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kelly_e's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Author: Mizuki Tsujimura
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.25
Pub Date: May 1, 2017
T H R E E • W O R D S
Vivid • Playful • Heartwarming
📖 S Y N O P S I S
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.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Lonely Castle in the Mirror is a book I'd likely never have stumbled upon if not for an online event in my book club. Yet it was also the type of book that reminded me of the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone every now and then. It was one of those books that reminded me of what it means to be human, and that's not something I get everyday.
Written from the perspective of Kokoro, a young girl living with the anxieties of returning to school and dealing with the kids at school, this novel is definitely on the lighter side of the fantasy genre. In my opinion, it veers more in the direction of magical realism, where the reader isn't required to suspend all belief, yet does need to suspend some. It evoked feelings of empathy and compassion for each of the students. I thought the portrayals of the struggles of coming-of-age were very well crafted.
Additionally, I absolutely loved the concept behind this novel. As an avid puzzler, the inclusion of a puzzle aspect was so much fun. This is a story filled with connection, kindness and tackling teenage mental health. I don't think I have ever read something quite like it, but it definitely left me with the comforting feelings similar to The House in the Cerulean Sea.
Overall, I there was definitely a little something that was lost in translation. I can imagine the original Japanese version to be just that extra little bit more powerful. Yet this story really drove home the importance of community and reaching out for help. It would be the type of book I'd recommend to anyone who has ever felt left out and/or alone.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• readers who like puzzles
• T.J. Klune fans
• younger readers
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"If you try hard, you will always see results, and it will never be wasted no matter what you end up doing in life."
"She understood the fear. Not knowing what the future would be for her, not knowing how long she’d be like this. Seeing people who were moving on was enough to make her feel an excruciating pain in her chest."
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Bullying, Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Child death, Grief, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Suicide attempt, and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Terminal illness, Cancer, and Domestic abuse
talonsontypewriters's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Bullying
Moderate: Sexual assault, Pedophilia, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Child abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Violence, and Child death
Minor: Terminal illness, Cancer, and Medical content
absolute_bookery's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Moderate: Child abuse, Cancer, Bullying, and Death
irammy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Sexual assault, Child abuse, Cancer, Child death, and Suicide attempt
laffi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Car accident, Death, Adult/minor relationship, Cancer, Rape, Abandonment, Child death, Gaslighting, Suicide, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Grief, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Terminal illness, Violence, Sexual assault, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Alcohol and Alcoholism
barbarajean's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Child abuse, Bullying, and Child death
Minor: Cancer
kaydeedickins's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Cancer, Child death, and Bullying
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Genocide, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Death, and Mental illness
Minor: Self harm, Stalking, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexual assault
soots's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual assault, Cancer, Suicide attempt, and Suicidal thoughts
risemini's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Death, Cancer, Bullying, Child death, Suicide attempt, Adult/minor relationship, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, and Suicidal thoughts
sarah984's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Terminal illness, Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Sexual assault, Cancer, Child death, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical content