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This is the thread for our March women in translation selection: Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura. First published in Japanese in 2017, the English translation (Philip Gabriel) was released in 2021.

It is a blend of fantasy and magical realism addressing bullying, anxiety, fitting in, depression and more. This review published by the Japan Society - UK includes spoilers, but offers a good sense of what to expect:

Lindsey will lead our discussion. If you're planning to join in, let us know.

Thanks Carol! I read this a little ahead of time so I’ll be prepared to lead. I really enjoyed it and hope you all do too!

Hey - is anyone reading along this month? I'd love to hear others' thoughts if so!

This has actually been one of my favorite books of the year so far. It reads a bit like YA, but that may be due to the translation or perhaps since the main characters are all kids. I thought their individual stories were beautifully woven together.
The first half moved a bit slower for me, but once I got to the final third, I couldn't put it down. I thought I'd guessed at all of the "twists" but there were surprises I hadn't expected at all.

I have this one on hold in the library and it’ll be 7 weeks ☹️
If it’s really good I might buy it?!

I just finished this book this morning and I thought it was an excellent depiction of how bullying and isolation can effect mental health. Post Covid I have heard many teens describe their struggles with mental health. Some found the isolation easier (like the castle) than withstanding the bullying. I'm interested to hear more reactions since the book was originally published in 2017 and dealt with issues in Japan that are coming to the front here (in the US for me) as well.

I know I'm late on this one, but I wanted to come here and gush on this boom. It was really great and I'm sorry we didn't get a good discussion on it. Looks like a lot of people just couldn't get it in time.

I totally agree Lindsey that this one was a sleeper hit for me too. I enjoyed it just fine but once I hit about halfway I raced through the rest in a few hours. I also thought I had it pegged and was surprised (pleasantly) about how it turned out.

(I also just saw this was being adapted as an animated film tbr 2023)

*released in the states in theaters. It's already a film.