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A review by inkwithimagination
Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This heartwarming novel beautifully intertwines fantasy and reality to tell a poignant story about friendship, trauma, mental health, and the journey towards healing.
The characters are richly developed, each with unique stories and backgrounds that unfold gradually, revealing their fears and desires. One of the novel’s strengths is its sensitive portrayal of mental health issues, including bullying, anxiety, and depression. Tsujimura addresses these themes with empathy and depth, making the characters’ struggles and growth feel authentic and relatable. The bonds that form between the characters are touching and highlight the importance of empathy and support in overcoming personal challenges.
The writing can be somewhat awkward at first, probably due to translation, but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the story. I love the flow of the narrative, which balances magical elements with the real-life issues faced by the characters. There’s a hint of mystery and twists, but all the pieces come together beautifully. I was truly surprised by many of the revelations towards the end. While I predicted some of them, others caught me off guard, and they all made sense later on.
The ending is truly beautiful, heartwarming, and emotional. It made me tear up while reading it. I was definitely satisfied with the conclusion. Overall, this novel is a touching and compelling read that deftly balances fantasy with real-world issues, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
The characters are richly developed, each with unique stories and backgrounds that unfold gradually, revealing their fears and desires. One of the novel’s strengths is its sensitive portrayal of mental health issues, including bullying, anxiety, and depression. Tsujimura addresses these themes with empathy and depth, making the characters’ struggles and growth feel authentic and relatable. The bonds that form between the characters are touching and highlight the importance of empathy and support in overcoming personal challenges.
The writing can be somewhat awkward at first, probably due to translation, but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the story. I love the flow of the narrative, which balances magical elements with the real-life issues faced by the characters. There’s a hint of mystery and twists, but all the pieces come together beautifully. I was truly surprised by many of the revelations towards the end. While I predicted some of them, others caught me off guard, and they all made sense later on.
The ending is truly beautiful, heartwarming, and emotional. It made me tear up while reading it. I was definitely satisfied with the conclusion. Overall, this novel is a touching and compelling read that deftly balances fantasy with real-world issues, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Panic attacks/disorders