Castle in the Air (a book review)
Published March 6, 2011
I love Diana Wynne Jones. I love her writing. I love her humor. I love her characters. And I absolutely LOVE “Howl’s Moving Castle” (see here for that review). Especially Howl (but that’s another story…ahem).
So last month I read Jones’ sequel, “Castle in the Air,” and while I may not have adored it quite as much as its predecessor (cuz that’s just not possible), I still loved it. What can I say—I’m a girl who goes head-over-heels for fairytales.
The story opens with, Abdullah, a humble rug merchant who spends his time selling beautiful carpets and fighting off his interfering relatives in between concocting lavish daydreams for himself in which he is the hero. One dusty, market afternoon, he purchases a magic carpet, and upon falling asleep that night, is whisked away to a castle in the sky that looks very much like the one in his fantasies, as does the princess he finds in its garden. Another night, another visit, and the two are convinced they are destined to be together. Except, upon the evening of their planned elopement, a djinn carries the lovely lady away, thus launching Abdullah on a quest to rescue her–a quest which will require dodging the Sultan’s men, magic djinns, and a crazy gang of desert bad guys. Oh, and avoiding being turned into a frog. Lucky for him he’s got the assistance (we hope) of the magic carpet, a cranky genie, a soldier, an enchanted cat, and some very strong-minded women. So, what could go wrong?
What I liked:
- Howl. Please hang that boy on a moonbeam and call him my own because everything about that wizard is beyond smexy.
- Abdullah. He is such the perfect non-fabulous hero. Which, therefore, makes him a fabulous hero.
- ALL the characters. It simply boils down to the fact that Diana Wynne Jones knows how to create memorable personalities with unique and spicy flavoring. I’m jealous.
- The fun fantasy feel that builds off of “Howl’s Moving Castle,” yet offers a completely different variety of fairytale. Whereas “Howl’s Moving Castle” lends itself to an eclectic Beauty and the Beast aura, “Castle in the Air” goes for a sweet Arabian Nights theme.
- The surprises. Perhaps I’m a bit daft of late, but I totally did NOT see those coming.
- The humor. Jones always catches me off guard with her wit in oh-so-pleasant ways.
- The numerous titles with which Abdullah refers to his meddling relatives.
- Flower-in-the-Night’s confusion as to Abdullah’s gender.
What annoyed me: Not a thing.
What’s the mood noise of the moment? Colbie Caillat: Bubbly
Tags: Book Reviews, books to love, Castle in the Air, Colbie Caillat, Diana Wynne Jones, Howls Moving Castle
03.8.2011 / 5:19 pm
I really enjoyed this review, Mary. “Howl’s Moving Castle” is a favorite of mine, so I’ll look forward to reading “Castle in the Air” with all it’s surprises–that so much makes a book fun for me.
03.8.2011 / 5:56 pm
I think you’ll like it. Especially the subtle humor.
03.8.2011 / 8:42 pm
Erg, so many books to read, not enough time, I’m about half way through Howl’s Moving Castle, and I am enjoying it immensely, and now I’m going to have to read another one, double erg.
03.8.2011 / 9:23 pm
I have so many books on my “to read” list, and it just keeps growing! But in this case, growth is good.
03.9.2011 / 11:06 am
Peter and Mariel, I agree! Book growth is definitely good growth. But “ergh” that it’s a growing pile beside my bed! I don’t have enough time or bookshelves!
03.10.2011 / 1:17 pm
Sounds like something I might pick up and read. Thanks!
03.10.2011 / 1:25 pm
Andrew, for some reason it reminds me of something we all would’ve read and discussed when we were younger…just fun entertainment. You’d probably plow through it in an hour or two.
03.10.2011 / 3:36 pm
Smexy? All I can think of is “smells sexy”. Hehehe. This book is fabulous, and the last half had me laughing my britches off. Excellent review!
03.10.2011 / 3:43 pm
I almost read your word “britches” wrong. Which had me laughing my britches off as well.
03.15.2011 / 12:20 pm
She writes beautiful stories and I also love the book! Glad you like it as well!
03.16.2011 / 11:46 am
I need to read these… maybe baby feeding time?
Great Review!
03.16.2011 / 12:13 pm
Darlyn, I agree!
Lori, they’d be PERFECT for that.