Lonely Castle In The Mirror
Lonely Castle In The Mirror
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Mizuki Tsujimura
08.09.2022
Penguin
Young Adult Fiction, Coming of Age, Magical Realism, Japanese Translated Fiction
Disclaimer: these thoughts are entirely my own, based on my reading experience, and is no reflection of whether or not this title should be read. Thus, I try to keep my writing fair and constructive, and reveal my personal rating at the end. I always enjoy reading the varying thoughts of other readers because we all experience books differently - which is just so wonderful! So please feel free to leave a comment at the end.
Please be aware that this review may contain spoilers.
Warning: this book contains bullying, including physical harm.
✨ BOOK SYNOPSIS
‘Would you share your deepest secrets to save a friend?
In a tranquil neighbourhood of Tokyo, seven teenagers wake to find their bedroom mirrors are shining.
At a single touch, they are pulled from their lonely lives to a wondrous castle filled with winding stairways, watchful portraits and twinkling chandeliers. In this new sanctuary, they are confronted with a set of clues leading to a hidden room where one of them will be granted a wish. But there's a catch: if they don't leave the castle by five o'clock, they will be punished.
As time passes, a devastating truth emerges: only those brave enough to share their stories will be saved.’
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✨ MY REVIEW 🤔
This book was recommended to me by a dear friend, and I’m so glad that they did because this is a book that will stick with me for a long time.
Lonely Castle In The Mirror has been a profound, emotional, and thought provoking experience. One that has been a great pleasure. Not in a joyous sense of course, because there were a number of times when I couldn’t help but shed a tear… or few. For the overarching story evoked a swell of varying emotions.
I must forewarn that the main theme of this book is bullying. More specially: what results from being exposed to bullying. Of which, for the most part, we experience through the main protagonist: Kokoro Anzai, a thirteen-year-old middle-schooler.
We are introduced to Kokoro within a daydream. One in which a transfer student recognises her, they become friends, and her troubles minimise. However, in truth, Kokoro is at home and has been for some time. Deterred from leaving the safe confinement out of fear of being harmed by her school bully, and the other children that went along with the ill treatment.
Although her parents, particularly her mother, are trying their best to be supportive, Kokoro feels alone in her experience. Afraid of sharing what had happened for her to refuse attending school.
A life altering event is presented to Kokoro one morning after her parents have left for work, in the form of her mirror glowing with invitation. Reluctantly investigating the strange occurrence, Kokoro finds herself in a castle. One that is void of life aside from a younger child wearing a wolf mask, who is awaiting her.
Within the castle beyond the mirror, Kokoro is introduced to six individuals of varying ages, but also in middle-school. Who are also seeking safe refuge between school hours for their own closely guarded reasons.
The only task that they are offered is to locate a key that grants a single wish. However, there is but one rule: leave the castle by 17:00 each day (Japanese time - this is of importance) or be eaten by the keeper of the castle. A shrilling Wolf Queen.
Throughout this tale the reader is given an insight into the vulnerability, sacrifice, and fear that is experienced when one is subjected to bullying. What it means to be a ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ in a Wolf’s game. Or rather… a lamb.
As the reader, I experienced elements of each student’s exposure to bullying and unkindness. Joining them in their sorrows and cheering for their hopes. As well as the building of trust and open vulnerability the more that they spend time together over the course of the given year inside the castle. Forming bonds from their experiences of adversity.
Having experienced bullying myself in my own childhood, there was a connection to be found and a sense of elation upon the conclusion. Because although it wasn’t the ending that they necessarily deserved, it was an ending of growth, self-belief and inner peace.
To sum up Lonely Castle In The Mirror, it is beautiful beyond compare and so thoughtfully weaved together up to its bittersweet conclusion, and I couldn’t recommend it more.
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I’d like to wrap up this entry by thanking you for taking the time to read my review of Lonely Castle In The Mirror. If you have read this title I would love to share in your own experience in the comments below.
If you are partial to reading Manga or watching Anime, you can experience this title in both if you’d like to experience it in different mediums.
✨ RATING 📣
5/5
✨ COMPLETION DATE 🗓️
16.06.2024
