"I think we ought to live happily ever after," and she thought he meant it. Sophie knew that living happily ever after with Howl would be a good deal more hair-raising than any storybook made it sound, though she was determined to try. "It should be hair-raising," added Howl.
"And you'll exploit me," Sophie said.
"And then you'll cut up all my suits to teach me."
— Diana Wynne Jones
Barely a month ago, in my review of A Tale of Time City, I professed my ambition to read everything this wonderful author has published, if at all possible. Despite having quite a few novels occupying my bookshelf, I've got at least as many again to read and can't wait.
Despite knowing that she had been ill for some time, discovering the news of her death (via Neil Gaiman's Twitter, I must admit), nearly brought me to tears in public. It doesn't seem quite real - as though, like her characters and books, she should simply just be there. Diana, you left us so many wonderful words that you'll never be forgotten.
The first book of hers I read was The Magicians of Caprona, borrowed from my high school library. It's the first one I'm going to re-read.
This is a lovely post, Natasha. She will be very much missed.
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