Charmed
Life
is the first instalment of Jones’ seven part ‘Chrestomanci’ series, but it can
be read as a standalone novel. Charmed
Life is set in a world parallel to our own, where witches, warlocks and
wizards abound; it is a fantasy world of magic and wonder, set against a vaguely
victoriana steampunk backdrop.
After their parents die in a tragic steamboat accident,
Eric ‘Cat’ Chant and his elder sister Gwendolen - a talented witch in the
making - are left in the care of their neighbour and ‘Certified Witch’ Mrs.
Sharp. She notices Gwendolen’s aptitude for magic and arranges lessons for her,
whilst Cat can only observe his sister become more powerful every day since he
cannot do any magic at all. Ambitious Gwendolen soon masters basic magic and,
aspiring to take over the world, she is delighted when she and her talentless
brother are swept off to live in Chrestomanci castle, home of the powerful
magician Chrestomanci. Gwendolen is bewildered however when she learns that she
is not allowed to perform magic and that her witchcraft lessons will cease
until further notice. This stepback does not quell her ambitions, but rather
makes her more determined; mayhem
ensues and Cat stands by, powerless to stop her.
The reader views the world, events and characters of the
novel through the eyes of the protagonist, naive and innocent Cat. This means
that there is a distinct air of mystery surrounding Chrestomanci and his
castle, since for much of the novel a lot is hidden from Cat. This device kept
me guessing and intrigued as to what was going on and how the story would pan
out; why had Chrestomanci invited them both to live in the castle if he refused
to teach Gwendolen magic? What is Gwendolen up to? Why can’t they venture into
Chrestomanci’s garden? These questions and others make for a compelling read.
Cat is OK as far as protagonists go, but he is nothing particularly special
either; the narrative feels vaguely fairy-tale, and is funny and charming. It’s
a bit annoying how Cat clings to Gwendolen like a limpet, allowing her to boss
him around all the time. This part of the tale is also pretty heartbreaking
though, as it is clear not only to the reader but also to the other residents
of Chrestomanci castle that Cat’s devotion to his conniving sister is not
reciprocated.
Gwendolen is a horrible young girl, and is truly
unlikeable; at times I wanted to slap her. She is mean, selfish, arrogant and
completely heartless. She takes advantage of Cat’s loyalty to her by treating
him like a servant rather than a loving little brother, who happily panders to
her every request due to her being his only remaining relative. The other
characters are enjoyable and fun. There’s Chrestomanci and his kind wife
Millie, their mischievous children Julia and Roger - with whom Gwendolen butts
heads several times - among others.
Charmed
Life
is chock full of magic; Gwendolen performs several nasty spells to spite her
fellow castle dwellers and get the attention of Chrestomanci, and Julia tries
her best to combat her. Of course there is more magnificent magic performed by
stronger wizards such as Chrestomanci himself. There is also a grumpy
violin-cat, a were-tiger and a sweet little talking dragon.
One drawback perhaps is the lack of detail and
explanation as to how the magic works in this world, as at times it doesn’t
seem to follow any particular rules. I suspect, however, that this might be
covered in the later books of the Chrestomanci series.
Charmed
Life
is a really entertaining and inventive book, full of delight, warmth and
amusement. It isn’t quite as good as Jones’ Howl’s Moving Castle, which has a better defined protagonist and a slightly
stronger story, nonetheless I loved Charmed
Life; it is a brilliant, mystifying, funny and delightful read that all
ages can enjoy.
Rating: 8/10
My
other Diana Wynne Jones reviews:
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