Lonely Castle in the Mirror: The no. 1 Japanese bestseller and Guardian 2021 highlight

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A #1 Japanese bestseller and winner of the influential Japan booksellers' award, for fans of BEFORE COFFEE GETS COLD For fans of BEFORE THE COFFEE GETS COLD, fairy tale and magic are weaved together in sparse language that belies a flooring emotional punch. 'Strange and beautiful. Imagine the offspring of The Wind-up Bird Chronicle with The Virgin Suicides' GUARDIAN Translated by Philip Gabriel, a translator of Murakami _______________________________ How can you save your friend's life if she doesn't want to be rescued In a tranquil neighbourhood of Tokyo, seven teenagers wake to find their bedroom mirrors are shining. At a single touch, they are pulled from their lonely lives to a wondrous castle filled with winding stairways, watchful portraits and twinkling chandeliers. In this new sanctuary, they are confronted with a set of clues leading to a hidden room where one of them will be granted a wish. But there's a catch- if they don't leave the castle by five o'clock, they will be punished. As time passes, a devastating truth emerges- only those brave enough to share their stories will be saved. Tender, playful, gripping, LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR is a mesmerizing tale about the importance of reaching out, confronting anxiety and embracing human connection. Readers love LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR- ***** 'This book has become one of my favourite Japanese literature reads of all time . . . A magical heart felt read that will stay with you' ***** 'Unexpected, beautiful and heart-breaking . . . this is a work of fiction which reaches into the heart of a modern problem and has valuable insight' ***** 'Rich and vivid with lots of emotions . . . This book is a symbol of "hope is still there'

Reviews

A surge of Japanese women are redefining their nation's literature * VOGUE *
Strange and beautiful. Imagine the offspring of The Wind-up Bird Chronicle with The Virgin Suicides * GUARDIAN *
A moving, reflective and surprising novel... anyone who has ever struggled with feeling isolated, had difficulties at school, or had mental health struggles, will find this novel to be a cleansing balm. * CULTUREFLY *
Neat twists and a genuinely affecting denouement. A story of empathy, collaboration and sharing truths, this is 'a modern, all-ages fairy tale' that should appeal to fans of Neil Gaiman and Studio Ghibli animations * FINANCIAL TIMES *
There's a warmth to her writing, and Tsujimura has a mature ability to allow the story to speak for itself without narrative * JAPAN TIMES *
An original and tender blend of social commentary and magical realism * THE JAPAN SOCIETY REVIEW *

Author Bio

MIZUKI TSUJIMURA lives in Tokyo and is a well-known author of bestselling mystery novels in Japan. Her groundbreaking novel LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR combines elements of Japanese fantasy with highly relevant themes of emotional wellbeing and friendship. It won the coveted Japan Booksellers' Award, voted by booksellers as the book they most like to sell, and became an instant no.1 bestseller in Japan, selling over half a million copies. Tsujimura has also won the Naoki prize for her work. Rights have sold across the world.