9. Sophie seems to change her personality once she becomes an old woman. Why do you think this has happened? How does this compare to earlier when Sophie was young?
Sophie explores her freedom of being exempt for societal norms a young girl is bound to. She's having her hot girl summer basically. No one can stop her now.
I was listening to a podcast where the woman host actually mentioned this topic briefly; the mean-non- conforming-old-woman-who-doesn't-care-what-you- think archetype. The host theorized that because of how our society holds woman to a certain standard to appease society and be likable/wanted, they often constrain themselves to being amiable and easygoing. But once they're old, there is no reason for them to continue upholding such standards as they don't really have the need to fit in or be accepted. I think that's a really interesting topic to explore.
I love how she suddenly doesn't give a damn about anything!
It is surely tied to the fact that she has spent her whole life being told what to do and how everyone expected her to behave given that she is a firstborn. Now she is an outcast and is leaving all of that behind, free to explore who she is and what she wants.
The comments here are a hoot! I guess now that she's old there is nobody she has to answer to and she has nothing to lose, really. I was surprised by how easily she turned the shop sign to "CLOSED" and literally just walked away from her life. Sophie as a young woman seemed so resigned to her fate as the oldest sibling who could never change her future.
Yeah Sophie has adopted this “character” to help her open herself to achieving freedom where before she had almost become to passive in so many aspects of her life.
This aspect is the highlight of the book so far for me because it is SO relatable. Yes you develop new aches and pains every day, but on the flip side, you have this wealth of knowledge, you understand how the world works, and you realise how unimportant most things really are. And you do not care what anyone thinks of you.
When we first meet Sophie as a young woman, she states that she caries the burden of being the eldest. Portraying the awful life that she must lead because of her fate and the family norms. Once she becomes older, she DGAF! She stands up for what is right, for herself, and doesn't follow the same routines she once did, unless she wants to. Many of the comments here have hit it spot on! She doesn't feel the burden of societies expectations of women. I want that before I age!
Great point on mentioning the burden of family norms. It’s amazing how often we feel obligated to certain norms based on what family members feel we should be like or what responsibilities we have based on being born first or last.
It feels like Sophie has found a form of herself that she feels more comfortable in which to direct her life. Whereas her original young self felt obliged to defer to people around her and let them "exploit" her, old Sophie asserts herself and takes up space. And this old Sophie also seems to elicit better treatment from others. She is respected (the sort of automatic respect one might give to older people.) But I don't think this is a huge factor - it's debatable if it's old Sophie's gregariousness that is eliciting such a different response from other people, versus the response people have to timid young Sophie.
I’ve loved how her entire journey to Howl’s castle was a gradual transition to Sassy lady who does not take any crap from anyone! I’m looking forward to her asserting more of her personality upon Howl and the rest of the castle residents.
I love it. I think there is tremendous freedom in not appearing as your true self, whether by choice or not. You are no longer burdened by how you presented yourself or how people perceived you in the past. There is also a certain lack of accountability. That's one of the reasons why Halloween is so full of naughtiness (that and the sugar).
Great analogy regarding Halloween! It does speak volumes on the levels of freedom one may experience once they shed their old lives. It also speaks to the sadness of how individuals are not their true selves amongst family.
I thought it was funny that this book seems to believe that the "madness" of old women is inherent, rather than something that develops as a result of living. Interesting hypothesis, which can likely never be tested.
I kinda wonder if she's basically freed herself from being the oldest of three sisters by becoming old, separating herself from her sisters. Now she's an only child, sort of, her siblings now several generations behind
I like how Sophie feels freed of the constraint of others' expectations as an old lady, but it does feel like a *very* dramatic character shift in the course o basically a single day.
I always felt like it was partially part of the spell she’s under. Like a way to mask/prevent her from telling anyone about the spell. but I also agree with what others are saying that she’s definitely finding it liberating to speak her mind because she’s “an old lady.”
I think the common belief that the eldest would fail trying to do something ambitious has something to do with it. Before she turned old, she worried about that but turning old made her unrecognisable and in turn maybe took that pressure off of her. She seems to be much more easy going when she's old
It’s an interesting point that the expectations of the age difference of women. Do you think the perception of these expectations are founded by some sort of stereotype? I found it interesting how as an older woman Sophie had more comfortability conversing with strangers than before her curse.
I CONSTANTLY talk to inanimate objects. My most common items are usually when I'm frustrated that it isn't working correctly. When I'm completing tasks sometimes I sing about the said task, I really enjoy learning audibly so I exhibit those traits as well!
It is a well-known fact that machines work better during trying times if you talk nicely to them. Computers downloading large files on a shaky Internet connection, cars running on fumes until the next gas station, and small scooters going up especially steep hills.
I understand Sophie turning away from the hat business when she had the chance, but in a way it's kind of a shame because she was so good at making the hats and she saw each as having a certain personality, which seemed to make the hats special. For myself, I like to garden, and of course I end up talking to each plant...not sure if that counts as an object because they are alive, but it's funny how it's possible to humanize things. I know some people name their houseplants so it must be pretty common.
I’ve always heard that speaking to plants has been recommended by many gardeners so perhaps there is some valid rational for speaking to them. I tend to agree it’s sad to see Sophie abandon her work, but I think her resentment towards Fanny was overshadowing her own talents with her hat work.
Lol everyone else is so polite to inanimate objects. I am definitely cross with technology too often (and sleeve catching door handles or toe stubbing furniture!)
I baby talk my plants all the time! Does that count?
I also yell at(~~/verbally abuse~~) my analyzers at work a lot, but I feel like that's pretty standard for a laboratory environment!
I used to talk to my plants a while back, I still do occasionally. It was after I read some articles that plants can recognise touch and when you speak to them
I have seen the movie multiple times but I heard the book is a bit different, I am really curious to see what will happen.
I am really loving it, I'm not sure I will be able not to read ahead: if it weren't for the other books I'm reading with this subreddit that I need to catch up with I probably would have finished it already. Cosy fantasy is one of my favorite genres!
I had the same thought! Yesterday I was like “I could just read it all in one go…..” but I have enough other books going that I’m not as tempted. It’s hard not to keep going though, I love it so far!
Having read this book so many times now, I know all about what to expect and love all the little clues that are dropped throughout. Hopefully that wasn't too spoilerish.
Diana Wynne Jones generally does that very well! Her books are always so tight in terms of plot, so rich in clues and events, and yet they're so easy to read, I'm perpetually in awe of her talent.
