"Lonely Castle in the Mirror" is a Japanese novel by Mizuki Tsujimura, published in 2017, and has been adapted into an anime film. The story revolves around seven middle school students who avoid attending school due to personal traumas and bullying. They discover that the mirrors in their bedrooms serve as portals to a magical castle where a girl called the Wolf Queen invites them to play a game. The children must find a hidden key in the castle, which will grant the finder one wish, but they must leave the castle by 5 pm or face deadly consequences. The novel explores themes of mental health, friendship, healing, and overcoming personal struggles, with the castle serving as a safe haven and a place to build connections outside their real-world difficulties. The story features a blend of fantasy and poignant real-life issues and is highly acclaimed for its emotional depth and narrative.
Would more details about the plot, characters, or adaptations be of interest?
