? It was after I'd stopped looking at the children's book sections, but it was published in a "Teen" imprint (even though it isn't a very Teen book, really) and I spotted it there and bought a copy because I loved DWJ.

[nineveh_uk]

I think it's one of those booms that probably has quite distinct things to offer younger children teenagers and adults, as long as it catches the right person at the right age. It's the first Wynne Jones I've reac, I never heard of her until I was 22.

[caulkhead]

I first read it about ten years ago ( I somehow missed Diana Wynne Jones entirely as a child). I'm thinking of buying myself the posh Folio edition for Christmas, because it's become a favourite comfort read, and those are just wrong electronically.

[nineveh_uk]

You should, it looks lovely! I bought the paperback and I'm glad I did because it has illustrations at each chapter heading

[lilliburlero]

I read the book as an adult but before seeing the Studio Ghibli adaptation, which I then watched with the expectation of seeing 1980s Swansea in Ghibli style, doomed to disappointment.

[nineveh_uk]

I watched the Ghibli adaptation a couple of years ago and have to admit I was baffled. I'm not sure I'd be any better off now, plus the disappointment of no 80s Wales.

[caulkhead]

I actually rather like it, but by dint of regarding it as an entirely different entity which has nothing to do with the book except some similarity in names.

[aunty_marion]

Also one of my favourites.

(My tiny claim to DWJ fame is that I have a copy of Castle in the Air in Romanian, which she sent me (via a mutual friend) because she thought I'd like to try reading it!)