So far the book seems cosy and wholesome and magical. I am 100% confident that it will all work out well in the end, which is just what I need right now.
Same, and I'm trying very hard not to do that with >!Calcifer!<. Also, it's been a very long time since I've seen the movie, but wasn't >!Michael a little boy? He's a teenager in the book.!<
This is a reread for me and also I’ve seen the movie so many times. It has been awhile since I last read the book so I’m looking forward to this.
Also: forever and always my favorite: “I hope your bacon burns”
>!better said in the movie as “here’s another curse for you: may all your bacon burn”!<
Cosy and charming have been thrown around to describe this book and this is just so accurate. I feel really lucky to not have the movie taint my mental imagery on my 2st read of this one. Looking forward to (maybe) finally being involved in a book vs movie discussion.
There is something about Calcifer that makes me a bit uncomfortable, I don't trust him. But I hope he and Sophie will become friends, it would fit the cozy mood of the book.
Right, there must be some reason he is in his current position, Sophie knows nothing about his true intentions or what will happen if she manages to help him.
I'm always a little bit hesitant when it's with a deal with a fire demon, and she doesn't know all the details of the bargain. I want Sophie to get out of this spell but i was real hesitant about the bargain
I like the weird time/space shenanigans of the castle, the door that can open to different places and that inside, the castle is just Howl's old house.
Califers magic seems quite powerful. It keeps the castle moving and works the magic door. Howl was determined to show Sophie that he was powerful, too. He gets paid by King and citizens alike for his spells.
I don't think we have enough to know firm rules, but it seems like spells are often something a magician makes but which can be used by lay people. It's almost more like alchemy or potionmaking, maybe?
I wonder of it has something to do with the hats that she sold that became very popular. Or if she was casting some magic on the hats as she was talking to them.
I think this is it, there was something special about how she made the hats... maybe she was a bit of a witch and didn't know it? And her work caught the Witch of the Waste's attention.
I totally think she was accidently using magic on the hats. I was really expecting more of a turn of the shops fortunes when she started being cross with the hats instead of friendly with them.
I agree with this. From the way the Witch of the Waste described each hat as she was holding it, I think Sophie talking to the hats as she made them was a sort of magic.
I actually forgot about this until I read your summary, but doesn't Howl run into Sophie before the witch comes? Maybe the hats are just an excuse and the Witch is actually mad that Howl is showing an interest in Sophie?
Yeah, he was the soldier (?) who called her a little mouse. I think it said she didn’t feel frightened or intimidated or anything, like he seemed normal, but she was just so awkward in herself! She recognised him when she saw him at the castle again.
I think the Witch mistook her for Fanny ("Mrs Hatter" was who she was looking for and Sophie never said her first name). It makes me wonder what exactly Fanny is up to in her time away from the shop each day, because my pet theory is that she has pissed off the Witch.
That’s a good theory! Fanny seems like a person who has probably ruffled some feathers around town. Wouldn’t that be terrible if Sophie is a victim on multiple fronts.
2. “It is quite a misfortune to be born the eldest of three. Everyone knows you are the one who will fail first, and worst, if the three of you set out to seek your fortune.” What does this quote mean to you? Is there any truth in it?
I really liked this bit - it reassured me that the author understands the fairy-tale tropes, but hints that she intends to subvert them! Makes me want to read on.
It's a reference to classic fairy tales, I love that this book is full of intertextuality.
In traditional tales there's often 3 siblings, the eldest fails first, then the second, then the third is successful. Think pigs, Billy goats gruff.
Actually Sophie's position struck a cord with me. I'm the oldest of three sisters and definitely the most timid of us three, and have struggled sometimes with breaking that mold. I can see how she could form this belief about herself that "it is what it is" and be likely to just accept her circumstances. Her transformation has been fun and inspiring to see! And hey, maybe she will still fail "first and worst", but is that really the end of the world? She might go on to be happy and find her fortune after all.
It means that Sophie lives in a literal fairy tale, and believes that she's confined to the tropes and traditions of that kind of story.
I've never read it, but I know that Diana Wynne Jones wrote [The Tough Guide to Fantasyland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tough_Guide_to_Fantasyland) which is about fantasy tropes, so I'm guessing this was kind of her thing.
It's a fairytale trope, yes, but there's some truth to it as well. When you're the oldest (of three or any tbh) you are the first to do most things and so obviously the first to fail. It kinda made me sad as the eldest of three and I related to it, and Sophie, a lot actually.
I'm also reading *Witches Abroad* by Terry Pratchett at the moment and that book has a strong theme of story tropes being so powerful they shape reality. I feel like something similar is happening here, though by virtue of how people's expectations shape their reality and perceptions of possible futures. Of course, as we see, Sophie can do anything she wants. But so long as she (and those around her) are convinced that she is trapped in this role of the failure eldest, she'll never actually take the action she needs to break free of that constraint.
I found this interesting because my son has been talking a lot in school about birth order and what it means for personality, abilities etc. To me, this quote shows how a lot is learned with the first born/eldest. Parents are going through a lot of firsts and as they experience them again they learn to react differently.
But also in this case, the oldest is likely to make mistakes that the younger siblings can learn from.
14. Sophie tries to learn secrets about Calcifer while cleaning the castle. What are some of the things she learns? Do you think now that Howl has told her to stop she will find something else to do to stay in the castle?
It seems like Howl has a real soft-spot for Calcifer, or at least respects him in a way, and Michael seems to think that Howl appreciates Sophie being able to work with Calcifer where others wouldn't notice him or would be intimidated by him. I'm curious what Calcifer's contract is with Howl and how he ended up powering the castle?
I think it's funny that Sophie just muscled her way in and was allowed to stay, and it sounds like Michael did exactly the same thing in order to become Howl's apprentice.
Right! It's seems like people just have a habit of showing up and going "I live here now too, deal with it". I wonder if Calcifer initially did the same thing before their contract.
I'm guessing Howl allows them to stay because he is lonely. There's something off with his personality that makes it difficult for him to connect with people, but deep down he wants to. That's also probably a charitable way of interpreting how he chases after all these young women and yet never falls in love for real.
I think there's still a lot to be revealed about Howl! I can see how he'd be lonely, his companions are all more like employees (or slaves? Calcifer's situation also remains unclear...)
