Lonely Castle in the Mirror

'Strange & beautiful. Imagine the offspring of The Wind-up Bird Chronicle with The Virgin Suicides' – GUARDIAN

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

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The no. 1 Japanese bestseller & Guardian 2021 highlight

For fans of BEFORE THE COFFEE GETS COLD, fairy tale & magic are weaved together in sparse language that belies a flooring emotional punch.

Translated by Philip Gabriel, a translator of Haruki Murakami

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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 & 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 & embracing human connection.

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MIZUKI TSUJIMURA lives in Tokyo & 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 & friendship. 

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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 & heart-breaking . . . this is a work of fiction which reaches into the heart of a modern problem & has valuable insight'

***** 'Rich & vivid. This book is a symbol that 'there is always hope'