House of Many Ways

The cover of House of Many Ways says that it is a sequel to Howl's Moving Castle, and it is, but not in the usual way. Sophie and Howl do appear in the book, but the story is about Charmain Baker. Charmain is the daughter of the town baker. Her mother thinks that magic is not respectable and all Charmain wants to do is be left alone to read. Now, that's not a bad goal, but Jones paints Charmain as lazy and self-centered. She learns that she has to take care of Great-Uncle William's house while he has a medical procedure. William is the King's Wizard, and his house is enchanted. (Mom is not happy about this--but family is family). The house itself and Uncle William's dog, Waif, really are the stars of this book. She never really becomes a likeable character, even when she's saving the kingdom.

The beauty of Howl's Moving Castle is it is one of those YA books that has something to say to adults who've read lots of fairy tales. House of Many Ways does not have this charm. Its audience seems clearly YA, and it seems to be trying to teach readers something by showing how a self-centered girl can help others. The book was fine; it was a quick read; but it does not have the cleverness or charm of Howl's.