My first thought in starting this review is to acknowledge the undeniable effect that this novel has had in the field of fantasy. Not only is it a hallmark of the fantasy literary genre itself but has also inspired the making of its own movie by Studio Ghibli. As an avid fan of said movie, both in my childhood and now, when I learned that it was based on a book of the same name, and the shining reviews behind it, I had to give it a read. In retrospect, I am ecstatic to say that this novel is worth all the praise and more. In this novel we follow Sophie Hatter, a girl in the magical land of Ingary who due to her birth order expects little of her own fortune. This is further confirmed when she is cursed by the Witch of the Wastes who turns her into an old woman. With no other options available, Sophie sets out to break her curse and in doing so comes across the famous Wizard Howl, his apprentice Michael, and the fire demon Calicifer who all live within a moving castle. Inviting herself along with them in the hopes of furthering her own quest, she becomes further entangled in all the trouble Howl seems to naturally attract as well. With an overall surprising mixture of comforting fantasy tropes, wonderous magical concepts, surprising humor, and amazing storytelling I am extremely grateful I finally got around to enjoying this book.