Seeing the Invisible

“This novel was a true revelation. It’s the kind of story that doesn’t just stay on the page; it lingers, reshapes the way you see the world one page at a time.

The Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura became my favorite because it showed me something I had always felt but never fully grasped: that there are so many unseen children, so many quiet struggles happening behind closed doors. It made me see the loneliness that exists not just in the world, but especially in Japan, where so many young people slip through the cracks, unheard, unnoticed.

Reading this book really changed my vision of things because it made me realize just how much we fail to notice in others the invisible battles, the quiet cries for help, the strength it takes just to exist when the world feels unkind. It made me more aware, more attuned to the struggles that often go unseen. It deepened my belief in the power of kindness, in the necessity of truly seeing people, even when they try to disappear.

When we were young, we most likely had that one classmate in school who slowly started withdrawing. At first, it was subtle maybe they were just a little shy, quieter than others, or hesitant to join conversations. No one really questioned it; we just assumed they were tired or simply not interested in taking part in activities or conversations.

But as the weeks or years passed, this kid likely gave up trying to feel included and seemed to exist in a different world. And no one would really approach “the weird kid,” even though they never were to begin with. I think that’s part of the problem we assume that if someone truly needed help to feel included, they would ask for it. The Lonely Castle in the Mirror made me realize how much courage it takes to even hint at your pain, let alone voice it…especially as a child.”

From G.H.

6 March 2025