A review by _beccareads
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

If you could travel through time, but not change anything, would you still do it?

In this thought-provoking book, Toshikazu Kawaguchi explores themes of love, loss, and regret in a beautifully crafted narrative. Set in Japan, the story revolves around an urban legend that whispers about a tucked-away retro-cafe where time travel is possible. However, there's a catch: a strict set of rules renders the act of time travel seemingly pointless. The most important rules being that no matter what you do in the past, the present remains unchanged, and you must return before the coffee gets cold.

Divided into four captivating short stories, Before the Coffee Gets Cold follows the journeys of four individuals who visit Funiculi Funicula, seeking to travel to the past. Each story presents a unique and poignant experience, delving into real-life situations that would leave you yearning for the ability to turn back time. While each tale stands on its own, they beautifully intertwine, leading to a heart-wrenching finale.

This book emphasises the significance of expressing our true feelings to the people we love. It serves as a reminder that we never know if it could be our last chance. I imagine this poignant message will resonates with me for a while, as it’s left me with a renewed appreciation for the fragility of time and relationships.