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A review by perksofbeinganorchid
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
An aspect of Japanese literature I have the deepest appreciation for is the simplification of the complexities of being human.
I bought this book back in 2021/2022 after seeing reviews on it. Knowing what the basic premise of the book was, I figured I would only read the first book of the series and call it a day. Naturally, I was curious about what somebody would say to a loved one they would go back in time to see. I was expecting it to be emotional, what I wasn't expecting was the tension and panic I would feel once realising the stakes.
I've only seen reviews discuss the time travel plot, but what I found to be the most heartwarming about the book was the little community the characters had created for themselves. If it weren't for that I don't think I would have enjoyed the book as much as I did, and I certainly would not have changed my mind about reading the rest of the series. The relationship between Kohtake and Fusagi was especially bittersweet and holds a special place in my heart. I don't think I'd ever be able to move on from her brief, yet endless joy, she'd get from teasing Fusagi when he would not want to sit with her in public. While I personally would never be okay with that - much less be understanding of it -, it's a curious thing to see that particular dynamic play out and see that no love is lost between the couple.
The story of The Sisters and The Mother and Child is where the book really got me. I can't say if it's because of the raised stakes or because of the heartbreak of seeing characters perseverance once accepting they have no choice but to let go of their dreams, and somehow find it in them to create a new dream from what's left. Simply re-reading the line 'I am glad for the life you gave me' is enough to bring me to tears again.
I bought this book back in 2021/2022 after seeing reviews on it. Knowing what the basic premise of the book was, I figured I would only read the first book of the series and call it a day. Naturally, I was curious about what somebody would say to a loved one they would go back in time to see. I was expecting it to be emotional, what I wasn't expecting was the tension and panic I would feel once realising the stakes.
I've only seen reviews discuss the time travel plot, but what I found to be the most heartwarming about the book was the little community the characters had created for themselves. If it weren't for that I don't think I would have enjoyed the book as much as I did, and I certainly would not have changed my mind about reading the rest of the series. The relationship between Kohtake and Fusagi was especially bittersweet and holds a special place in my heart. I don't think I'd ever be able to move on from her brief, yet endless joy, she'd get from teasing Fusagi when he would not want to sit with her in public. While I personally would never be okay with that - much less be understanding of it -, it's a curious thing to see that particular dynamic play out and see that no love is lost between the couple.
The story of The Sisters and The Mother and Child is where the book really got me. I can't say if it's because of the raised stakes or because of the heartbreak of seeing characters perseverance once accepting they have no choice but to let go of their dreams, and somehow find it in them to create a new dream from what's left. Simply re-reading the line 'I am glad for the life you gave me' is enough to bring me to tears again.