Kiki’s Delivery Service is one of my favorite Studio Ghibli films, and I’ve seen it several times, but I never knew it was adapted from a novel until I found a worn copy at a bargain bookstore. It came in handy, too, as it was the perfect length for the FFP 24-Hour Readathon we had earlier this month.
Kiki’s Delivery Service or Majo no Takkyu-bin by Eiko Kadono (illustrated by Akiko Hayashi) is a children’s fantasy novel first published in 1985, and its popularity prompted the anime film adaptation by renowned animator Hayao Miyazaki in 1989. This English translation by Annick was published in 2003.
Kiki is a young witch who has just turned twelve years old, and in keeping with tradition, she must set off on her first solo journey, to find a town where she can settle as a witch and use her abilities to earn her living. With only her broom and her black cat Jiji in tow, Kiki comes to the town of Koriko, where she makes herself useful by setting up a (flying) delivery service.
Koriko has not had a witch in years, but Kiki has no trouble making friends. The baker Osono lets her live in the attic of the bakery’s flour storehouse, and soon, business trickles in for Kiki. Kiki’s adventures begin as she delivers presents, love letters, paintings, musical instruments, and other items for the townsfolk. Kiki faces many challenges, but her resourcefulness and cheerful personality endear her to the townsfolk as she settles in her new home and earns her position as the town witch.
I did not expect it, but I was equally charmed by this book as I was with the movie, and perhaps even more. The Kiki in the movie gets much of her charm from the book character, but the novel adds more depth to the character — you can see how Kiki grows from a petulant child to a mature individual by the end of the story. The novel also depicts Kiki in more complex adventures than the ones adapted on film, and and they were quite entertaining, too.
I think (not that I can read Japanese) the translation by Lynne E. Riggs was also well done, with none of the awkwardness translations usually have. My complaint is the cover art — frightful! — but the original illustrations by Akiko Hayashi (such as the one below) in the inside pages are topnotch.
If you’re a fan of the movie, this book is a must-read. Also a wonderful, non-scary witch story for young readers.
***
Kiki’s Delivery Service, trade paperback, 5/5 stars
book #43 for 2011
[amazonify]::omakase::300:250[/amazonify]
Hi Shannon:
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Thanks & Happy Easter
Hi Louise! Will check out your blog :) My name’s not Shannon though :)
Ooh, I loved the film of this! Never knew the novel was translated…must get hold of. Thanks for the heads up!
Nina xxx
I didn’t know, either, until I found this book! :)
Ooo, that looks good! And Jiji (in both animated & written form) looks and acts like my Shadow too. The book’s a hard one to find. Borrow someday? :)
Jiji’s adorable! :D You should get a flying broom, Marie, and you can set up your own delivery service in Binangonan :D
Sure, will lend you this book. Will bring it next book discussion, unless you’re coming to quiz night tomorrow?
Yup sure, bring it na lang to the next book discussion. Thanks Bloo, mwah! :)
mwah back!
nice! i bet it’s as unforgettable as hayao’s!
it is :)