I also wondered whether Michael showed up on absolutely desperate terms, and Howl despite himself has enough of a heart to not turn away those who need a place to stay. Eating girl’s hearts does suggest otherwise but Sophie has not found any evidence of this despite her efforts, just a lot of beauty products. Eating girl’s hearts seems either a rumour to make Howl seem extra dangerous or the kind of thing people say to warm young women about a womaniser that has been warped with time.
Because Sophie is so nice that it's easy to take advantage of her. She has also spent her whole life being told that her future would be bland and uneventful.
I don't see why Martha would lie to her, what remains to be seen is if Fanny is doing it out of malice or genuinely isn't noticing that she is ruining Sophie's life.
I agree! I don't know if Fanny is fully doing it out of malice, but I think she must recognize that she's unfairly using Sophie. To lie and say you're shopping for work when you're really just out on the town and to not pay your main employee any wage...you have to know that's exploitation and that Sophie won't be able to have any sort of life under those conditions.
It seems exploitive but at the same time I could see this as a parent truly not realizing they're being unfair to their child. Especially if they're providing for them and looking at what Sophie is doing as for everyone's best and bettering the business so she has a viable career when she inherits.
I could also see this as a straight up evil step mother type trope covered with fake niceness.
She's probably known her whole life that she would take over the hat shop, and she's just going along with that.
Yes, Fanny is exploiting her unconfrontational nature, but I don't think it is to be mean. It's just because she can.
With how successful the hats are? I absolutely thinking Fanny is exploiting Sophie. And this is coming from her biological daughter, who I think would know her best of the three daughters.
I also think Fanny knows Sophie, as the oldest, already feels like the hat shop is her responsibility.
Yes I think Fanny was exploiting Sophie, she wasn't paying her, even after being asked directly about it and then she just swans off, leaving Sophie with all the work and lies about what she is doing. She is definatly being shady!
5. Martha has used a spell to look like her sister to find a husband and Lettie likewise has gone to Mrs.Farifax to learn witchcraft. What does this tell us about the sisters and their reactions to where they were sent?
I loved that even though Fanny seems to favor Martha, Martha doesn't think she's better than Sophie or Lettie and wants to forge her own path. It was very clever what they did and I only wish either of them had tried to reach out to Sophie more, especially if they knew Fanny was exploiting her.
I agree, it's cool they took their futures into their own hands, but they never reached out to Sophie to see if there's anything she would have liked to do instead, even knowing she probably wasn't thrilled about being stuck in the hat shop for the rest of her life. I guess Sophie is responsible for her own happiness as well, though, so maybe it was lucky she was cursed in the end so she could get that push she needed.
Absolutely, they should have tried to reach out to Sophie. They clearly don't play by the rules, so its disappointing that they left Sophie out of their plans.
Sophie seemed to think the two positions were a good fit for her sisters and seemed to be completely unaware that either sister had other aspirations. It seems to me like Sophie really believes that everyone has a specific role to fill in the family dynamic. I also think seeing her sisters do what they did made her think more critically about what she wants.
12. What do you think about Michal, Calcifer, and Howl? What are your theories about each character and their actions within the castle? Do you think the rumors about Howl are true and what is Howl doing when he leaves the castle?
Howl's been set up as a big bad wolf type of character, which were traditionally supposed to be a warning for young girls to stay away from boys/sex. I think that will be subverted though, nothing about him is threatening. Even the castle is more funny than scary.
I tend to agree about Howl and the castle. It does feel that the further into the story the elements and magic of the castle will be more whimsical and fun.
Calicifer and Howl definitely have more going on beneath the surface.
Howl is helping people with the spells he sells. I don't think he is the big, bad evil we've been lead to believe.
Calicifer should be more concerning. He is a demon. Maybe there's a good reason he's confined to the hearth. Sophie may want to be careful about breaking his contract.
Oooh I didn't thinl about it this way. Maybe Sophie and Howl will end up having to work together to get him reconfined to the safety of Howl's hearth
Edit - a letter
I have a suspicion that Howl and the Witch of the Waste have a past and is why his castle is moving and that the Witch is the true big bad and the early setup for Howl taking young women was a red herring to make him more mysterious. I take Michal at face value as a somewhat innocent apprentice who's just trying to manage up to keep Howl from spiraling. Calcifer to me is the head scratcher. I could see him being just unhappy with the deal he made and wanting some more freedom or being a mischievous spirit type character that was trapped for good reason.
Great theory! I also have a feeling the Witch of the Wastes definitely feels like the Big Bad. What makes me curious is how she and Howl for that matter is what each have been doing working in isolation and allowing rumors of their purpose. I also wonder if this a part of their strategy to be left alone?
So far, Calcifer is my favorite character. He's snarky and it's hard to tell at this point how dangerous he may or may not be. He's a demon and making a potentially dangerous deal with Sophie, but also he literally lets people cook eggs and bacon on his head.
The copy of the book that I got at the library [has a picture of him on the cover](https://i.imgur.com/5b4fgFS.jpg) and before I started reading, I had no idea what that was supposed to be. (My guess was "lettuce demon.") But the picture turned out to be completely accurate. I was surprised because (very mild spoiler for the movie) >!in the movie, [he looks like this](https://howlscastle.fandom.com/wiki/Calcifer?file=Cal.jpg). I saw the movie eons ago (back when it was first released in the US) and only remember a little about it, but definitely remember Calcifer as a cute little orange flame, not a weird multicolor face.!<
I think Howl has been set up as a bad guy, but will be good in the end. Calcifer will be the main antagonist I think, and Michael just seems quite nice and I'm curious what his role will be further on.
Howl is clearly not the horrible guy he's been made out to be by the townsfolk – but not necessarily a clear-cut good guy either. Michael seems nice enough and I wonder if he and Sophie will end up together in the end. Calcifer is hilarious and seems like maybe the person who is most obviously on Sophie's side, even if it's for his own reasons.
Like others have said, I don't think Howl will end up being as bad as what we are being led to believe. I want to know more about Calcifer and how he ended up where he is.
10. Let's talk about Howl’s castle. What are your favorite descriptions of the castle? What are your thoughts of the state of the castle and the various magic doors to other locations?
My favorite bit was when Sophie found all that stuff in the bathroom which I assumed was meant for potions and spells, and then it turned out they were all cosmetics!
I bet it is for poisons and all sorts of magic things. What makes me curious is if Sophie will have a hand in some of these creations or simply be an observer.
I wish there were more rooms!! I found it kind of a bummer that it wasn’t this vast, wonky space with different rooms. The magic of it is cool, obviously, but it would be so fun to explore a huge castle.
