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魔女の宅急便 [Majo no Takkyūbin] #1
魔女の宅急便 [Majo no Takkyuubin]
ひとり立ちした魔女の子キキが、新しい町ではじめた商売は？相棒の黒猫ジジと喜び悲しみを共にしながら、町の人たちに受け入れられるようになるまでの1年をさわやかに描いた物語。
259 pages, Hardcover
First published January 25, 1985
About the author
Eiko Kadono
182 books139 followersEiko Kadono ( 角野 栄子) is a Japanese author of children's literature, picture books, non-fiction and essays in Shōwa and Heisei period Japan. Kadono was born in Tokyo, and attended the Nihon Fukushi University in Aichi prefecture, followed by a degree in English literature from Waseda University. After graduation in 1960 at the age of 25, she emigrated to Brazil, where she spent two years. She wrote a nonfiction story called Brazil and My Friend Luizinho based on her experience at that time, about a Brazilian boy who loves dancing samba. This was her maiden work, but it was not published until 1970. Most of her works are books for children. Her first successful children's book published Ôdorabô Bula Bula shi [The Robber Bla-Bla] was published in 1981. In 1985, she published the children's novel Majo no Takkyūbin, which was later adapted into the Hayao Miyazaki animated film with the same title. Both the novel and the film are known by the English title Kiki's Delivery Service. The book was awarded the Noma Children’s Literature Award, and she followed on this success with four sequels in the same series. She is the 2018 recipient of the Hans Christian Andersen Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,651 reviews
October 20, 2023
‘Kiki don't get too hung up on appearances, it's your heart that's important.’
I am very thrilled that Eiko Kadono’s Kiki’s Delivery Service has finally been translated into English. This is such a charming little book that, while written for young readers, is pure delight for readers of any age looking for a little magic in their life. Kiki is such a relatable character on a year-long coming-of-age journey and Kadono brings her to life as a dynamic personality with quirks, flaws, plenty of charm and self-conscious introspection. Along for the ride is her constant companion, Jiji, a snarky black cat that practically steals the whole book by being so endlessly fun. Kiki’s episodic adventures as she learns what it means to grow into being her own person, find her way in the larger world and discover the magic that exists in everyday life around her.
Already a much beloved character through the incredibly lovely Miyazaki film adaptation--certainly a long-time favorite of mine--readers can now experience the original magic that wowed and inspired the great director. It will be nearly impossible to not compare the two if you are familiar with the film, but the two quickly stood separately in my mind each with their own unique pleasures. While both have the same basic set-up—Kiki must find a town to live in and learn a trade for a year, choosing to be a delivery service—the film and book are much different in their episodic adventures. This will certainly be great for newcomers but those already familiar with the film will enjoy all new adventures and find a new depth to the character of Kiki.
What works so well here is the way Kadono makes Kiki such a lifelike and loveable character and does so with such perfectly tuned simplicity. Kiki learns that people are much more than they originally seem. A particularly adorable event finds Kiki jealous of how much more grown-up and confident in herself another girl her age seems, only to learn that this girl was thinking the same about Kiki and felt inspired by her. It’s a great lesson that we don’t know what is going on in someone’s head and the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, but also shows how much our own actions can inspire others even without our knowledge.
This is such a magical little novel that is sure to delight.
4/5
I am very thrilled that Eiko Kadono’s Kiki’s Delivery Service has finally been translated into English. This is such a charming little book that, while written for young readers, is pure delight for readers of any age looking for a little magic in their life. Kiki is such a relatable character on a year-long coming-of-age journey and Kadono brings her to life as a dynamic personality with quirks, flaws, plenty of charm and self-conscious introspection. Along for the ride is her constant companion, Jiji, a snarky black cat that practically steals the whole book by being so endlessly fun. Kiki’s episodic adventures as she learns what it means to grow into being her own person, find her way in the larger world and discover the magic that exists in everyday life around her.
Already a much beloved character through the incredibly lovely Miyazaki film adaptation--certainly a long-time favorite of mine--readers can now experience the original magic that wowed and inspired the great director. It will be nearly impossible to not compare the two if you are familiar with the film, but the two quickly stood separately in my mind each with their own unique pleasures. While both have the same basic set-up—Kiki must find a town to live in and learn a trade for a year, choosing to be a delivery service—the film and book are much different in their episodic adventures. This will certainly be great for newcomers but those already familiar with the film will enjoy all new adventures and find a new depth to the character of Kiki.
What works so well here is the way Kadono makes Kiki such a lifelike and loveable character and does so with such perfectly tuned simplicity. Kiki learns that people are much more than they originally seem. A particularly adorable event finds Kiki jealous of how much more grown-up and confident in herself another girl her age seems, only to learn that this girl was thinking the same about Kiki and felt inspired by her. It’s a great lesson that we don’t know what is going on in someone’s head and the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, but also shows how much our own actions can inspire others even without our knowledge.
This is such a magical little novel that is sure to delight.
4/5
September 17, 2023
The Perfect Fall Book
Kiki is about to turn 13 which is a very important step in her life. As a witch, she will leave her parents for one year and must make it on her own in another town. Kiki embarks on a journey with her talking cat, Jiji. What lessons will Kiki discover along the way?
Kiki’s Delivery Service is a heartwarming, cute story where Kiki learns lessons as she finds her way in the world. This is also a wonderful book to read aloud.
Strong female characters and a talking cat? What’s not to love?
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Kiki is about to turn 13 which is a very important step in her life. As a witch, she will leave her parents for one year and must make it on her own in another town. Kiki embarks on a journey with her talking cat, Jiji. What lessons will Kiki discover along the way?
