Sometimes you need to spend a Sunday reading a slow, sickly-sweet fairytale and that's ok!!

Lonely Castle in the Mirror is a "not much happens, but we'll now make you feel at least three emotions" kind of book. The first 3/4 consists of lonely preteens hanging out in a magical castle they can access via a magical mirror from 9-5 . The awkwardness and angst of their interactions is truly something. They also have a quest: find the magic key, and use it to make a wish.

But as the months roll on (and they roll slowly), we find out more about our main character and her six castle companions. The pacing with which the background stories are revealed feels a bit jagged, but I nevertheless enjoyed the reading experience and found myself empathizing with many characters. And the last quarter of the book truly takes us on a little ride (a feels-trip, if you will).

Recommended if you're in the mood for some emotional children's literature and enjoy other sweet Japanese books such as Before the Coffee Gets Cold and Sweet Bean Paste. 3.5 stars rounded down.

More thoughts here: https://youtu.be/N13GyePhEvk