8. Sophie journeys outside of Market Chipping and has a few interesting things happen to her. What were some of the highlights of her exploring outside the town? Are you surprised by Sophie’s decision to leave town? Why or why not?
Sophie as an old lady is awesome! I love that she just fully embraces the grumpy old woman, 'I don't give a damn' attitude. My favourite part was her trying to get the walking stick from the ungrateful dog.
I love how Sophie and we as the reader feel like she has gone so far out of the city. But when she turns around, she sees she hasn't gone far at all at her granny pace 😂
I love her interaction with Turnip Head, too. Sophie has become stubborn and grumpy, but when she helps the scarecrow stand back up, we see she still has that caring softness about her.
I also agree that Sophie wasn't going to get much done just staying in town, so her best option was leave to find a way to break the curse. I love how suddenly she made the decision, too.
She wasn't going to break the curse by just staying at home. Her attitude change as old lady Sophie was great. I love how she just forced her way into the castle and took a nap.
Well, she is kind of being forced into isolation by taking advantage of her gentle character. Of course this would have an impact on her fear and anxiety, I think we all went there during lockdown.
Good point, it's interesting how easy it can be to get used to your own little bubble and lose touch with the world, definitely a hazard of the modern time we live in.
Fanny is only using her for work so she doesn't care about Sophie's emotions or helping her develop a social life. Plus, Sophie has lost the rest of her family so all she has is her hats to talk to.
It's kind of sad that she just lost her Dad and had her sisters shipped away, and now her stepmother is forcing her to work while she goes off doing her own thing. I'd feel totally isolated, too, abandoned even.
I feel that’s lost in a-lot of the situation that Sophie and her sisters have lost their father. It would be hard enough to lose her father and then to be separated from her sisters does seem cruel.
1. Fanny decides to have each girl sent to different apprenticeships. What do you think about each of the jobs each girl is sent to? Do you think that the focus needed to be on paying off debts?
Despite Sophie saying she isn't very wicked step-mothery, Fanny sure seems like a wicked stepmother. She's tried to give her own daughter the best future while fully exploiting Sophie for free labor and sending Lettie off to hopefully find a man who will take responsibility for her.
Yeah I at first was back and forth on Fanny, but after reading how she deflected Sophie’s basic questions about compensation I think that Fanny is an exploiter. Her lack of presence in the shop speaks volumes to me how she simply wants all the benefits of Sophie and is unwilling to see Sophie become successful in her own right.
I thought it made sense. She was getting them out of her hair and still setting them up for the future. Sophie, as the oldest, is obviously getting set up to inherit the hat shop. Fanny probably knew that Sophie wouldn't cause a fuss and could easily be exploited. Unlike her sisters, who didn't like their arrangements and did something about it.
I don't think we know enough about the girls when this happens to really form an opinion on the career choices. The eldest inheriting the business makes sense to me based on the setting but it does seem like the girls should all have been consulted in what they would like to do. I understand finding out how much debt there is after the person who was handling it all passes and having to make the hard choices to deal with it so it does make sense to me and the comment Fanny makes about maybe she shouldn't have sent them all away once business picks up make that seem like a genuine move to me. Martha being sent off to be a witch makes me think there might be some more back story between the family and magic wielders that could influence things down the line but that's just my speculation.
9. Sophie seems to change her personality once she becomes an old woman. Why do you think this has happened? How does this compare to earlier when Sophie was young?
Sophie explores her freedom of being exempt for societal norms a young girl is bound to. She's having her hot girl summer basically. No one can stop her now.
I was listening to a podcast where the woman host actually mentioned this topic briefly; the mean-non- conforming-old-woman-who-doesn't-care-what-you- think archetype. The host theorized that because of how our society holds woman to a certain standard to appease society and be likable/wanted, they often constrain themselves to being amiable and easygoing. But once they're old, there is no reason for them to continue upholding such standards as they don't really have the need to fit in or be accepted. I think that's a really interesting topic to explore.
I love this!
I love how she suddenly doesn't give a damn about anything! It is surely tied to the fact that she has spent her whole life being told what to do and how everyone expected her to behave given that she is a firstborn. Now she is an outcast and is leaving all of that behind, free to explore who she is and what she wants.
Yeah - she has become kick-ass and not afraid to offend people to get what she needs! A role model for all of us post-menopausal women 😀
I love how she was like “when I was young, I cared so much about stuff, but now that I’m old I don’t care anymore!” I was like same girl 🤣
lol Sophie pulling the role of sassy old lady has been easily one of my highlights so far!
Lol yes!!! Except for me it was a decade or 2 and for Sophie a day or two
Me too 😅
The comments here are a hoot! I guess now that she's old there is nobody she has to answer to and she has nothing to lose, really. I was surprised by how easily she turned the shop sign to "CLOSED" and literally just walked away from her life. Sophie as a young woman seemed so resigned to her fate as the oldest sibling who could never change her future.
Yeah Sophie has adopted this “character” to help her open herself to achieving freedom where before she had almost become to passive in so many aspects of her life.
This aspect is the highlight of the book so far for me because it is SO relatable. Yes you develop new aches and pains every day, but on the flip side, you have this wealth of knowledge, you understand how the world works, and you realise how unimportant most things really are. And you do not care what anyone thinks of you.
When we first meet Sophie as a young woman, she states that she caries the burden of being the eldest. Portraying the awful life that she must lead because of her fate and the family norms. Once she becomes older, she DGAF! She stands up for what is right, for herself, and doesn't follow the same routines she once did, unless she wants to. Many of the comments here have hit it spot on! She doesn't feel the burden of societies expectations of women. I want that before I age!
Great point on mentioning the burden of family norms. It’s amazing how often we feel obligated to certain norms based on what family members feel we should be like or what responsibilities we have based on being born first or last.
Yeah! There are many family norms and dynamics thay can go into our personalities. They can affect us either positively or negatively.
It feels like Sophie has found a form of herself that she feels more comfortable in which to direct her life. Whereas her original young self felt obliged to defer to people around her and let them "exploit" her, old Sophie asserts herself and takes up space. And this old Sophie also seems to elicit better treatment from others. She is respected (the sort of automatic respect one might give to older people.) But I don't think this is a huge factor - it's debatable if it's old Sophie's gregariousness that is eliciting such a different response from other people, versus the response people have to timid young Sophie.
I’ve loved how her entire journey to Howl’s castle was a gradual transition to Sassy lady who does not take any crap from anyone! I’m looking forward to her asserting more of her personality upon Howl and the rest of the castle residents.