Kiki’s Delivery Service is a heartwarming, cute story where Kiki learns lessons as she finds her way in the world. This is also a wonderful book to read aloud.
Strong female characters and a talking cat? What’s not to love?
Connect With Me!
Blog Twitter BookTube Facebook Insta
July 6, 2020
On sale July 7! Final review, first posted on Fantasy Literature:
Kiki’s Delivery Service, a 1985 children’s fantasy novel first published in Japanese as Majo no Takkyūbin (or “Witch’s Express Home Delivery”), is best known outside of Japan as the basis for a 1989 Studio Ghibli anime film directed by Hayao Miyazaki. In fact, the book won several prizes in Japan and Kadono has published five sequels over the years (unfortunately none of the sequels are currently available in English translations). Kiki’s Delivery Service was first published in English in 2003, but a new translation is now available.
Twelve-year-old Kiki lives in a small town with her mother Kokiri, a witch, and her human father Okino. Her coming-of-age day is nearing, and tradition requires young witches like Kiki to strike out on their own and find a town or village that doesn’t have a witch and needs their magical services. Witches’ powers have been growing weaker over the years, though, and Kiki’s only magical abilities are flying on a broom (at which she’s quite adept, in fact) and being able to speak with her black cat Jiji.
Once Kiki decides to leave she does so quickly, soon landing in the seaside town of Koriko. Initially downhearted because of the dismissive attitudes in this large town, Kiki cheers up when she meets a friendly and very pregnant baker who gives her a place to stay and an idea: she can go into business as a delivery girl. Her delivery service leads to a series of adventures, a few new friendships, and a growing feeling that Kiki has found a place and people that she cares about.
Kiki’s Delivery Service is a warmhearted and whimsical children’s story, told in eleven fairly easy-to-read chapters. It differs from the Miyazaki film in many of its plot points, and it’s much more episodic and understated in its approach. Kiki deals with the typical difficulties of growing up and gradually gaining self-confidence and independence. Her adventures tend not to be dramatic, life-and-death difficulties. It’s the more mundane, ordinary issues that mostly concern her: a worried mother; a thief who swipes her broom; a group of musicians whose instruments were left on the train; a boy who may or may not like her. Jiji’s sarcastic comments add a little humor and spice to the underlying sweetness.
The magical elements in Kiki’s Delivery Service are low-key and pure white witchcraft — there’s no real evil or meanness at all in this book. People may be annoying but fundamentally they’re all goodhearted. It’s about ordinary people going about their lives, sometimes frustrating each other, but more often connecting with and helping one another. In a foreword to the novel, Kadono comments, “[Kiki] is a witch, but she’s also a perfectly ordinary girl. She has the same worries, disappointments, and joys as anyone else … And as I continued writing Kiki’s story, I realized that magic is something everyone possesses. Even if you can’t fly through the air like Kiki, you have your own unique power that is equally important.”
And as Kiki herself realizes:
Initial post: I just picked this up on NetGalley! It's a brand new translation of the Japanese children’s novel that inspired the Miyazaki anime film. Sounds fun!
Kiki’s Delivery Service, a 1985 children’s fantasy novel first published in Japanese as Majo no Takkyūbin (or “Witch’s Express Home Delivery”), is best known outside of Japan as the basis for a 1989 Studio Ghibli anime film directed by Hayao Miyazaki. In fact, the book won several prizes in Japan and Kadono has published five sequels over the years (unfortunately none of the sequels are currently available in English translations). Kiki’s Delivery Service was first published in English in 2003, but a new translation is now available.
Twelve-year-old Kiki lives in a small town with her mother Kokiri, a witch, and her human father Okino. Her coming-of-age day is nearing, and tradition requires young witches like Kiki to strike out on their own and find a town or village that doesn’t have a witch and needs their magical services. Witches’ powers have been growing weaker over the years, though, and Kiki’s only magical abilities are flying on a broom (at which she’s quite adept, in fact) and being able to speak with her black cat Jiji.
Once Kiki decides to leave she does so quickly, soon landing in the seaside town of Koriko. Initially downhearted because of the dismissive attitudes in this large town, Kiki cheers up when she meets a friendly and very pregnant baker who gives her a place to stay and an idea: she can go into business as a delivery girl. Her delivery service leads to a series of adventures, a few new friendships, and a growing feeling that Kiki has found a place and people that she cares about.
Kiki’s Delivery Service is a warmhearted and whimsical children’s story, told in eleven fairly easy-to-read chapters. It differs from the Miyazaki film in many of its plot points, and it’s much more episodic and understated in its approach. Kiki deals with the typical difficulties of growing up and gradually gaining self-confidence and independence. Her adventures tend not to be dramatic, life-and-death difficulties. It’s the more mundane, ordinary issues that mostly concern her: a worried mother; a thief who swipes her broom; a group of musicians whose instruments were left on the train; a boy who may or may not like her. Jiji’s sarcastic comments add a little humor and spice to the underlying sweetness.
The magical elements in Kiki’s Delivery Service are low-key and pure white witchcraft — there’s no real evil or meanness at all in this book. People may be annoying but fundamentally they’re all goodhearted. It’s about ordinary people going about their lives, sometimes frustrating each other, but more often connecting with and helping one another. In a foreword to the novel, Kadono comments, “[Kiki] is a witch, but she’s also a perfectly ordinary girl. She has the same worries, disappointments, and joys as anyone else … And as I continued writing Kiki’s story, I realized that magic is something everyone possesses. Even if you can’t fly through the air like Kiki, you have your own unique power that is equally important.”
