Lonely Castle in the Mirror has been one of my all time favourite books since I read it. SO I was so excited to get this advanced copy!!!
The concept here is lovely - being able to bring together the dead and the living for one day, and only once. My minor issue with it, was that this seems to be a common theme in Japanese literature these days. If I hadn't already read "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" and a few other similar books, this would have been an immediate 5 star read, because the concept and the writing are both very strong.
I do think the writing here is stronger than the other books I had mentioned. It is highly emotive and translated so well it really transports you into the world of the book. But simply because I have read this concept multiple times before, I couldn't give it a full 5 star.

"When a life was lost, who did it belong to? What were those left behind meant to do with the incomprehensible, inescapable loss?"

If you had an opportunity to meet someone you lost again, who would you choose? And would they choose to see you, too? Lost Souls Meet Under a Full Moon is a collection of 5 short stories, following people from different backgrounds and life stages, who wished to have another chance to see a person who passed away. The meetings are arranged by the 'Go-Between' - a person who communicates this request to the deceased and arranges a hotel room for them to meet the requester, during the full moon. Each story is its own tale with different characters and their challenges, however one link is Ayumi, who acts as a 'Go-Between'. As the story progresses, we slowly learn about Ayumi and the heavy burden he carries within himself.

It's a beautiful story that focuses on regrets, compassion, longing and loneliness, with a touch of magical realism. Each chapter introduces a new protagonist: a salarywoman who wished to see a famous idol, a grumpy old man who longed to see his mother, a jealous high-school girl who wanted to see her classmate and a distraught man who needed to meet his long-lost fiancé. We get to learn about them and understand why the request was important to each person. I loved the first and last stories - they were really well put together! It was hard not to feel sorry or feel pity for most of the requesters and the theme of loneliness was explored well. In the end, you learn a bit more about the process itself which I felt took away the novelty and should've just left as a secret.

This wasn't a bad story by all means, however I heavily struggled with the flow and structure. The chapters felt disjointed and lacked continuity which made the reading experience difficult to enjoy and I struggled to keep going, it just wasn't as engaging. This might be due to translation, but it lacked some emotional resonance, considering the themes that it was exploring and it impacted my ability to connect with some of the characters. Overall, this was an okay book, but I wish it was better structured.

I really enjoyed this book, it gave off very similar vibes to Before the coffee gets cold and it made you reflect.

An absolutely beautiful read - as someone who adored Lonely Castle In The Mirror, this lived up to every expectation. This book was emotional, gripping and has left a lasting impression. I’ll be thinking about this story and these incredible characters for a very long time. I’ll be recommending this one left and right!

I struggled with this one to begin with but glad I kept pushing through. I didn't read her first book so this was a new author for me.

This book has unique concept, which is about "the go between" who can manage a meeting between the life and death. Every story tell us about the meaning of say goodbye. This book is remind me with Funiculi Funicula series (Before the Coffee Gets Cold), since that book also can manage a meeting with people who has died by time traveling to the past. So, if you are a fans of Funiculi Funicula series, give this book a try.

However, each story has longgggg part. It often tell us about the past until the day when the person die. That's why, sometimes I find it boring and distant with the main character. I need more times to finish this book, because on some part, I missed the "sparks". Plus, the translation is not "flowing" enough. I've read Lonely Castle in The Mirror, that's why I expect more from this book.

Overall, this book still enjoyable since it has heart-warming sides and comforting., although there are some flaws in it.

A collection of interconnected stories featuring a go-between acting to arrange meetings between the living and the dead. Each character's story is emotional and thought-provoking and not always a happy ending. It is the story of the go-between himself that is the most intriguing and it is his story that links the book together. A very enjoyable read.

Whimsical and beautifully written, this meditation on loneliness has a lot in common with Lonely Castle in the Mirror. A light fantasy frosting over deeper human issues. Very much enjoyed.

A quiet, gentle and heart-tugging book that I couldn't help but devour in one sitting. Each story in this book was different and unique but everything linked up in the end in the most satisfying and well written way. I'm so keen to read more of these short stories about The Go-Between!

I loved Lonely Castle In The Mirror so was super keen to read something else by this author. Straight away the style felt comforting, calming and familiar. I liked the concept and how everything came together at the end. The only thing that was a bit weird for me was the titles of all the chapters. They felt kind of oddly translated to me. I'm keen to read the next one when it's translated, but I didn't enjoy it as much as Lonely Castle as despite the chapters being interrelated and tied together by the Go-Between, it felt like a collection of short stories and I just don't like short stories as much as a novel.

Heartwarming and exactly what I was expecting, in a good way. This book takes a look at the connection between the living and the dead, and how sometimes we need a final goodbye. Told in a collection of short stories that all connect, the book takes the reader on a journey of regret, friendship and love. I enjoyed some characters a lot more than others, and I found the ending a little rushed. I still thought this was a really sweet story and I really liked the family aspect and focus on hope.

rating: 3.75* (rounded up to 4)

I loved Lonely Castle in the Mirror so much that when I found out the author is coming out with a new book and that it was on Netgalley - I knew I had to try requesting for it. Imagine my surprise when I got it. Thank you Netgalley and Doubleday!

