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A review by heddas_bookgems
Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura
5.0
When I was younger, I often dealt with those gnawing pre school stomach aches, a blend of anxiety, fear of not being good enough, and the sheer dread of having to interact with people. Kokoro, the main character of Lonely Castle in the Mirror, knows exactly how that feels, and her story struck a chord that I didn't quite expect. From the start, Kokoro’s overwhelming anxiety and her shut in existence reflect the emotional core of this novel, and it’s safe to say, this book has layers, deep ones.
I’ll be honest, the opening chapters can feel slow for some. Kokoro's strained relationship with her mother and the weight of her trauma are gradually explored, casting a heavy emotional atmosphere. It’s not the cheeriest beginning, but the tension is crucial to the journey ahead. Kokoro’s depression is all too real, and her mother’s lack of warmth makes things worse. It’s the kind of realism that might have you quietly whispering, "Really, Mom?"
But then, the magic happens. Literally. When the fantastical elements sweep in, the narrative picks up speed. The Lonely Castle, a surreal sanctuary for Kokoro and a handful of other children, becomes a place where the harsh realities of bullying and trauma mix with a sense of mystery and healing. At its heart, this novel is about self-discovery and learning to trust again. Don’t let the calm prose fool you, there are some emotional sucker punches waiting. You might want to have tissues on the ready.
While this isn’t your classic cozy fantasy, it does offers a unique blend of whimsy and melancholy. The magical realism serves as a backdrop for deeper explorations of friendship, vulnerability, and the often difficult path to finding oneself. It’s a engaging story with a strong emotional payoff, especially for fans of found family tropes.
The prose is straightforward, almost minimalist, which suits the novel’s philosophical tone, though it can make the pacing drag at times. But the dialogue shines, and the characters, Kokoro in particular, are rich with depth and complexity. Each one offers more than meets the eye, pulling you further into the story.
Is it perfect? Not quite. But it excels at crafting a vivid, mysterious world inhabited by characters who feel achingly real, even as they explore an ethereal reality.
In short: It’s magical. It’s emotional. It’s well worth the read.
I’ll be honest, the opening chapters can feel slow for some. Kokoro's strained relationship with her mother and the weight of her trauma are gradually explored, casting a heavy emotional atmosphere. It’s not the cheeriest beginning, but the tension is crucial to the journey ahead. Kokoro’s depression is all too real, and her mother’s lack of warmth makes things worse. It’s the kind of realism that might have you quietly whispering, "Really, Mom?"
But then, the magic happens. Literally. When the fantastical elements sweep in, the narrative picks up speed. The Lonely Castle, a surreal sanctuary for Kokoro and a handful of other children, becomes a place where the harsh realities of bullying and trauma mix with a sense of mystery and healing. At its heart, this novel is about self-discovery and learning to trust again. Don’t let the calm prose fool you, there are some emotional sucker punches waiting. You might want to have tissues on the ready.
While this isn’t your classic cozy fantasy, it does offers a unique blend of whimsy and melancholy. The magical realism serves as a backdrop for deeper explorations of friendship, vulnerability, and the often difficult path to finding oneself. It’s a engaging story with a strong emotional payoff, especially for fans of found family tropes.
The prose is straightforward, almost minimalist, which suits the novel’s philosophical tone, though it can make the pacing drag at times. But the dialogue shines, and the characters, Kokoro in particular, are rich with depth and complexity. Each one offers more than meets the eye, pulling you further into the story.
Is it perfect? Not quite. But it excels at crafting a vivid, mysterious world inhabited by characters who feel achingly real, even as they explore an ethereal reality.
In short: It’s magical. It’s emotional. It’s well worth the read.