“Before there was Harry Potter and JK Rowling, there was Diana Wynne Jones. The first book I read from this talented fantasist was Howl's Moving Castle which was made into the popular anime of the same title by Hayao Miyazaki.I loved reading Howl, so I instantly grabbed this book when I saw it at Book Sale.
The Lives of Christopher Chant is an engaging young adult fantasy story set in London. The young Christopher Chant's only escape from his dysfunctional magical family is through his dreams. While everyone is asleep, Christopher sets off into adventures to alternate worlds he calls the Anywheres. Here, Christopher meets mermaids and snake charmers, and makes friends with a real live Goddess-girl who loves reading books. His travels get even more exciting when his Uncle Ralph learns of his gift and asks him to go on "experiments" in the Anywheres with a spirit-traveller named Tacroy. Christopher enjoys these excursions, until his father whisks him away to Chrestomanci Castle. His father has learned that Christopher has nine lives and has planned his whole life out for him. Christopher is to be the next Chrestomanci - one of the most powerful enchanters in the world who is tasked to make sure that magic does not fall into disuse. Unwilling and frustrated, Christopher tries his best to break the rules in the Castle, and loses some of his lives in the process. He soon learns though that the magic world is in peril from a criminal organization headed by "the Wraith". Christopher is the only one which can save this magical place...but how can he save something he wants to free himself from?
Jones writes in a descriptive and witty style perfect for young adults. Christopher's transformation from innocent lad to a sarcastic, yet still good-natured boy is believable, funny and endearing. I love how Jones blends fantasy and the real worlds together. I was sympathetic to Christopher's dilemma with his weird and eternally arguing parents, and I loved the idea of the Anywheres! The "morals" in this book are a satire on the ills of the contemporary world, but they never nag and are digestible for young (and even older) minds. Unlike the HP series, the literal war between good and evil (Chrestomanci Castle vs. the Wraith) occupies only a small narration in the book. Still, I enjoyed reading that part because it was as if my whole world of childhood make-believe became real. In fact, the whole book is my childhood imagination come to life! Even if you're an adult, you will enjoy the vivid descriptions and witty prose of Diana Wynne Jones. There's no reason to mourn for the end of the HP series. The good news is, Wynne's books have now been reprinted and a few are available in your bookstores. ”