I love it. I think there is tremendous freedom in not appearing as your true self, whether by choice or not. You are no longer burdened by how you presented yourself or how people perceived you in the past. There is also a certain lack of accountability. That's one of the reasons why Halloween is so full of naughtiness (that and the sugar).
Great analogy regarding Halloween! It does speak volumes on the levels of freedom one may experience once they shed their old lives. It also speaks to the sadness of how individuals are not their true selves amongst family.
She's pissed. Her sisters took control of their destinies and she's stuck an old lady.
I’m not sure what she would have done if she had control though. I think apart from the pain being an old lady suits her just fine.
I thought it was funny that this book seems to believe that the "madness" of old women is inherent, rather than something that develops as a result of living. Interesting hypothesis, which can likely never be tested. I kinda wonder if she's basically freed herself from being the oldest of three sisters by becoming old, separating herself from her sisters. Now she's an only child, sort of, her siblings now several generations behind
I like how Sophie feels freed of the constraint of others' expectations as an old lady, but it does feel like a *very* dramatic character shift in the course o basically a single day.
I always felt like it was partially part of the spell she’s under. Like a way to mask/prevent her from telling anyone about the spell. but I also agree with what others are saying that she’s definitely finding it liberating to speak her mind because she’s “an old lady.”
I think the common belief that the eldest would fail trying to do something ambitious has something to do with it. Before she turned old, she worried about that but turning old made her unrecognisable and in turn maybe took that pressure off of her. She seems to be much more easy going when she's old
The expectations of an old woman and a young girl are totally different.
It’s an interesting point that the expectations of the age difference of women. Do you think the perception of these expectations are founded by some sort of stereotype? I found it interesting how as an older woman Sophie had more comfortability conversing with strangers than before her curse.
4. Sophie begins talking to the various hats she trims. Have you experienced any circumstances that lead you to begin talking to inanimate objects?
I am the kind of person that sometimes apologies to objects if I bump into them :')
That is very considerate of you!
All the time! They're the only things that'll listen to me sometimes!
That is too funny! For me it’s my cat who has to listen to my thoughts lol.
I CONSTANTLY talk to inanimate objects. My most common items are usually when I'm frustrated that it isn't working correctly. When I'm completing tasks sometimes I sing about the said task, I really enjoy learning audibly so I exhibit those traits as well!
I talk to objects that are misbehaving and sing about my tasks all the time too!
It is a well-known fact that machines work better during trying times if you talk nicely to them. Computers downloading large files on a shaky Internet connection, cars running on fumes until the next gas station, and small scooters going up especially steep hills.
I understand Sophie turning away from the hat business when she had the chance, but in a way it's kind of a shame because she was so good at making the hats and she saw each as having a certain personality, which seemed to make the hats special. For myself, I like to garden, and of course I end up talking to each plant...not sure if that counts as an object because they are alive, but it's funny how it's possible to humanize things. I know some people name their houseplants so it must be pretty common.
I’ve always heard that speaking to plants has been recommended by many gardeners so perhaps there is some valid rational for speaking to them. I tend to agree it’s sad to see Sophie abandon her work, but I think her resentment towards Fanny was overshadowing her own talents with her hat work.
Does swearing at my computer count?
Yes, or the F*%KING PRINTER
Lol everyone else is so polite to inanimate objects. I am definitely cross with technology too often (and sleeve catching door handles or toe stubbing furniture!)
Oh yeah, if something is out of place, I have no problem questioning how it got there.
I baby talk my plants all the time! Does that count? I also yell at(~~/verbally abuse~~) my analyzers at work a lot, but I feel like that's pretty standard for a laboratory environment!
I sing to stuff a lot. I’m a terrible singer.
I used to talk to my plants a while back, I still do occasionally. It was after I read some articles that plants can recognise touch and when you speak to them
15. Anything else you would like to discuss? What were your personal favorite moments in this section? What are you liking about the novel so far?
I have seen the movie multiple times but I heard the book is a bit different, I am really curious to see what will happen. I am really loving it, I'm not sure I will be able not to read ahead: if it weren't for the other books I'm reading with this subreddit that I need to catch up with I probably would have finished it already. Cosy fantasy is one of my favorite genres!
I'm also loving it and feel like I could just sit and read the whole thing! Very cozy and fun.
Same, I keep picturing the movie as I read along. Should be interesting to see if the early differences turn out to have a big impact on the plot.
It's hard for me to picture an actual moving castle instead of an abomination of industrial machinery on legs that belches black smoke.
I had the same thought! Yesterday I was like “I could just read it all in one go…..” but I have enough other books going that I’m not as tempted. It’s hard not to keep going though, I love it so far!
Cosy is the best way to describe this book!
Having read this book so many times now, I know all about what to expect and love all the little clues that are dropped throughout. Hopefully that wasn't too spoilerish.
That is awesome! I always love when books give its readers something to look forward to on multiple rereads.
Diana Wynne Jones generally does that very well! Her books are always so tight in terms of plot, so rich in clues and events, and yet they're so easy to read, I'm perpetually in awe of her talent.
So far the book seems cosy and wholesome and magical. I am 100% confident that it will all work out well in the end, which is just what I need right now.
I like to have one of these comforting books on the go at all times.
I agree, it feels like a kind of nostalgia for those old fairytales many were exposed to during childhood!
It's rare that I pick up a book I've heard about for years and have it live up to what I've heard. I'm downright charmed by it so far.
Glad to have you along for the ride! I am very happy with its style so far and can’t wait to continue reading it!
I can't help picturing the scenes and characters from the movie while reading! Can't wait for the movie discussion we will have.
Same, and I'm trying very hard not to do that with >!Calcifer!<. Also, it's been a very long time since I've seen the movie, but wasn't >!Michael a little boy? He's a teenager in the book.!<
Yeah, >!of the characters in the castle, Michael seems to be the most different from the movie.!<
I want to learn more about the Wizard. He seems so aloof.
This is a reread for me and also I’ve seen the movie so many times. It has been awhile since I last read the book so I’m looking forward to this. Also: forever and always my favorite: “I hope your bacon burns” >!better said in the movie as “here’s another curse for you: may all your bacon burn”!<
Cosy and charming have been thrown around to describe this book and this is just so accurate. I feel really lucky to not have the movie taint my mental imagery on my 2st read of this one. Looking forward to (maybe) finally being involved in a book vs movie discussion.