Lost Souls Meet Under a Full Moon is a collection of five short stories about the Go-Between, a service provided by a strange young man in a coat and a lovely old lady where the living can request to reunite with a deceased loved one/acquaintance during a full moon.

One thing about short story collections is that sometimes because of the length of the stories, as a reader we would feel distant with the characters as they didn't have enough space to grow, or feel dissatisfied as we feel there could've been more to be explored in the story. Another worry that I have sometimes is when the collection is interconnected with the same "theme", the stories would feel too monotone.

What I appreciate about these stories is how interconnected they are. Each narrative is connected to the next - starting with subtle connections that gradually build in strength as the collection progresses. The characters, settings, and events intersect very subtly, which I really like because it feels cohesive and gives some of the characters some extra space to develop. I also appreciated how distinct the themes are in each story, so I don't feel bored reading them.

However, compared to Lonely Castle in the Mirror, I still feel like there was something missing from this book? I feel like the characters could've been fleshed out a little more hence why I was still feeling distant from the characters while reading this book. I still very much would recommend this, especially if you're a fan of cozy Japanese literature. I will also definitely be reading The Go Between #2 (whenever that is).

What would you do if you could have the opportunity to speak one more time to somebody who once changed your life? A person who is now dead.

That is precisely the opportunity offered by Ayumi, who lays down strict rules to his clients about the conditions under which they can have such an encounter.

Despite that, any number of people are willing to do whatever is necessary - whether it is to assuage their anxiety about a lost loved one, or to secure their financial interests, or to find the answer to a question that has been plaguing them for years.

This is a thought provoking and memorable book, while also being quirky and unusual - something that Japanese writers seem to specialise in. It will be enjoyed most of all by those who have enjoyed books like The Kamogawa Food Detectives, but has wider appeal for readers that goes beyond that specialised niche. It gets 3.5 stars.

Lost Souls Meet Under a Full Moon was a captivating read. I liked the premise of being able to meet with the dead once while alive and with the living once when deceased. The stories had a lot of emotion behind them, and since each chapter was an individual story, you could comfortably complete one or two stories per night. This is a book that will certainly appeal to fans of works along the lines of Before the Coffee Gets Cold. I saw at the end of this book there was a snippet from the follow-up volume. For me, that's the only negative with these types of stories coming out of Japan lately: the first book is wonderful and new, but it becomes boring when the same premise repeats in book two, then book three and on. Therefore I am not sure yet if I will read on to a second volume, but this first book was definitely an enjoyable read with a plot idea that was fun but which still packed an emotional punch. The translation flowed well and the pacing within each story was good, making it easy bedtime reading. I am giving it 4.5 stars.

A beautiful segmentation of the human heart, Lost Souls is a fantastic book that will have you sobbing and rooting for everything and everyone.

A quietly lovely book with an intriguing hook. I enjoyed how the stories subtly built on each other, creating a mosaic of empathy, philosophy and daily, ordinary, yet large inner lives; while also exploring the rather alchemical influence of memory.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for the ARC

I was intrigued by the concept because it reminded me of Before the Coffee Gets Cold series, which I love. It's five interconnected stories that all explore themes of loss and grief. It's a beautiful and emotional book. Both heartwarming and heartaching. The writing was great and every character had their own strong story and unique voice. I'm glad this is the first in a new series because I'm looking forward to seeing more from this world.

"Lost Souls Meet Under a Full Moon" intrigued me with its unique premise of five interconnected stories, each exploring the complexities of grief and loss. Tsujimura masterfully weaves together these narratives, highlighting the flaws and vulnerabilities of her characters, which makes them feel real and relatable.

However, I felt that Ayumi’s character lacked the impact I was hoping for. Although we see his story arc unfold, there's something missing—it’s as if the emotional weight of what happened to him doesn't fully resonate. I’m optimistic that a sequel might delve deeper into his character, bringing out the depth that seems to be lacking.

Overall, this book is one I’d recommend, especially to those who are still grappling with the loss of a loved one. It's a poignant reminder that even in our darkest moments, we're never truly alone.

Whew, what an emotional journey! I wasn’t expecting this to be the emotional rollercoaster it was - I think I felt almost every emotion known to humankind while reading this excellent book!

The writing was superb and one of the best translations I’ve read this year; I really enjoy the succinct storytelling and intentional word choices of Japanese novels! The structure was artful: while we have four stories under the same theme, each one is told slightly differently. Not only does this reduce repetition, it helps keep the pace and reader attention even once the rhythm of the stories is established.

The characters were a mixed bag: I personally enjoyed the latter two character journeys best and Ayumi’s chapter. I liked the non-linear storytelling in Arashi and Tuchiya’s chapters and getting to spend some time in their worlds before their loved ones died. Ayumi’s chapter tied all four stories together nicely and gave us extended context about each encounter too. Some characters are easier to cheer on than others, but they all have a unique feel to them keeping the stories fresh and interesting.

This looks like it’s going to be a series and I’m looking forward to reading the next one!

I was privileged to have my request to read this book accepted through NetGalley. Thank you so much, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers! 🌙