And as Kiki herself realizes:
"Of course, with my new business I’m usually delivering things in a hurry, so I need to fly. But sometimes it’s good to walk. When you walk, you end up talking to all sorts of different people even if you don’t want to, you know? … And when people see a witch close up, they realize that we don’t all have pointy noses and gaping mouths. We can discuss things and maybe come to understand each other."Kiki’s Delivery Service is a charming tale with a timeless feel, giving readers an enjoyable and authentic glimpse of Japanese culture. I recommend it for fans of children’s fantasy.
Initial post: I just picked this up on NetGalley! It's a brand new translation of the Japanese children’s novel that inspired the Miyazaki anime film. Sounds fun!
May 20, 2022
"just follow your heart and keep smiling"
April 14, 2021
When Trent Reznor heard Johnny Cash's cover of his song Hurt, he is on the record with the following statement: "I listened to it and it was very strange. It was this other person inhabiting my most personal song." He has since gone on to say "I wrote it, but it's his song now." I've always found this extremely depressing in a way. What was once the most personal of his works was taken away… while it will always be his in origin, for so many they will associate it with another. I can't imagine how that must be.
Tell me, how many of you all know the name Eiko Kadono? A few of you (the fact that you're looking at this book, probably a few more). Tell me, how many have heard of
Hayao Miyazaki?
Kadono may have created the character, but until last year her novel was never available even in English. In contrast, Miyazaki's film has been well loved around the world for decades now. Yeah, Kadono created the Kiki character, but much like with Reznor, the work will be associated with another.
Again, I find this a damn shame. Don't get me wrong, I love the Miyazaki film (pretty much everything that man works on is gold), but there's a wonderful little book here. The episodic adventures of Kiki are charming. Readers may be shocked to discover that most of the stories in the book were not actually in the film. Most are extremely silly tales (this is one that I look forward to reading again with my daughter when she is a little older), but there is a charm to the entire thing. Kiki's more realistic in the book to me. More like a real person and less, well, a cartoon character. Yes, it's all presented in a childish way, but her reactions and emotions are frequently relatable.
Also, Jiji in the novel is a delightfully snarky character at times, and I for one fully approve of that.
I was surprised to see this book finally translated, though very pleasantly surprised. I highly suspect we won't see the sequel novels, but hopefully I will once again be surprised. A solid 4/5 stars.
Tell me, how many of you all know the name Eiko Kadono? A few of you (the fact that you're looking at this book, probably a few more). Tell me, how many have heard of
Hayao Miyazaki?
Kadono may have created the character, but until last year her novel was never available even in English. In contrast, Miyazaki's film has been well loved around the world for decades now. Yeah, Kadono created the Kiki character, but much like with Reznor, the work will be associated with another.
Again, I find this a damn shame. Don't get me wrong, I love the Miyazaki film (pretty much everything that man works on is gold), but there's a wonderful little book here. The episodic adventures of Kiki are charming. Readers may be shocked to discover that most of the stories in the book were not actually in the film. Most are extremely silly tales (this is one that I look forward to reading again with my daughter when she is a little older), but there is a charm to the entire thing. Kiki's more realistic in the book to me. More like a real person and less, well, a cartoon character. Yes, it's all presented in a childish way, but her reactions and emotions are frequently relatable.
Also, Jiji in the novel is a delightfully snarky character at times, and I for one fully approve of that.
I was surprised to see this book finally translated, though very pleasantly surprised. I highly suspect we won't see the sequel novels, but hopefully I will once again be surprised. A solid 4/5 stars.
July 12, 2021
I wished every single one of Hayao Miyazaki’s movies were books, although most have some kind of book or other
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
September 6, 2020
Maybe I have over-rated Kiki's Delivery Service by giving it 5 stars, but I enjoyed this book so much when reading it.
Kiki is a young witch with a talking cat called Jiji. When she comes of age, she must set off on her broomstick to a town without witches so she can prove herself useful in a new community. She comes across Koriko, a town by the sea, and ends up using her ability to fly to deliver anything the town residents desire.
This had that cosy, magical feeling to it without being overtly magical. Kiki's only magical ability is that she can fly on a broomstick - everything else is so normal. I loved the small town community feel of this and meeting different kinds of people through Kiki's job of delivering things. They can get her into different kinds of situations and I love the feeling of finding a place to belong.
The writing isn't very descriptive (apart from in the first paragraph in regards to the roofs of houses looking like burnt toast - now THAT is description I love), and a lot of events and details can be flown over (no pun intended), as well as character development in other characters besides Kiki and Jiji. I didn't care though, I was totally enamoured by this charming little book that when I finished it, I couldn't wait to pick it up again in the future.
Perfect to read in one sitting and to give you some cosy magical feelings.
Kiki is a young witch with a talking cat called Jiji. When she comes of age, she must set off on her broomstick to a town without witches so she can prove herself useful in a new community. She comes across Koriko, a town by the sea, and ends up using her ability to fly to deliver anything the town residents desire.
This had that cosy, magical feeling to it without being overtly magical. Kiki's only magical ability is that she can fly on a broomstick - everything else is so normal. I loved the small town community feel of this and meeting different kinds of people through Kiki's job of delivering things. They can get her into different kinds of situations and I love the feeling of finding a place to belong.
The writing isn't very descriptive (apart from in the first paragraph in regards to the roofs of houses looking like burnt toast - now THAT is description I love), and a lot of events and details can be flown over (no pun intended), as well as character development in other characters besides Kiki and Jiji. I didn't care though, I was totally enamoured by this charming little book that when I finished it, I couldn't wait to pick it up again in the future.
Perfect to read in one sitting and to give you some cosy magical feelings.