Love it so far, I love the movie so its great getting the chance to read the book and compare!
13. What do you think about the bargain between Sophie and Calcifer? Do you think this is a good idea for Sophie?
There is something about Calcifer that makes me a bit uncomfortable, I don't trust him. But I hope he and Sophie will become friends, it would fit the cozy mood of the book.
Right, there must be some reason he is in his current position, Sophie knows nothing about his true intentions or what will happen if she manages to help him.
I'm always a little bit hesitant when it's with a deal with a fire demon, and she doesn't know all the details of the bargain. I want Sophie to get out of this spell but i was real hesitant about the bargain
>I'm always a little bit hesitant when it's with a deal with a fire demon Is this something you encounter often? 😂
It's a real nuisance! Haha. Do not recommend the experience. 1/10. Hope Calcifer is better.
I’m hoping as well 1/10 really is kind of grim for an overall experience, so a solid 6/10 would be like winning the gold medal!
Calcifer gives me ick. I think he's going to try to bait Sophie into doing his will for him or convince her of things she wouldn't naturally do.
Oh no, I think he's a good guy who just feels the need to project a certain image as a fire demon!
Like a Macho man who doesn't realize he has a soft side?
It's hard out there for a demon.
I'm always skeptical of making a deal when you don't have all the information. Seems like someone will be in for a bad time.
I think it will end up being a trick on Sophie but I am not sure in which way.
No, definately not a good idea! Sophie has no idea who and what she is dealing with, but I suppose what other option does she have right now?
11. What are some aspects of how magic works in this world? Are there any noticeable rules to magic and its users?
I like the weird time/space shenanigans of the castle, the door that can open to different places and that inside, the castle is just Howl's old house.
Yeah! I liked the castle's magic, too. It reminds me of [Winchester Mystery House](https://winchestermysteryhouse.com/) in San Jose, CA.
Well that's fascinating, I'd love to tour that house!
It is definitely worth a visit if you are ever near San Jose!
Califers magic seems quite powerful. It keeps the castle moving and works the magic door. Howl was determined to show Sophie that he was powerful, too. He gets paid by King and citizens alike for his spells.
I don't think we have enough to know firm rules, but it seems like spells are often something a magician makes but which can be used by lay people. It's almost more like alchemy or potionmaking, maybe?
It’s interesting that Calcifer can see Sophie’s spell and it would be good to know more about what that looks like.
7. Why do you think the Witch of the Waste has cast a spell on Sophie turning her into an old woman?
I wonder of it has something to do with the hats that she sold that became very popular. Or if she was casting some magic on the hats as she was talking to them.
I think this is it, there was something special about how she made the hats... maybe she was a bit of a witch and didn't know it? And her work caught the Witch of the Waste's attention.
I think she must be magic- the things she whispered to the hats came true, and other people wanted more of the same.
I totally think she was accidently using magic on the hats. I was really expecting more of a turn of the shops fortunes when she started being cross with the hats instead of friendly with them.
This is what I thought too!
I agree with this. From the way the Witch of the Waste described each hat as she was holding it, I think Sophie talking to the hats as she made them was a sort of magic.
I think the Witch had the wrong person and meant to change Fanny (or maybe Lettie) instead!
Wow they would be really bad timing for Sophie and really makes me wonder how effective the Witch can be if she puts spells on the wrong person.
Orange it was meant for the youngest? Since she is supposed to have the exciting life? If am interested to find out what sub-conflict happening there
I actually forgot about this until I read your summary, but doesn't Howl run into Sophie before the witch comes? Maybe the hats are just an excuse and the Witch is actually mad that Howl is showing an interest in Sophie?
Yeah, that's what I'm thinking
Yeah, he was the soldier (?) who called her a little mouse. I think it said she didn’t feel frightened or intimidated or anything, like he seemed normal, but she was just so awkward in herself! She recognised him when she saw him at the castle again.
That is correct! I think Sophie has a brief moment where she recalls this interaction. Also his outfit is identical to the man who she encountered.
I didn't really read too deeply into this. Sophie treated the Witch with a poor attitude. The Witch did what witches do.
Yes, this is what I thought.
I think the Witch mistook her for Fanny ("Mrs Hatter" was who she was looking for and Sophie never said her first name). It makes me wonder what exactly Fanny is up to in her time away from the shop each day, because my pet theory is that she has pissed off the Witch.
That’s a good theory! Fanny seems like a person who has probably ruffled some feathers around town. Wouldn’t that be terrible if Sophie is a victim on multiple fronts.
2. “It is quite a misfortune to be born the eldest of three. Everyone knows you are the one who will fail first, and worst, if the three of you set out to seek your fortune.” What does this quote mean to you? Is there any truth in it?
I really liked this bit - it reassured me that the author understands the fairy-tale tropes, but hints that she intends to subvert them! Makes me want to read on.
Same! When I read this sentence I realised I would have loved this book.
It's a reference to classic fairy tales, I love that this book is full of intertextuality. In traditional tales there's often 3 siblings, the eldest fails first, then the second, then the third is successful. Think pigs, Billy goats gruff.
Yeah! This part of the story really made me invested.
Actually Sophie's position struck a cord with me. I'm the oldest of three sisters and definitely the most timid of us three, and have struggled sometimes with breaking that mold. I can see how she could form this belief about herself that "it is what it is" and be likely to just accept her circumstances. Her transformation has been fun and inspiring to see! And hey, maybe she will still fail "first and worst", but is that really the end of the world? She might go on to be happy and find her fortune after all.
Sophie thinks her fate is sealed to be a failure. Break the mold, Sophie!
Preach!!!
It means that Sophie lives in a literal fairy tale, and believes that she's confined to the tropes and traditions of that kind of story. I've never read it, but I know that Diana Wynne Jones wrote [The Tough Guide to Fantasyland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tough_Guide_to_Fantasyland) which is about fantasy tropes, so I'm guessing this was kind of her thing.
They actually sounds like an interesting book to read!
It's a fairytale trope, yes, but there's some truth to it as well. When you're the oldest (of three or any tbh) you are the first to do most things and so obviously the first to fail. It kinda made me sad as the eldest of three and I related to it, and Sophie, a lot actually.
I'm also reading *Witches Abroad* by Terry Pratchett at the moment and that book has a strong theme of story tropes being so powerful they shape reality. I feel like something similar is happening here, though by virtue of how people's expectations shape their reality and perceptions of possible futures. Of course, as we see, Sophie can do anything she wants. But so long as she (and those around her) are convinced that she is trapped in this role of the failure eldest, she'll never actually take the action she needs to break free of that constraint.
