Lonely Castle in the Mirror

The no. 1 Japanese bestseller and Guardian 2021 highlight

Mizuki Tsujimura author Philip Gabriel translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Transworld Publishers Ltd

Published:8th Sep '22

Should be back in stock very soon

Lonely Castle in the Mirror cover

A magical journey unfolds in Lonely Castle in the Mirror, where seven teens must confront their fears to escape a mysterious castle by sharing their secrets.

In Lonely Castle in the Mirror, a group of seven teenagers in a quiet Tokyo neighborhood discovers that their mirrors hold a magical secret. Upon touching their reflective surfaces, they are transported to a magnificent castle filled with winding staircases, enchanted portraits, and sparkling chandeliers. Here, they are presented with a mysterious challenge: they must find a hidden room where one of them will be granted a wish. However, there is a strict deadline; they must escape the castle by five o'clock, or face dire consequences.

As the clock ticks down, the group grapples with their fears and insecurities. The castle serves as a sanctuary where they confront their deepest secrets and vulnerabilities. It becomes clear that the only way to secure their freedom is to share their stories openly. This poignant journey emphasizes the power of empathy, collaboration, and the importance of human connection in overcoming personal struggles.

Lonely Castle in the Mirror is a beautifully crafted tale that blends elements of magic and fairy tale with profound emotional depth. It invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of loneliness and the transformative potential of reaching out to others. With its tender and playful narrative, this novel resonates deeply, reminding us that we are never truly alone in our struggles.

A surge of Japanese women are redefining their nation's literature * VOGUE *
Strange and beautiful. Imagine the offspring of The Wind-up Bird Chronicle with The Virgin Suicides * GUARDIAN *
A moving, reflective and surprising novel... anyone who has ever struggled with feeling isolated, had difficulties at school, or had mental health struggles, will find this novel to be a cleansing balm. * CULTUREFLY *
Neat twists and a genuinely affecting denouement. A story of empathy, collaboration and sharing truths, this is 'a modern, all-ages fairy tale' that should appeal to fans of Neil Gaiman and Studio Ghibli animations * FINANCIAL TIMES *
There's a warmth to her writing, and Tsujimura has a mature ability to allow the story to speak for itself without narrative * JAPAN TIMES *
An original and tender blend of social commentary and magical realism * THE JAPAN SOCIETY REVIEW *

ISBN: 9781529176667

Dimensions: 197mm x 129mm x 23mm

Weight: 255g

368 pages