October 17, 2023
oh to be a witch in a small seaside town running errands with my talking cat
Read
May 8, 2021If you're looking for an absolutely pure, wholesome read, then this is the book for you. Kiki's Delivery Service is my favorite Ghibli film I've seen, so far, so listening to this tale felt as if the movie was playing in my mind all over again. Kiki is a deeply good protagonist who lives a humble life, deals with burnout in her career, and learns to make a name for herself in a new town full of kind, quirky townspeople who all captured my heart.
There's nothing more that I can say than, this story felt like holding a warm mug of hot chocolate on a winter's day or a gentle breeze during spring.
There's nothing more that I can say than, this story felt like holding a warm mug of hot chocolate on a winter's day or a gentle breeze during spring.
January 29, 2024
يجب ألا تكتفي الساحرة بالطيران، فالمشي بين الحين والآخر أفضل لأننا نستطيع التحدث مع أناس كثيرين أثناء مشينا.. ويمكننا التحدث معًا ليفهم كل منا الآخر.
June 9, 2022
4.5 stars! I adored this book and it's left me feeling happy and content it was that adorable! This is a heart-warming, whimsical, magical tale of a young witch and her cat finding a place they belong! <3
April 19, 2024
خدمة كيكي للتوصيل رواية للكاتبة اليابانية إيكو كادونو وقد نشرت عام ١٩٨٥ و تحولت الرواية عام 1989 إلى فيلم و هو متوفر علي نتفليكس...
تدور أحداث الرواية حول الساحرة الصغيرة كيكي التي تبلغ من العمر ١٣ عاماً و يجب عليها أن تعيش سنة كاملة بعيدة عن أهلها و تتعلم في هذه الفترة كيف تساعد الاخرين و تعتمد علي نفسها في كسب عيشها..
الرواية بسيطة جداً و قراء كتير شايفين إنها تصلح للكبار و الاطفال بس انا مشوفتش دة..
هي رواية خفيفة لذيذة ولكنها للأطفال فقط..
مفيش أي عمق ولا رمزية وراء كل الاحداث..
حدوتة لطيفة مش اكتر ولا أقل بل فيها تكرار ومملة في أجزاء كتير ..
ترجمة ميسرة عفيفي كانت ممتازة ولكنه في النهاية كتاب عادي بل أقل من العادي بشوية!
تدور أحداث الرواية حول الساحرة الصغيرة كيكي التي تبلغ من العمر ١٣ عاماً و يجب عليها أن تعيش سنة كاملة بعيدة عن أهلها و تتعلم في هذه الفترة كيف تساعد الاخرين و تعتمد علي نفسها في كسب عيشها..
الرواية بسيطة جداً و قراء كتير شايفين إنها تصلح للكبار و الاطفال بس انا مشوفتش دة..
هي رواية خفيفة لذيذة ولكنها للأطفال فقط..
مفيش أي عمق ولا رمزية وراء كل الاحداث..
حدوتة لطيفة مش اكتر ولا أقل بل فيها تكرار ومملة في أجزاء كتير ..
ترجمة ميسرة عفيفي كانت ممتازة ولكنه في النهاية كتاب عادي بل أقل من العادي بشوية!
January 3, 2024
هناك بعض القصص والروايات من جمالها وبساطتها وسلاسة أسلوبها تجعلك لا تريد أن تنهيها إلا وتعلو وجهك ابتسامة كبيرة من رو��ة العمل.
وهذا ما حدث معي في رحلتي مع الصغيرة "كيكي" وقطها "چيچي "
كيكي فتاة ذات ثلاثة عشر عاما تعيش مع والدها الذي يدللها ووالدتها التي تعطيها نصائح دائما ما تتأفف منها كيكي.. ولكن المثير في الأمر أن والدتها ساحرة في زمن قل فيه اعداد الساحرات وبدأ في الاندثار.
وبالرغم من ذلك تقرر "كيكي" أن تكون ساحرة هي الأخري ولكن يشترط عليها أن تذهب في رحلة لمدة عام كامل تسمي برحلة النضج بعيدا عن والدها ووالدتها.. فقط الصغيرة "كيكي" مع مكنستها السحرية وقطها اللطيف "چيچي".
تذهب "كيكي" إلي مدينة خالية تماما من السحرة وتبدأ في مواجهة التحديات والصعاب ومحاولة إثبات الذات لسكان هذه المدينة، وبما أن قدراتها الوحيدة هي الطيران فتقرر أن تقدم خدمتها المميزة لسكان هذه المدينة ..وهي.. خدمة كيكي للتوصيل حيث تقوم بتوصيل الأغراض لسكان هذه المدينة من خلال الطيران بإستخدام مكنستها السحرية وفي أثناء ذلك تتعرض "كيكي" للكثير من المواقف والأمور التي تساعدها علي عملية "النضج" وتجعلها تري الحياة بأسلوب مختلف عن أسلوب الطفلة المدللة.
قد تبدو الرواية للوهلة الأولي رواية من أجل الأطفال ولكنها ليست فقط موجهة للأطفال فهي تحمل الكثير من المعاني والمشاعر العميقة بجانب سلاسة الأسلوب التي ستجعلك بالتأكيد تستمتع بهذا العمل الروائي اللطيف.
1/1/2024
وهذا ما حدث معي في رحلتي مع الصغيرة "كيكي" وقطها "چيچي "
كيكي فتاة ذات ثلاثة عشر عاما تعيش مع والدها الذي يدللها ووالدتها التي تعطيها نصائح دائما ما تتأفف منها كيكي.. ولكن المثير في الأمر أن والدتها ساحرة في زمن قل فيه اعداد الساحرات وبدأ في الاندثار.
وبالرغم من ذلك تقرر "كيكي" أن تكون ساحرة هي الأخري ولكن يشترط عليها أن تذهب في رحلة لمدة عام كامل تسمي برحلة النضج بعيدا عن والدها ووالدتها.. فقط الصغيرة "كيكي" مع مكنستها السحرية وقطها اللطيف "چيچي".