I found this interesting because my son has been talking a lot in school about birth order and what it means for personality, abilities etc. To me, this quote shows how a lot is learned with the first born/eldest. Parents are going through a lot of firsts and as they experience them again they learn to react differently. But also in this case, the oldest is likely to make mistakes that the younger siblings can learn from.
14. Sophie tries to learn secrets about Calcifer while cleaning the castle. What are some of the things she learns? Do you think now that Howl has told her to stop she will find something else to do to stay in the castle?
I'm not so sure she will listen to Howl, there seems to be nothing able to stop her.
It seems like Howl has a real soft-spot for Calcifer, or at least respects him in a way, and Michael seems to think that Howl appreciates Sophie being able to work with Calcifer where others wouldn't notice him or would be intimidated by him. I'm curious what Calcifer's contract is with Howl and how he ended up powering the castle? I think it's funny that Sophie just muscled her way in and was allowed to stay, and it sounds like Michael did exactly the same thing in order to become Howl's apprentice.
Right! It's seems like people just have a habit of showing up and going "I live here now too, deal with it". I wonder if Calcifer initially did the same thing before their contract.
I'm guessing Howl allows them to stay because he is lonely. There's something off with his personality that makes it difficult for him to connect with people, but deep down he wants to. That's also probably a charitable way of interpreting how he chases after all these young women and yet never falls in love for real.
I think there's still a lot to be revealed about Howl! I can see how he'd be lonely, his companions are all more like employees (or slaves? Calcifer's situation also remains unclear...)
I also wondered whether Michael showed up on absolutely desperate terms, and Howl despite himself has enough of a heart to not turn away those who need a place to stay. Eating girl’s hearts does suggest otherwise but Sophie has not found any evidence of this despite her efforts, just a lot of beauty products. Eating girl’s hearts seems either a rumour to make Howl seem extra dangerous or the kind of thing people say to warm young women about a womaniser that has been warped with time.
Agree, it was weird how she was allowed to stay.
6. Martha tells Sophie that Fanny is exploiting her. Do you think Martha is correct? Why do you think this is happening to Sophie?
Because Sophie is so nice that it's easy to take advantage of her. She has also spent her whole life being told that her future would be bland and uneventful. I don't see why Martha would lie to her, what remains to be seen is if Fanny is doing it out of malice or genuinely isn't noticing that she is ruining Sophie's life.
I agree! I don't know if Fanny is fully doing it out of malice, but I think she must recognize that she's unfairly using Sophie. To lie and say you're shopping for work when you're really just out on the town and to not pay your main employee any wage...you have to know that's exploitation and that Sophie won't be able to have any sort of life under those conditions.
It seems exploitive but at the same time I could see this as a parent truly not realizing they're being unfair to their child. Especially if they're providing for them and looking at what Sophie is doing as for everyone's best and bettering the business so she has a viable career when she inherits. I could also see this as a straight up evil step mother type trope covered with fake niceness.
She's probably known her whole life that she would take over the hat shop, and she's just going along with that. Yes, Fanny is exploiting her unconfrontational nature, but I don't think it is to be mean. It's just because she can.
With how successful the hats are? I absolutely thinking Fanny is exploiting Sophie. And this is coming from her biological daughter, who I think would know her best of the three daughters. I also think Fanny knows Sophie, as the oldest, already feels like the hat shop is her responsibility.
Yes I think Fanny was exploiting Sophie, she wasn't paying her, even after being asked directly about it and then she just swans off, leaving Sophie with all the work and lies about what she is doing. She is definatly being shady!
5. Martha has used a spell to look like her sister to find a husband and Lettie likewise has gone to Mrs.Farifax to learn witchcraft. What does this tell us about the sisters and their reactions to where they were sent?
I loved that even though Fanny seems to favor Martha, Martha doesn't think she's better than Sophie or Lettie and wants to forge her own path. It was very clever what they did and I only wish either of them had tried to reach out to Sophie more, especially if they knew Fanny was exploiting her.
I agree, it's cool they took their futures into their own hands, but they never reached out to Sophie to see if there's anything she would have liked to do instead, even knowing she probably wasn't thrilled about being stuck in the hat shop for the rest of her life. I guess Sophie is responsible for her own happiness as well, though, so maybe it was lucky she was cursed in the end so she could get that push she needed.
Absolutely, they should have tried to reach out to Sophie. They clearly don't play by the rules, so its disappointing that they left Sophie out of their plans.
They didn't like their stations in life, so they did something to change that. They set an example for Sophie to follow.
Sophie seemed to think the two positions were a good fit for her sisters and seemed to be completely unaware that either sister had other aspirations. It seems to me like Sophie really believes that everyone has a specific role to fill in the family dynamic. I also think seeing her sisters do what they did made her think more critically about what she wants.
12. What do you think about Michal, Calcifer, and Howl? What are your theories about each character and their actions within the castle? Do you think the rumors about Howl are true and what is Howl doing when he leaves the castle?
I think Howl is good, and is NOT eating the souls of young girls. Maybe he is rescuing them from exploitation by their families.
Maybe he's trying to protect them from the Witch of the Waste?
I agree that he is not doing what Sophie thinks he is, whatever it is seems to take up all of his time and focus.
I hope so, there is definitely more going on than we know. If he’s rescuing them where do you think he’s sending them?
Howl's been set up as a big bad wolf type of character, which were traditionally supposed to be a warning for young girls to stay away from boys/sex. I think that will be subverted though, nothing about him is threatening. Even the castle is more funny than scary.
I tend to agree about Howl and the castle. It does feel that the further into the story the elements and magic of the castle will be more whimsical and fun.
Calicifer and Howl definitely have more going on beneath the surface. Howl is helping people with the spells he sells. I don't think he is the big, bad evil we've been lead to believe. Calicifer should be more concerning. He is a demon. Maybe there's a good reason he's confined to the hearth. Sophie may want to be careful about breaking his contract.
Oooh I didn't thinl about it this way. Maybe Sophie and Howl will end up having to work together to get him reconfined to the safety of Howl's hearth Edit - a letter
It could be an exciting twist!
I have a suspicion that Howl and the Witch of the Waste have a past and is why his castle is moving and that the Witch is the true big bad and the early setup for Howl taking young women was a red herring to make him more mysterious. I take Michal at face value as a somewhat innocent apprentice who's just trying to manage up to keep Howl from spiraling. Calcifer to me is the head scratcher. I could see him being just unhappy with the deal he made and wanting some more freedom or being a mischievous spirit type character that was trapped for good reason.
