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'