تذهب "كيكي" إلي مدينة خالية تماما من السحرة وتبدأ في مواجهة التحديات والصعاب ومحاولة إثبات الذات لسكان هذه المدينة، وبما أن قدراتها الوحيدة هي الطيران فتقرر أن تقدم خدمتها المميزة لسكان هذه المدينة ..وهي.. خدمة كيكي للتوصيل حيث تقوم بتوصيل الأغراض لسكان هذه المدينة من خلال الطيران بإستخدام مكنستها السحرية وفي أثناء ذلك تتعرض "كيكي" للكثير من المواقف والأمور التي تساعدها علي عملية "النضج" وتجعلها تري الحياة بأسلوب مختلف عن أسلوب الطفلة المدللة.
قد تبدو الرواية للوهلة الأولي رواية من أجل الأطفال ولكنها ليست فقط موجهة للأطفال فهي تحمل الكثير من المعاني والمشاعر العميقة بجانب سلاسة الأسلوب التي ستجعلك بالتأكيد تستمتع بهذا العمل الروائي اللطيف.
1/1/2024
December 24, 2021
Classic, i love it!
December 25, 2020
What a charming, delightful book. I didn't know this was a book. I had only seen the movie which is one of my favorites. I love Kiki and her feisty cat Jiji. Leaving town for year to start her first year of training as a witch. She finds a town by the sea and meets many interesting people along the way. All the while finding out who she is and what matters most. This book was so cozy and exactly what I needed.
January 31, 2024
Tanto "Kiki: entregas a domicilio" como "El viaje de Chihiro" son mis dos películas predilectas de Studio Ghibli, así que estimo que no será ningún misterio que haya sentido curiosidad por la novela que inspiró el primer título. Encontré un par de diferencias entre el libro y la película, y me pareció genial, ya que siempre que veo la película me dan ganas de conocer otras aventuras de la brujita Kiki. Con el libro lo logré, ya que nos presenta escenarios distintos. Sé que hay más títulos sobre Kiki, pero por lo que veo, todavía no fueron traducidos ni al inglés ni al español, así que tocará esperar para seguir conociendo sus travesuras.
November 27, 2023
٣ أسابيع او أكثر تقريبًا في بلوك غير معلوم الأسباب (ظاهريا) من جودريدز.. كنت بافتقده يوميا لكن مش قادرة أستخدمه برغم استمراري بالقراءة الحمد لله، لكن لازم عودة للموقع المفضل بغض النظر عن الظروف..
كيكي فتاة عادية لا تحب نصائح والدتها ولا طريقتها في النظر للأمور فهي في عمر الثالثة عشر تظن أن عقلها الصغير يسع معرفة الكون، تلك السن التي توهمنا بالكثير من النضج يقابله هدوء أهلنا الذي نراه نحن استسلاما وجمودا، فنتخيل أنهم أقل فهمًا وإدراكا للأمور منا، ونحاول الخروج من دائرتهم ونرفض من شخصياتنا كل ما نشعر أنه شبيها لهم..
كيكي تختلف قليلا عن فتيات الثالثة عشر، فهي قد ولدت في قرية يابانية صغيرة لأم ساحرة "حقيقية"، وفي زمن بدأت تختفي فيه الساحرات، مازالت هناك نساء يورثن هذا الدم المختلف لفتياتهن، ولكن يجب ان توافق الفتاة على هذا لتعلمها أمها من فنون السحر.
ولكن كيكي تظل فتاة الثالثة عشر المتذمرة التي ترى نفسها أذكى من تقاليد أمها، فترفض تعلم وصفاتها العلاجية التي تتميز بها كساحرة والتي تراها كيكي تفتقد البريق اللازم والتجديد.
ثم يحين موعد خروج كيكي من المنزل في رحلة نضج مدتها عام.. ينازعها شعور بأنها طفلة مدللة لا تريد ترك حضن والدها ولكن لا يمكنها أن تخسر الرهان، فهي من قبل أكدت أنها متحمسة لهذا السفر ولا تشعر بأي حزن، فكيف تستسلم للشعور الطفولي الذي يربطها ببيتها..
يعود الحماس بالسفر وتواجه كيكي الكثير من المصاعب في تلك الرحلة، وفي كل يوم تتذكر أمها فترى في نصائحها التقليدية نجاتها وحارسها، وتجد نفسها تلقائيا تتصرف كوالدتها في كثير من الأمور وترى في ذلك معنى يكمل وجودها، كانت الرحلة تستحق إذن، ولو فقط.. اكتشاف قيمة أمها..
كيكي فتاة ذكية تجمع مع ميراث السحر من والدتها رغبة شخصية في عمل يميزها.. وفي المدينة الجديدة وجدت كيكي فرصة لإثبات قدرتها على القيام بهذا، ولكنها لم تنس برغم ذلك قيمة نصائح أمها وما زودتها به لتبدأ طريقها..
تعرف كل فتاة تركت منزلها لعام أو أكثر هذا الشعور الذي وصفته كيكي، ينازعنا فنقاومه رافضين وفي نفس الوقت نشعر براحة معه.. هو تحول شعور الألفة من البيت إلى مكان الاغتراب، فعند العودة للبيت نخطط للبقاء شهرا كتعويض، ولكنّا نفاجأ بأننا ننتظر بفارغ الصبر عودتنا مجددا للمكان الجديد الذي أصبح بيتنا.. سواء رغبنا في ذلك أم لم نفعل.
