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laelolou's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
tqlikesbooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Lonely Castle in the Mirror follows Kokoro; who, after suffering from bullying and isolation at her school, no longer feels she is able to attend. She spends most of her days in her room until one day her mirror starts to glow and she is transported through it into a castle where she meets others like her.
This is definitely a bittersweet kind of book. It is not so much about the mystery of the castle in the mirror, as I originally thought, but rather about Kokoro, the people she meets in the castle (who all feel isolated and alone in their own ways) and the bonds that they form. Though the 'mystery' of the castle is revealed as the story concludes and it was a very touching and satisfying ending to the story.
Personally, I felt the pace was just a bit too languid for me to really get into the book, which is the main reason this is 3 stars for me and not 4. Though it you are looking for a slow, quiet and introspective kind of story I would definitely recommend checking this one out. I can definitely see why this has garnered so much acclaim in Japan, as I really enjoyed the themes of the story, the way it dealt with them, and how it blended them with traditional fable/fairytale elements.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is definitely a bittersweet kind of book. It is not so much about the mystery of the castle in the mirror, as I originally thought, but rather about Kokoro, the people she meets in the castle (who all feel isolated and alone in their own ways) and the bonds that they form. Though the 'mystery' of the castle is revealed as the story concludes and it was a very touching and satisfying ending to the story.
Personally, I felt the pace was just a bit too languid for me to really get into the book, which is the main reason this is 3 stars for me and not 4. Though it you are looking for a slow, quiet and introspective kind of story I would definitely recommend checking this one out. I can definitely see why this has garnered so much acclaim in Japan, as I really enjoyed the themes of the story, the way it dealt with them, and how it blended them with traditional fable/fairytale elements.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Mental illness, Sexual assault, and Suicide attempt
mmmmmm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- 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
4.5
loved the book, think it would've been a straight 5 if the translation was better
there was oddness in the pacing and it went 0-100 in the last 50 pages or so but honestly it was still really well-executed
there was oddness in the pacing and it went 0-100 in the last 50 pages or so but honestly it was still really well-executed
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
ANXIETY AGORAPHOBIA be CAREFUL
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