… Diana Wynne Jones.
Her fantasy novels are light and funny, with organic plots and plenty of surprises. Best of all, her storyworlds are interesting and her characters are lovable. The books of hers that I’ve learned the most from are:
Charmed Life. I felt so bad for poor Cat Chance, who goes with his sister to live in a sorcerer’s castle and learn magic. Cat is constantly left to get himself out of trouble that his sister has put him in, and his good nature makes him completely endearing. I loved spending time in the castle and learning about the magic in Cat’s world–magic which is somehow unassuming and engrossing at the same time.
Conrad’s Fate. Conrad’s training as a new servant in a mansion is fascinating, partly because of the troubled family he serves, and partly because of the magical mishaps that keep occurring. Not only does Jones do a great job of making Conrad likeable, she also takes advantage of a limited POV to keep readers interested in Conrad’s mysterious and charming pal, Christopher, the sorcerer from Charmed Life.
Castle in the Air. Again, the main character of this book is somewhat put-upon and yet still kind and clever. He thinks he has it made when he acquires a magic carpet that flies him to a lovely princess, but he’s only gotten himself into a world of trouble. He has a very funny way of offering profuse compliments to everyone he meets, being a carpet salesman by trade, and this trait actually helps him out in some tight spots. Jones also finds a way to weave in characters from another of her books (Howl’s Moving Castle), which makes for some great surprises at the end of this story.
What I find myself trying to capture in my own writing is Jones’s way of letting her reader enjoy the magical settings she has created. I also admire the way she instills a sense of wonder through humor, plot twists, and magic. I find myself re-visiting her books again and again, something I hope my own future readers will do with my books!
Parker Peevyhouse can’t get enough of the Miyasaki film based on Diana Wynne Jones’s Howl’s Moving Castle.
The first time I read it, I LOATHED the Miyazaki/Ghibli Howl’s. Aaaand then, I kind of realized that every story passes through a reader’s filter of understanding — in this case, even maybe a cultural filter — and so I loved the cartoon because he loves the book enough to have made it.
I have read everything this woman has ever written, I think – and while the Dalemark quartet is awesome, the Chrestomanci novels are my very favorites.
I really love CART AND CWIDDER.
Have you read FIRE AND HEMLOCK? I must confess that no matter how many times I read the ending, I can’t figure out what in the world is going on.
The Crestomanci novels were fun, weren’t they! I got them on audio, and my son listened also.
I picked up Howl’s one day at the school library, but didn’t get back to it yet. But thanks for reminding me!
I had no idea Miyazaki’s anime was based on one of her books! Now that I know, I definitely want to read it. Already I’d found the anime endearing and so imaginative, I can’t wait to see what wonders await in the book!
Howl’s Moving Castle is amazing. She is amazing. And you’re right Parker, she has this strange innate ability to invoke wonder through the strange. And honestly, how are you reading my mind? It’s like you and I grew up on the same reading list. It’s kinda freaking me out a bit. What is Last Midnight about anyway?
(and besides Howl, the Chrestomanci books are my favorite of hers. I mean c’mon – Christopher Chant. How cool a name is that?!)
She has a knack for making up awesome names and book titles. And I think you need to send me your reading list!
LAST MIDNIGHT is about a girl who suspects her family has lost the ability to postpone the end of the world. When her favorite brother, Rodder, starts growing spiky black bumps along his head, she knows she must find the black unicorn–a legendary creature that will help her stop the world from ending.
Diana Wynne Jones is one of my favorite writers! The first book I ever read of hers was Aunt Maria and I’ve never looked back! I loved the Chrestomanci series, Archers Goon, Castles in the Air, etc. Time Of the Ghost was brilliant but I have never been able to reread it because it freaked me out the first time! I don’t seem to be able to find Last Midnight on Amazon though. Is it out yet?
I’ll have to check out TIME OF THE GHOST when I’m up for a scare.
LAST MIDNIGHT isn’t out yet. It’ll be a while. Sorry.
Aw man … not out yet? Now I will be stalking Amazon.com ….