من الصعب تصديق وجود كل تلك المشاعر بتفاصيلها المعقدة متضمنة في تلك الرواية المكتوبة بكلمات بسيطة، ويفترض أنها للأطفال.. وقد يقرأها طفل فيستمتع برحلة كيكي ويتعلم منها الكثير (تخيلت نفسي طفلة أقرأها، فترددت هل ستعجبني تلك النهاية أم سأرى بعقل الثالثة عشر أن هناك نهاية أفضل) وقد يقرأها شاب فيتذكر ماضيه القريب إن تشابه مع كيكي وقد تقرأها أم فترى التفاصيل التي تغيب عنها في رحلة نضج ابنتها.
رواية خفيفة وجميلة..
Sunday 26 Nov, 2023 📚💙
كيكي فتاة عادية لا تحب نصائح والدتها ولا طريقتها في النظر للأمور فهي في عمر الثالثة عشر تظن أن عقلها الصغير يسع معرفة الكون، تلك السن التي توهمنا بالكثير من النضج يقابله هدوء أهلنا الذي نراه نحن استسلاما وجمودا، فنتخيل أنهم أقل فهمًا وإدراكا للأمور منا، ونحاول الخروج من دائرتهم ونرفض من شخصياتنا كل ما نشعر أنه شبيها لهم..
كيكي تختلف قليلا عن فتيات الثالثة عشر، فهي قد ولدت في قرية يابانية صغيرة لأم ساحرة "حقيقية"، وفي زمن بدأت تختفي فيه الساحرات، مازالت هناك نساء يورثن هذا الدم المختلف لفتياتهن، ولكن يجب ان توافق الفتاة على هذا لتعلمها أمها من فنون السحر.
ولكن كيكي تظل فتاة الثالثة عشر المتذمرة التي ترى نفسها أذكى من تقاليد أمها، فترفض تعلم وصفاتها العلاجية التي تتميز بها كساحرة والتي تراها كيكي تفتقد البريق اللازم والتجديد.
ثم يحين موعد خروج كيكي من المنزل في رحلة نضج مدتها عام.. ينازعها شعور بأنها طفلة مدللة لا تريد ترك حضن والدها ولكن لا يمكنها أن تخسر الرهان، فهي من قبل أكدت أنها متحمسة لهذا السفر ولا تشعر بأي حزن، فكيف تستسلم للشعور الطفولي الذي يربطها ببيتها..
يعود الحماس بالسفر وتواجه كيكي الكثير من المصاعب في تلك الرحلة، وفي كل يوم تتذكر أمها فترى في نصائحها التقليدية نجاتها وحارسها، وتجد نفسها تلقائيا تتصرف كوالدتها في كثير من الأمور وترى في ذلك معنى يكمل وجودها، كانت الرحلة تستحق إذن، ولو فقط.. اكتشاف قيمة أمها..
كيكي فتاة ذكية تجمع مع ميراث السحر من والدتها رغبة شخصية في عمل يميزها.. وفي المدينة الجديدة وجدت كيكي فرصة لإثبات قدرتها على القيام بهذا، ولكنها لم تنس برغم ذلك قيمة نصائح أمها وما زودتها به لتبدأ طريقها..
تعرف كل فتاة تركت منزلها لعام أو أكثر هذا الشعور الذي وصفته كيكي، ينازعنا فنقاومه رافضين وفي نفس الوقت نشعر براحة معه.. هو تحول شعور الألفة من البيت إلى مكان الاغتراب، فعند العودة للبيت نخطط للبقاء شهرا كتعويض، ولكنّا نفاجأ بأننا ننتظر بفارغ الصبر عودتنا مجددا للمكان الجديد الذي أصبح بيتنا.. سواء رغبنا في ذلك أم لم نفعل.
من الصعب تصديق وجود كل تلك المشاعر بتفاصيلها المعقدة متضمنة في تلك الرواية المكتوبة بكلمات بسيطة، ويفترض أنها للأطفال.. وقد يقرأها طفل فيستمتع برحلة كيكي ويتعلم منها الكثير (تخيلت نفسي طفلة أقرأها، فترددت هل ستعجبني تلك النهاية أم سأرى بعقل الثالثة عشر أن هناك نهاية أفضل) وقد يقرأها شاب فيتذكر ماضيه القريب إن تشابه مع كيكي وقد تقرأها أم فترى التفاصيل التي تغيب عنها في رحلة نضج ابنتها.
رواية خفيفة وجميلة..
Sunday 26 Nov, 2023 📚💙
December 3, 2020
representation: own voices all Japanese cast.
[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]
★★★★★
THIS WAS SO WHOLESOME AND WONDERFUL AND I LOVED IT. Absolutely loved the illustrations too! Will defs reread this and read this to Amelie when she's old enough!
[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]
★★★★★
THIS WAS SO WHOLESOME AND WONDERFUL AND I LOVED IT. Absolutely loved the illustrations too! Will defs reread this and read this to Amelie when she's old enough!
March 1, 2024
Mega klimatyczna. Na początku nie byłam przekonana, ale teraz, mimo różnicy między pierwowzorem a filmem, wspominam ją dobrze.
