The Enchanting World of Diana Wynne-Jones

by Maddy Smith

March is a marvellous month. Golden daffodils erupt on lawns and in parks, Spring Break lets us cast aside our worries and rediscover the world around us. Not only that, but International Women’s Day is on March 8, a day we celebrate extraordinary women from all walks of life.

Diana Wynne Jones is one such woman. She has written over 25 books and received numerous awards, including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize and the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement. Educated at Oxford, she was taught by C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, and in my opinion, she stands as their equal. With dazzling wit, charm and imagination, Diana Wynne Jones has created magical and mythical adventures, taking us everywhere from a city outside History to the ancient and powerful Hanging Gardens of Babylon. She has also brought us a plethora of unforgettable characters, many of whom you’ll meet in the Worlds of Chrestomanci series. The first of these, Charmed Life (HarperCollins, 2007), won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize and is considered to be the crown jewel in the Jones collection. Cat and Gwendolen Chant have recently lost their parents in a tragic boating accident, and are now living with the elderly witch next door, Mrs. Sharp. After a visit from a Dark Stranger, everything changes. Gwendolen receives a letter, inviting her brother and her to come and live with the great enchanter Chrestomanci and his family. Gwendolen, a talented witch (with the ego to match), finds the idea most attractive. Cat, who has no talents of any kind, would much rather stay where he is. But, as always, Gwendolen gets her way. It doesn’t take long for Gwendolen to rebel against her new home, and to begin a vengeful plot that will not only endanger all those living in Chrestomanci Castle, but everyone in the related worlds. A glorious book for 9+, or anyone old enough to imagine.

Another great choice for those new to Diana’s world is Howl’s Moving Castle (HarperCollins, 2009). In this story, we are introduced to the Land of Ingary, where fairytale laws rule and the eldest of three is always doomed to failure. Sophie Hatter, despite her many obvious talents, is one such person and is rather resigned to her fate—until she is cursed by the Witch of the Waste. Suddenly, Sophie must seek her fortune and break the curse. However, both of these things seem to be tied to the dreaded Wizard Howl, who lives in a moving castle and consorts with demons. Sophie is a determined, practical heroine who will inspire and enchant 10+.

Those of you who’ve already experienced the magic within Howl’s Moving Castle will be pleased to know that there is a sequel, House of Many Ways (HarperCollins, 2009), which tells the story of Charmain Baker, a young woman who has been brought up in complete respectability—not much help when she is sent to care for her wizard uncle’s house, and finds that she must defeat the vicious Lubbock, track down the kingdom’s missing Elfgift, and learn to do laundry and dishes into the bargain. This whimsical book for 10+ returns us once more to the land of Ingary, where anything can happen.

Another story of respectable upbringing gone awry is told in Diana Wynne Jones’ tale for younger readers, The Game (HarperCollins, 2008). Halley has always lived with her dour, oppressive grandmother and distracted grandfather. Hers is a quiet, dull life, especially since any kind of imagination or make-believe is strictly forbidden. All this changes when she befriends a street musician whom she dubs “Fiddle.” It is through Fiddle that Halley is first introduced to the wonders of the Mythospere. However, once Halley’s grandmother learns of her shocking behaviour, Halley is packed off to Ireland in disgrace. Little does her grandmother realize that she’s sent Halley to the one place where she can be guaranteed further adventures in the Mythosphere—Halley’s rebellious cousins will see to that. A fabulous introduction to astronomy and world mythology, The Game is a great read for 9+, or as a read-aloud for the whole family.

Finally, Diana Wynne Jones diehards and neophytes alike will be delighted with her newest book, Enchanted Glass (HarperCollins, 2010). Sparkling with humour and talent, and featuring a full cast of delightfully eccentric characters, giant vegetables, and a mysterious stained glass window, it makes a perfect spring read for 11+.

Now, go out and have a magical March!

Maddy Smith is a children’s bookseller and an Islander born and bred; she reads, writes, and believes in the magic of a great book.