Lonely Castle in the Mirror

"Some of it was predictable but there were a few twists I wasn’t expecting. My biggest issue was the writing style. It is possible it was due to the translation or just some inherent difference between Japanese and English, but some of the word choice was odd, and some of the narration was just jerky or awkward and didn’t flow naturally. And it was a little repetitive. "

"One of the best books I’ve read in a while! There’s a bit of a twist and I like the way the epilogue ties everything together. "

"“You said it wasn't my fault I can't go to school.”<br/>“That's right.” Ms Kitajima nodded. A clear, emphatic nod. “I did say that. I mean, you're battling every single day, aren't you?” <br/>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️<br/>Did I finish this book or did it finish me?"

"A beautifully written story throwing me into a Japanese village with a great story that tackles mental health issues in a beautiful and masterful way. I am surprised I didn't read it sooner and adore this book."

""The Lonely Castle in the Mirror" seamlessly weaves together the threads of magical realism, classic fairy tales, poignant reflections on mental health, and the enduring strength of friendships. Through the looking glass, readers are invited into a realm accessible only through mirrors, embarking on an introspective odyssey alongside Kokoro, a junior high student who finds solace and camaraderie among a group of other isolated teens. Echoing Studio Ghibli's enchanting allure, Tsujimura crafts a narrative brimming with fantastical elements and reflections on the human condition. The mirror world serves as a canvas for the characters to forge meaningful connections, reminiscent of the themes often found in Ghibli films. While the novel's pacing may waver at times, its climactic third act is where its brilliance truly shines. Here, Tsujimura masterfully unravels intricate webs of emotion, delivering captivating twists and resolutions that resonate long after the final page is turned. Yet, despite its many strengths, I found myself struggling to fully connect with the characters on an emotional level until the latter stages of the book. While each teenager grapples with relatable struggles, it's only as their hardships are laid bare in the latter portion of the narrative that their complexities truly come to light. In summary, "The Lonely Castle in the Mirror" is a poignant exploration of mental health and the transformative power of friendship within the enchanting tapestry of magical realism. While it may occasionally falter in character depth, its evocative themes and undeniable Studio Ghibli-like charm make it a noteworthy addition to my bookcase."

"Very sweet story about a group of teens who are struggling in some aspect of their lives and get drawn into a strange magical world. It moves a little slowly but the way it all comes together at the end is worth it for me."

"Lonely Castle in the Mirror was a heartwarming story about seven grade school students who found themselves transported from their bedroom into the castle in the mirror. The story deals with the emotional and mental health issues surrounding bullying. Each student had their own backstory and issues, leading them to drop out of school. They found themselves without friends and unable to talk with their family, until one day their mirror came to life and transported them to a magical castle. It is here that they learned to connect with others and develop the courage to share their experiences.<br/><br/>The castle comes with its own set of rules and mystery, as it is only open during set daytime hours, and is home to the Wolf Queen . A mysterious girl, who comes when called and disappears on a whim, while wearing a wolf mask to hide her identity. Upon arrival she tells them that they have until March 30th to find a key to a hidden room that will grant a single wish. <br/><br/>The story was filled with references to many fairytales from Hans Christian Andersen to the bBothers Grimm, there are many references to the tale of Little Red Riding Hood."

""Lonely Castle in the Mirror" by Mizuki Tsujimura follows seven students who have been pulled into another world. <br/><br/>I would give "Lonely Castle in the Mirror" by Mizuki Tsujimura a 2-star review because, 1; for me it was too slow at times 2; I liked how it focused on mental health but 3; like 80 percent of the book, I really disliked."