April 14, 2021
উইচের (ডাইনি শব্দটা পছন্দ হচ্ছে না) মেয়ের ১৩ বছর বয়সে বাড়ি ছেড়ে বেরিয়ে পরতে হয়। সাথে থাকে কয়েকদিনের পাথেয়, একটা কালো বেড়াল আর উড়ার ঝাড়ু। কোন নতুন জায়গায় গিয়ে থিতু হতে হয় তাকে যেখানে আগে থেকেই কোন উইচ বসবাস করছে না।
আমাদের কিকিরও বয়স ১৩ হয়েছে সে বেড়িয়ে পরেছে নতুন জায়গার সন্ধানে। মা বলেছে বড় শহরে না থাকতে সেখানে সেটেল করাটা আজকাল বেশ মুশকিল। কিন্তু সমুদ্রের পাড়ের বওওড় একটা শহরই কিকির ভালো লেগে যায়। সে পেয়ে যায় থাকার জায়গা। খোলে বসে কুরিয়ার সার্ভিস।
এরপর আসতে থাকে নানান লোকজন আর ঘটতে থাকে নানান মজার মজার ঘটনা।
হাওয়াই মিঠাই হাতে নিলে যেমন তুলতুলে আরাম আরাম লাগে এই বইটা পড়তেও সেরকম লেগেছে।
অ্যানিমেশন মুভিটা আগেই দেখা ছিল। তবে নিশ্চয় বলে দিতে হবে না মুভির থেকে বইতে সব সময়ই বেশি কিছু পাওয়া যায়।
আমাদের কিকিরও বয়স ১৩ হয়েছে সে বেড়িয়ে পরেছে নতুন জায়গার সন্ধানে। মা বলেছে বড় শহরে না থাকতে সেখানে সেটেল করাটা আজকাল বেশ মুশকিল। কিন্তু সমুদ্রের পাড়ের বওওড় একটা শহরই কিকির ভালো লেগে যায়। সে পেয়ে যায় থাকার জায়গা। খোলে বসে কুরিয়ার সার্ভিস।
এরপর আসতে থাকে নানান লোকজন আর ঘটতে থাকে নানান মজার মজার ঘটনা।
হাওয়াই মিঠাই হাতে নিলে যেমন তুলতুলে আরাম আরাম লাগে এই বইটা পড়তেও সেরকম লেগেছে।
অ্যানিমেশন মুভিটা আগেই দেখা ছিল। তবে নিশ্চয় বলে দিতে হবে না মুভির থেকে বইতে সব সময়ই বেশি কিছু পাওয়া যায়।
February 21, 2023
Kiki’s Delivery Service is my third favorite of all the SG films ever, and reading the book that inspired the film was such a delight. Kadono tells us the story of a 13-year-old witch as she takes us on an interesting adventure with her only magical power: to fly on a broomstick with her talkative black cat. Since I watched the film first, I already knew what to expect. It was a bit surprising that quite a few scenes and settings were different here, but I took them as separate lovely experiences. I'm glad the film was faithful to Kiki as a character—charming, a bit giddy, and an excited young girl determined to discover what's in store for her in this not-so-perfect world on her own. It was fun, a breath of fresh air, a warm hug, a ray of sunshine, and a simple but adorable story. Suitable for kids and kids at heart.
November 28, 2022
Sweet and heart warming, just like a Ghibli film would feel. As a pretext, the author mentions that the idea of a flying witch was borne from her daughter's drawing, and while Kiki is a witch, the author aimed to make her as close to a 12 year old as possible (which I agree she has executed well.) Essentially this is a coming of age story, documenting the young witch Kiki on her first time living alone, but the little anecdotes (delivering baby pacifiers, paintings, letters, belly bands, New Year's day, instruments..) is what makes the story worthwhile. Nothing groundbreaking here, but a good book to spend the day with. 4 stars.
August 4, 2021
It was truly a delight to read the original novel that the well-known (and much beloved, including by myself) Studio Ghibli film! I loved getting to see all the elements that were pulled from the novel to create the film, as well as finding out that there was a little more to the story that only occurs in the book. This was certainly a delight!
October 30, 2022
5 BEAUTIFUL stars!
This is an epitome of my childhood!
It was such a heartwarming story - I'm glad I finally got to read the book. I've been a lifelong fan of the movie, so this was super exciting! Although I must say this is one of those weird situations where I'd have to say the movie was better than the book! No hate whatsoever toward the book though because if it wasn't for this, the movie would never have existed! I don't know if it is just because the movie was such a precious piece of my childhood that I feel this way or what.....but..
Shout out to Jiji for being so funny and adorable. At least this conveyed well between both the story and the movie. I can't wait to rewatch the film again this year for the millionth time haha!
This is an epitome of my childhood!
It was such a heartwarming story - I'm glad I finally got to read the book. I've been a lifelong fan of the movie, so this was super exciting! Although I must say this is one of those weird situations where I'd have to say the movie was better than the book! No hate whatsoever toward the book though because if it wasn't for this, the movie would never have existed! I don't know if it is just because the movie was such a precious piece of my childhood that I feel this way or what.....but..
Shout out to Jiji for being so funny and adorable. At least this conveyed well between both the story and the movie. I can't wait to rewatch the film again this year for the millionth time haha!
August 4, 2020
This book just made me happy. I loved the movie by Studio Ghibli, and loved how Kiki’s world was filled with nice people.
That’s mostly true in this book, and the worst one can say about the people Kiki deals with, once she moves to Koriko, is that they’re impatient and sometimes a little thoughtless.
Kiki’s totally wonderful. I love her and how she figures things out for herself, and how mostly unflappable and positive she is. Jiji is less sarcastic than all the cats I’ve ever known, but he was cute and seemed mostly up for everything Kiki got herself into. This was just the sweet and happy story I needed on a dark and thundery day.
That’s mostly true in this book, and the worst one can say about the people Kiki deals with, once she moves to Koriko, is that they’re impatient and sometimes a little thoughtless.
Kiki’s totally wonderful. I love her and how she figures things out for herself, and how mostly unflappable and positive she is. Jiji is less sarcastic than all the cats I’ve ever known, but he was cute and seemed mostly up for everything Kiki got herself into. This was just the sweet and happy story I needed on a dark and thundery day.
February 15, 2021
Sorry this is just a little too childish for me and I'm like okay lol magic woohoo. next.