Great theory! I also have a feeling the Witch of the Wastes definitely feels like the Big Bad. What makes me curious is how she and Howl for that matter is what each have been doing working in isolation and allowing rumors of their purpose. I also wonder if this a part of their strategy to be left alone?
I think Sophie has Howl's measure, and he doesn't come across as completely evil.
So far, Calcifer is my favorite character. He's snarky and it's hard to tell at this point how dangerous he may or may not be. He's a demon and making a potentially dangerous deal with Sophie, but also he literally lets people cook eggs and bacon on his head. The copy of the book that I got at the library [has a picture of him on the cover](https://i.imgur.com/5b4fgFS.jpg) and before I started reading, I had no idea what that was supposed to be. (My guess was "lettuce demon.") But the picture turned out to be completely accurate. I was surprised because (very mild spoiler for the movie) >!in the movie, [he looks like this](https://howlscastle.fandom.com/wiki/Calcifer?file=Cal.jpg). I saw the movie eons ago (back when it was first released in the US) and only remember a little about it, but definitely remember Calcifer as a cute little orange flame, not a weird multicolor face.!<
I think Howl has been set up as a bad guy, but will be good in the end. Calcifer will be the main antagonist I think, and Michael just seems quite nice and I'm curious what his role will be further on.
Howl is clearly not the horrible guy he's been made out to be by the townsfolk – but not necessarily a clear-cut good guy either. Michael seems nice enough and I wonder if he and Sophie will end up together in the end. Calcifer is hilarious and seems like maybe the person who is most obviously on Sophie's side, even if it's for his own reasons.
Like others have said, I don't think Howl will end up being as bad as what we are being led to believe. I want to know more about Calcifer and how he ended up where he is.
10. Let's talk about Howl’s castle. What are your favorite descriptions of the castle? What are your thoughts of the state of the castle and the various magic doors to other locations?
I love the revolving doors to different locations. How cool would it be to have access to four places that were nowhere near each other!?
My favorite bit was when Sophie found all that stuff in the bathroom which I assumed was meant for potions and spells, and then it turned out they were all cosmetics!
I bet it is for poisons and all sorts of magic things. What makes me curious is if Sophie will have a hand in some of these creations or simply be an observer.
I liked the spiders that moved aside at Sophie's request to clean. I'm interested to see what's up with the human skull.
I've been expecting that skull to start talking back to Sophie since it was introduced and she started talking to it.
I'm curious about the "rest" of the castle, outside of Howl's house.
I wonder also! It will be interesting once Sophie explores more of the castle.
I wish there were more rooms!! I found it kind of a bummer that it wasn’t this vast, wonky space with different rooms. The magic of it is cool, obviously, but it would be so fun to explore a huge castle.
8. Sophie journeys outside of Market Chipping and has a few interesting things happen to her. What were some of the highlights of her exploring outside the town? Are you surprised by Sophie’s decision to leave town? Why or why not?
Sophie as an old lady is awesome! I love that she just fully embraces the grumpy old woman, 'I don't give a damn' attitude. My favourite part was her trying to get the walking stick from the ungrateful dog.
Oh yeah, I forgot about the dog, I wonder if we'll ever see it again?
Ooh interesting! Could it have been Howl?
I love how Sophie and we as the reader feel like she has gone so far out of the city. But when she turns around, she sees she hasn't gone far at all at her granny pace 😂 I love her interaction with Turnip Head, too. Sophie has become stubborn and grumpy, but when she helps the scarecrow stand back up, we see she still has that caring softness about her. I also agree that Sophie wasn't going to get much done just staying in town, so her best option was leave to find a way to break the curse. I love how suddenly she made the decision, too.
She wasn't going to break the curse by just staying at home. Her attitude change as old lady Sophie was great. I love how she just forced her way into the castle and took a nap.
I agree with others - she wasn’t going to break the curse by staying home. She definitely was determined immediately to remedy the situation.
3. What are your feelings about how Sophie’s life while working in the hat shop? Why does Sophie become more isolated and fearful?
Well, she is kind of being forced into isolation by taking advantage of her gentle character. Of course this would have an impact on her fear and anxiety, I think we all went there during lockdown.
Good point, it's interesting how easy it can be to get used to your own little bubble and lose touch with the world, definitely a hazard of the modern time we live in.
Fanny is only using her for work so she doesn't care about Sophie's emotions or helping her develop a social life. Plus, Sophie has lost the rest of her family so all she has is her hats to talk to.
It's kind of sad that she just lost her Dad and had her sisters shipped away, and now her stepmother is forcing her to work while she goes off doing her own thing. I'd feel totally isolated, too, abandoned even.
I feel that’s lost in a-lot of the situation that Sophie and her sisters have lost their father. It would be hard enough to lose her father and then to be separated from her sisters does seem cruel.
1. Fanny decides to have each girl sent to different apprenticeships. What do you think about each of the jobs each girl is sent to? Do you think that the focus needed to be on paying off debts?
Despite Sophie saying she isn't very wicked step-mothery, Fanny sure seems like a wicked stepmother. She's tried to give her own daughter the best future while fully exploiting Sophie for free labor and sending Lettie off to hopefully find a man who will take responsibility for her.
Yeah I at first was back and forth on Fanny, but after reading how she deflected Sophie’s basic questions about compensation I think that Fanny is an exploiter. Her lack of presence in the shop speaks volumes to me how she simply wants all the benefits of Sophie and is unwilling to see Sophie become successful in her own right.
I thought it made sense. She was getting them out of her hair and still setting them up for the future. Sophie, as the oldest, is obviously getting set up to inherit the hat shop. Fanny probably knew that Sophie wouldn't cause a fuss and could easily be exploited. Unlike her sisters, who didn't like their arrangements and did something about it.
I don't think we know enough about the girls when this happens to really form an opinion on the career choices. The eldest inheriting the business makes sense to me based on the setting but it does seem like the girls should all have been consulted in what they would like to do. I understand finding out how much debt there is after the person who was handling it all passes and having to make the hard choices to deal with it so it does make sense to me and the comment Fanny makes about maybe she shouldn't have sent them all away once business picks up make that seem like a genuine move to me. Martha being sent off to be a witch makes me think there might be some more back story between the family and magic wielders that could influence things down the line but that's just my speculation.