Mass Market Paperback, 336 pages
English language
Published Aug. 7, 2001 by Eos.
As the oldest daughter, willful, outspoken Sophie knew that her life could lead to nothing but mistakes. When her father dies, her stepmother sends her two sisters out to make their fortunes while Sophie continues to work in the family hattery. As she whispers her thoughts to the hats she trims, the shop begins to grow in popularity, until she offends the Wicked Witch of the Waste. The witch casts a spell turning Sophie into an old woman. Sophie leaves the shop and happens upon the castle of the Wizard Howl. He has a reputation for finding young women and eating their hearts but that doesn't stop Sophie from moving in and turning the lives of the whole castle, including Howl's apprentice and his fire demon, upside down in a battle against the wicked witch and for Sophie's future.
Fun, slapstick, and gross, mixed up identities and perspectives on fantasy and youth.
I picked this up because I'm so familiar with the Ghibli film, I had to know the source material.
Without bashing the movie, which is wonderful in it's own right, I just have to say that I wish the movie included more of the book than it does. As is normal, the movie changed and omitted a lot, which is unfortunate. The book breathes so much more life into what are already lively characters. Anyone more familiar with the Ghibli movie should definitely give this a read, it paints a much fuller picture of the story.
