67 pages • 2 hours read
Spirited Away
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Book Brief
172
Graphic Novel/Book • Fiction
Modern Japan • Fantasy Realm
2002
YA
8-12 years
Super Short Summary
In Spirited Away: Book 1, Chihiro and her parents move to the countryside but become lost and stumble upon an abandoned amusement park. After her parents gorge themselves on food and turn into pigs, Chihiro discovers the park is inhabited by spirits. With the help of Haku, a river spirit, she navigates the mysterious world and seeks a way to save her parents and return home.
Fantastical
Adventurous
Mysterious
Contemplative
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
4,154 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki is widely lauded for its stunning animation, imaginative world-building, and emotional depth. Critics praise its complex characters and rich narrative, though some feel its pacing lags in parts. Overall, it's highly regarded as a masterpiece in animated filmmaking, blending captivating visuals with a compelling, timeless story.
Who Should Read Spirited Away?
Fans of immersive, fantastical worlds and strong character arcs will be captivated by Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. Readers who enjoyed Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland or Neil Gaiman's Coraline will find similar enchantment and depth, with a unique Japanese cultural twist that sets it apart.
4,154 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Haku
Haku
A mysterious figure who appears at Chihiro's side with an inherent connection to her and the spirit realm. He aids Chihiro in navigating the challenges of the new world she finds herself in.
Father
Father
Chihiro’s father, whose impulsive and reckless nature leads the family into peril. He is characterized by his eagerness to explore without considering the consequences.
Mother
Mother
Chihiro’s mother, who follows her husband’s lead, driven by surface-level desires and skepticism towards spirituality. Her actions contribute to the family's predicament when they discover an unfamiliar place.
172
Graphic Novel/Book • Fiction
Modern Japan • Fantasy Realm
2002
YA
8-12 years
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