Lonely castle in the mirror
INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER!
A Studio Ghibli-esque work of Japanese translation “that lays bare the anxieties and desperation—and the small triumphs—of adolescence” (Locus), for fans of Mieko Kawakami’s Heaven.
Seven students find unusual common ground in this warm, puzzle-like Japanese bestseller laced with gentle fantasy and compassionate insight.
Bullied to the point of dropping out of school, Kokoro’s days blur together as she hides in her bedroom, unable to face her family or friends. As she spirals into despair, her mirror begins to shine; with a touch, Kokoro is pulled from her lonely life into a resplendent, bizarre fairytale castle guarded by a strange girl in a wolf mask. Six other students have been brought to the castle, and soon this marvelous refuge becomes their playground.
The castle has a hidden room that can grant a single wish, but there are rules to be followed, and breaking them will have dire consequences. As Kokoro and her new acquaintances spend more time in their new sanctuary, they begin to unlock the castle’s secrets and, tentatively, each other’s.
Lonely Castle in the Mirror is a mesmerizing, heart-warming novel about the unexpected rewards of embracing human connection.
A Studio Ghibli-esque work of Japanese translation “that lays bare the anxieties and desperation—and the small triumphs—of adolescence” (Locus), for fans of Mieko Kawakami’s Heaven.
Seven students find unusual common ground in this warm, puzzle-like Japanese bestseller laced with gentle fantasy and compassionate insight.
Bullied to the point of dropping out of school, Kokoro’s days blur together as she hides in her bedroom, unable to face her family or friends. As she spirals into despair, her mirror begins to shine; with a touch, Kokoro is pulled from her lonely life into a resplendent, bizarre fairytale castle guarded by a strange girl in a wolf mask. Six other students have been brought to the castle, and soon this marvelous refuge becomes their playground.
The castle has a hidden room that can grant a single wish, but there are rules to be followed, and breaking them will have dire consequences. As Kokoro and her new acquaintances spend more time in their new sanctuary, they begin to unlock the castle’s secrets and, tentatively, each other’s.
Lonely Castle in the Mirror is a mesmerizing, heart-warming novel about the unexpected rewards of embracing human connection.
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Community Reviews
I can’t decide if I liked it or not. I think it is worth the read to discuss cultural mental health issues that are universal. Reality and fantasy.
I can’t believe I finished this book within a day, but it’s honestly not surprising, given how GOOD this book is <3. And genuinely? This is probably one of the first, if not first, books that have literally made me tear up while finishing it all in one day (literally). There’s so many things I want to address in this book… But I just don’t know where to start??? And yeah, I guess I could say I do relate to some of the characters in this book too like Kokoro Anzai, etc. I really have no other words to say except I’m in love with the concept of this book. The concept of time is really fascinating don’t you think? (even though, lets be honest, I almost was convinced this was gonna be about parallel universes thanks to Masamune hahaha TT). I’m such a rambler, so just one review paragraph could never cut it for this book! But if I could read and experience it for the first time again, I absolutely would. (although maybe not through a wolves’ den heh - pun intended). Okayokay, but seriously though, if anyone’s considering reading this? YES. Absolutely, MUST MUST MUST read <33
I would rate this more than 5 stars if I could🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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