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

emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This is a really beautiful book about anxiety, trauma, and how children process it in different ways within the context of Japanese society, all told through fairy tales. The beginning and some of the decisions/revelations the characters have can come across as stilted or nonsensical. However, the ending more than makes up for it and I cried through the last 60 pages. 

Having prior knowledge of Japanese social mores really helps with this book, as well.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child death, Sexual assault, and Panic attacks/disorders