December 7, 2023
Very cute story about a young witch who goes off on her own at age thirteen, as tradition dictates. She has to find a new town to live in, and make a place for herself there. With her talent for flying, and her trusty cat JiJi by her side, she quickly settles in to a city by the sea, delivering anything she can carry on her broom. She makes friends and solves problems big and small over the course of her coming of age year, learning all kinds of things about people in general, as well as herself.
February 29, 2024
Mam wrażenie, że adaptacja wzięła z oryginału wszystko co najlepsze, przez co czytana po obejrzeniu filmu wypada lekko blado. Nadal jest to przyjemna, ciepła opowieść, może trochę naiwna, ale niczego innego nie oczekiwałem od powieści dla dzieci. Polecam głównie młodszym czytelnikom i fanom studia Ghibli jako ciekawostka, ale dorośli nie znajdą tutaj niczego szczególnego.
March 6, 2020
Ya he finalizado mi primera lectura del marzo asiático, iniciativa creada por Magrat Ajostiernos. Este libro ha sido publicado hace poco por Nocturna Ediciones, siendo esta su primera traducción al español, traducción, por cierto, hecha directamente del japonés, algo muy de agradecer. Cuando vi que se había publicado no dudé en comprarlo, ya que Studio Ghibli lo adaptó en 1989 y realizaron la que es una de mis películas favoritas de esta emblemática productora japonesa. Hace un tiempo me enteré de que la autora intentó prohibir la película, pues vio el guión preliminar y no le gustó nada de nada cómo estaban adaptando su obra. Discutió con Miyazaki (el director de la peli y fundador de Ghibli), llegaron a un acuerdo y la película se hizo, pero desde que me enteré de este asunto tuve mucha curiosidad por leer el libro; curiosidad que ya ha sido satisfecha.
“Nicky, la aprendiz de bruja” supuso la consagración para su autora y fue todo un éxito en Japón, pero debo decir que, aunque el libro no me ha disgustado, sigo prefiriendo la película. Es que la he visto tantas veces que la tengo casi en las venas, me encanta, me flipa la música y cómo está dibujada y, en definitiva, me parece maravillosa. Ya nunca sabré qué habría pasado de haber leído el libro antes, así que no tiene sentido pensarlo. Pero, por ejemplo, “El Castillo Ambulante” es una película que igualmente adoro y, después de verla muchas veces, leí el libro y lo disfruté a unos niveles indescriptibles. Con estas cosas nunca se sabe.
La cosa es que es un libro simpático, se lee rápido, la edición es muy bonita, viene ilustrada por Akiko Hayashi, no es un libro malo ni horrible, tiene cantidad de personajes que destilan ternura y hay muchos momentos que me han parecido graciosos y divertidos, pero creo que hay algo en la forma en que está escrito que no me ha llegado del todo. Tal vez sea que cada capítulo es como una mini-aventura y no me acababa de dar la sensación de “libro” y, aunque soy plenamente consciente de que es un libro infantil y esta estructura es lógica, por mi parte hay momentos en que me ha faltado cohesión entre las diferentes partes. Sí, puede que sea eso y tal vez sea algo por completo personal.
No digo que no me haya gustado en absoluto, solo que me gusta más la película y que el libro no lo he encontrado del todo redondo. Por cierto, hasta la mitad más o menos la adaptación es prácticamente igual, pero a partir de ahí se parecen como un huevo a una castaña y entiendo perfectamente las protestas de Eiko Kadono, quien debió quedarse de piedra al ver su obra tan transformada.
“Nicky, la aprendiz de bruja” supuso la consagración para su autora y fue todo un éxito en Japón, pero debo decir que, aunque el libro no me ha disgustado, sigo prefiriendo la película. Es que la he visto tantas veces que la tengo casi en las venas, me encanta, me flipa la música y cómo está dibujada y, en definitiva, me parece maravillosa. Ya nunca sabré qué habría pasado de haber leído el libro antes, así que no tiene sentido pensarlo. Pero, por ejemplo, “El Castillo Ambulante” es una película que igualmente adoro y, después de verla muchas veces, leí el libro y lo disfruté a unos niveles indescriptibles. Con estas cosas nunca se sabe.
La cosa es que es un libro simpático, se lee rápido, la edición es muy bonita, viene ilustrada por Akiko Hayashi, no es un libro malo ni horrible, tiene cantidad de personajes que destilan ternura y hay muchos momentos que me han parecido graciosos y divertidos, pero creo que hay algo en la forma en que está escrito que no me ha llegado del todo. Tal vez sea que cada capítulo es como una mini-aventura y no me acababa de dar la sensación de “libro” y, aunque soy plenamente consciente de que es un libro infantil y esta estructura es lógica, por mi parte hay momentos en que me ha faltado cohesión entre las diferentes partes. Sí, puede que sea eso y tal vez sea algo por completo personal.
No digo que no me haya gustado en absoluto, solo que me gusta más la película y que el libro no lo he encontrado del todo redondo. Por cierto, hasta la mitad más o menos la adaptación es prácticamente igual, pero a partir de ahí se parecen como un huevo a una castaña y entiendo perfectamente las protestas de Eiko Kadono, quien debió quedarse de piedra al ver su obra tan transformada.
October 21, 2020
Star Rating: —> 4.5 Stars
LOVED THIS A perfect book for all ages.
Cannot even compare to the Miyazaki film, but it is still great!
i ADORE Jiji! Best character in the book ;-). 🐈⬛🎀🧹
🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤
LOVED THIS A perfect book for all ages.
Cannot even compare to the Miyazaki film, but it is still great!
i ADORE Jiji! Best character in the book ;-). 🐈⬛🎀🧹
🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤
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