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Description
In the land of Ingary, such things as spells, invisible cloaks, and seven-league boots were everyday things. The Witch of the Waste was another matter. After fifty years of quiet, it was rumored that the Witch was about to terrorize the country again. So when a moving black castle, blowing... read more
Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis
Important People
- Sophie Hatter: The eldest of three, born into a family who is neither wealthy or poor. Sophie is destined to inherit the family hat shop.
- Wizard Howl: A vain and powerful wizard, Howl is a memorable character.
- Calcifer: A powerful fire demon forever bound to wizard Howl.
- Michael Fisher: Howl's young and earnest apprentice.
- Witch of the Waste: Dark, evil, and powerful, she is Howl's mortal enemy.
- Lettie Hatter: Middle sister of Sophie and Martha.
- Martha Hatter: Youngest sister of Sophie and Lettie.
- Prince Justin: The prince of the kingdom.
- Wizard Suliman: The royal wizard
- Mrs. Fairfax: Martha's teacher and a good witch.
- Fanny Hatter: Lettie and Sophie's stepmother and Martha's birth mother.
- Mr. Hatter: Lettie, Sophie, and Martha's father.
- Percy: Lettie's love interest.
- the scarecrow: A mysterious creature who comes after Sophie.
Memorable Quotes
-
“Besides, it's raining out there in Market Chipping!”
Calcifer -
“I hope your bacon burns”
Calcifer -
“all my flanks were weak, Sophie”
Howl
First Sentence
In the land of Ingary, where such things as seven-league boots and cloaks of invisibility really exist, it is quite a misfortune to be born the eldest of three.
Table of Contents
1: In which Sophie talks to hats
2: In which Sophie is compelled to seek her fortune
3: In which Sophie enters into a castle and a bargain
4: In which Sophie discovers several strange things
5: Which is far too full of washing
6: In which Howl expresses his feelings with green slime
7: In which a scarecrow prevents Sophie from leaving the castle
8: In which Sophie leaves the castle in several directions at once
9: In which Michael has trouble with a spell
10: In which Calcifer promises Sophie a hint
11: In which Howl goes to a strange country in search of a spell
12: In which Sophie becomes Howl's old mother
13: In which Sophie blackens Howl's name
14: In which a Royal Wizard catches a cold
15: In which Howl goes to a funeral in disguise
16: In which there is a great deal of witchcraft
17: In which the moving castle moves house
18: In which the scarecrow and Miss Angorian reappear
19: In which Sophie expresses her feelings with weed-killer
20: In which Sophie finds further difficulties in leaving the castle
21: In which a contract is concluded before witnesses
Series
This is book 1 in the Castle series.
Authors & Contributors
- Diana Wynne Jones (Author)
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