Lonely Castle in the Mirror

- Half a million copies sold - Winner of the Japan Booksellers Award voted for by the booksellers across Japan - CONVENIENCE STORE WOMAN with a fantasy twist, exploring mental health and anxiety issues in modern-day Japan. Seven students are avoiding going to school, hiding in their darkened bedrooms, unable to face their family and friends, until the moment they discover a portal into another world that offers temporary escape from their stressful lives. Passing through a glowing mirror, they gather in a magnifcent castle which becomes their playground and refuge during school hours. The students are tasked with locating a key, hidden somewhere in the castle, that will allow whoever finds it to be granted one wish. At this moment, the castle will vanish, along with all memories they may have of their adventure. If they fail to leave the castle by 5 pm every afternoon, they will be eaten by the keeper of the castle, an easily provoked and shrill creature named the Wolf Queen. Delving into their emotional lives with sympathy and a generous warmth, LONELY CASTLE shows the unexpected rewards of reaching out to others. Exploring vivid human stories with a twisty and puzzle-like plot, this heart-warming novel is full of joy and hope for anyone touched by sadness and vulnerability. Readers love LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR: - Ms. Tsujimura often deals with important themes, but what I like is you're left with an upbeat feeling after you finish. - I shed some tears this time, too, at the end. - I got gooseflesh I don't know how many times as I read this - I couldn't stop crying at the ending and the epilogue. - I'd like my daughter to read this, and look forward to her thoughts. - Rare is the novel that is this sad, surprising, moving, and heart-warming. Shows how important it is when people reach out and help each other.