before the coffee gets cold

Book Review: Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

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Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a captivating exploration into the realms of time travel and human emotion, set within the cozy confines of a small Tokyo cafe.

This book offers a poignant look at the choices we make and the desire to amend our past, wrapped in a unique narrative that both charms and challenges its readers.

Know the cafe setting

The story unfolds in a quaint cafe in Tokyo, which possesses a magical seat that allows individuals to travel back in time. However, this journey comes with strict rules: the time traveller cannot leave the cafe, and they must return to the present before their coffee gets cold. 

This intriguing premise sets the stage for a series of heartfelt stories.

Characters and quests

Each chapter of the book focuses on a different cafe patron, delving into their personal motivations for wanting to revisit their past. From a woman who wants to confront her boyfriend who left her to another trying to speak one last time with her husband who has Alzheimer’s, the characters’ stories are deeply personal and emotionally resonant. 

Kawaguchi beautifully crafts these tales, making each character’s plight relatable and their emotional journeys impactful.

Themes of regret and reconciliation

At its core, the book examines themes of regret, reconciliation, and the human longing to correct the mistakes of the past. It prompts readers to reflect on their own lives and the things they would change if given the chance. 

The rules of time travel in Kawaguchi’s universe reinforce the inevitability of the present, adding a layer of poignant resignation to the narrative.

Kawaguchi’s narrative style

Kawaguchi’s writing is simple yet powerful, capable of transporting readers to the heart of Tokyo and into the lives of his characters with just a few words. His narrative style supports the book’s contemplative tone, inviting readers to ponder the deeper questions of life alongside the characters.

Emotional impact and reader experience

Reading Before the Coffee Gets Cold is an emotional experience that stirs the heart and provokes deep thought about one’s choices and the fleeting nature of time. The book’s unique setting and elements of magical realism make it a standout read in the genre of speculative fiction.

Conclusion

Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a must-read for anyone interested in stories about time travel, human connection, and the complexities of life’s choices. Kawaguchi offers not just a story but an experience filled with lessons about the impermanence of moments and the importance of living in the present.

This novel is a gentle yet profound reminder that while we can’t change the past, we can decide how we live in the now, making it an excellent choice for readers seeking both entertainment and enlightenment.

FAQs

What is the main theme of Before the Coffee Gets Cold? 

The main theme of the book revolves around the concept of time travel within a constrained setting and explores deep emotional themes of regret, reconciliation, and the human desire to amend past mistakes.

Can the time travellers in the book change their past? 

No, the time travelers in Before the Coffee Gets Cold can visit the past, but they cannot change the outcome of past events. The rules within the cafe’s magical environment allow for interaction but ensure that the present remains unaffected.

How does the cafe’s time travel rule “before the coffee gets cold” affect the story? 

This rule adds urgency and a poignant layer to each character’s journey. Travelers must complete their interactions within the time it takes for a cup of coffee to cool, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time and the importance of acting promptly on one’s feelings and desires.

Are there multiple stories in the book or a single narrative? 

The book is structured into multiple stories, each centered on a different patron of the cafe who chooses to travel back in time. This structure allows for a variety of perspectives and emotional arcs within the same magical setting.

Is Before the Coffee Gets Cold part of a series? 

Yes, Before the Coffee Gets Cold is the first book in a series. It has been followed by sequels that continue to explore similar themes using the same setting, expanding on the cafe’s universe and introducing new characters along with their unique backstories.

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