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lauralintunen's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Cancer, Child death, Domestic abuse, Pedophilia, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
emjbarnes's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Bullying and Mental illness
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Sexual violence, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
muppetymelody's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Minor: Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Terminal illness
britt_zonnebloempit's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Bullying
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
sophiesmallhands's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Terminal illness, Grief, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Child death, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Abandonment
kelly_e's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Author: Mizuki Tsujimura
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.25
Pub Date: May 1, 2017
T H R E E • W O R D S
Vivid • Playful • Heartwarming
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Bullied to the point of dropping out of school, Kokoro's days blur together as she hides in her bedroom, unable to face her family or friends. As she spirals into despair, her mirror begins to shine; with a touch, Kokoro is pulled from her lonely life into a resplendent, bizarre fairytale castle guarded by a strange girl in a wolf mask. Six other students have been brought to the castle, and soon this marvelous refuge becomes their playground.
The castle has a hidden room that can grant a single wish, but there are rules to be followed, and breaking them will have dire consequences. As Kokoro and her new acquaintances spend more time in their new sanctuary, they begin to unlock the castle's secrets and, tentatively, each other's.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Lonely Castle in the Mirror is a book I'd likely never have stumbled upon if not for an online event in my book club. Yet it was also the type of book that reminded me of the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone every now and then. It was one of those books that reminded me of what it means to be human, and that's not something I get everyday.
Written from the perspective of Kokoro, a young girl living with the anxieties of returning to school and dealing with the kids at school, this novel is definitely on the lighter side of the fantasy genre. In my opinion, it veers more in the direction of magical realism, where the reader isn't required to suspend all belief, yet does need to suspend some. It evoked feelings of empathy and compassion for each of the students. I thought the portrayals of the struggles of coming-of-age were very well crafted.
Additionally, I absolutely loved the concept behind this novel. As an avid puzzler, the inclusion of a puzzle aspect was so much fun. This is a story filled with connection, kindness and tackling teenage mental health. I don't think I have ever read something quite like it, but it definitely left me with the comforting feelings similar to The House in the Cerulean Sea.
Overall, I there was definitely a little something that was lost in translation. I can imagine the original Japanese version to be just that extra little bit more powerful. Yet this story really drove home the importance of community and reaching out for help. It would be the type of book I'd recommend to anyone who has ever felt left out and/or alone.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• readers who like puzzles
• T.J. Klune fans
• younger readers
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"If you try hard, you will always see results, and it will never be wasted no matter what you end up doing in life."
"She understood the fear. Not knowing what the future would be for her, not knowing how long she’d be like this. Seeing people who were moving on was enough to make her feel an excruciating pain in her chest."
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Suicide attempt, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Cancer, Domestic abuse, and Terminal illness
tomyelland's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Child abuse and Suicidal thoughts
king_pluto's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Minor: Sexual assault
laffi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Child death, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
Moderate: Alcoholism and Alcohol
ckreads28's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
There are themes that you will want to be careful of but with the rate of bullying increasing with social media now. I think this is something that is so important to read.
The plot twists were ones that I got a feeling about but couldn't even guess until the last moment. Now as this was a translation to english as always there were some flaws but not enough to jerk you out. I will be shoving this book on everyone and getting my own copies soon. I cannot wait for the movie adaptation and am so glad this book was written!
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence