Lonely Castle in the Mirror

Lonely Castle in the Mirror

The no. 1 Japanese bestseller and Guardian 2021 highlight

Summary

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
'Genuinely affecting. A story of empathy, collaboration and sharing truths' FINANCIAL TIMES

Translated by Philip Gabriel, a translator of Murakami
_____

Would you share your deepest secrets to save a friend?

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 reads of all time . . . A magical heartfelt 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.This book is a symbol that 'there is always hope'

Reviews

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About the author

Mizuki Tsujimura

MIZUKI TSUJIMURA is the much-loved author of million-copy bestselling mystery and puzzlebox novels. LOST SOULS MEET UNDER A FULL MOON explores our relationship with the memories of deceased loved ones and what gives our lives meaning. It was made into a high-budget Japanese-language film and won a newcomer award. Its sequel HOW TO HOLD SOMEONE IN YOUR HEART was also a huge bestseller, cementing the appeal of Tsujimura’s unique combination of high emotion, mystery and magic. She is the author of the groundbreaking novel LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR, which was also adapted for anime and manga and which combines real-world fantasy with major themes of mental health and friendship. Tsujimura has won many awards, including the Japan Booksellers' Award and the Naoki prize and is published worldwide. English language editions of many of her works including TRUE MOTHERS, PRIDE AND VIRTUE, THE MADE-TO-ORDER MURDER CLUB and SUMMER OF AMBER, among others, are due to be published soon.
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