A week ago, when I found Miyazaki's film was based on a book, I was so surprised, and so frustrated by my ignorance, that I couldn't wait. I was not disappointed. I wonder if, had I read it at a younger age, I would have found the plot easier to follow, or more compelling. Somehow, however, the story did not seem to matter because the world of Howl's almost doesn't need one to be worth your time. It's at once as story tale as it gets, and also radically original and imaginative. I also loved the characters: Sophie and Howl are such likeable, imperfect heroes! My edition includes an interview with the author, which was very worth reading.