A review by lostpaperbacks
Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura

emotional inspiring mysterious reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Probably my favourite read this year so far. There's nothing I want to change about this book. It's perfect. I was sceptical when I saw how this book was compared to The Wind-up Bird Chronicle, I wasn't a fan of that one. But the magical realism in this one is much more mesmerizing and easier to understand and thus, enjoy. 

I really love the fact that Mizuki Tsujimura wrote this due to the lack of representation for mental health in Japan. The way she handles the topic is so delicate and I truly felt each of them raw. But I think, the highlight of this book is the relationships. The bond each of the children have after they were 'forced' to be with each other. The found-family and the conversations. 

The ending was unexpected for me. I couldn't put this book down after the 2/3rd mark. The pace took off and I was so invested. I cried, I felt empty when I finished this but at the same time so full. The ending just gives me so much hope and this is definitely a book I'll keep thinking of from time-to-time. 
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