Book Review of Before the Coffee Gets Cold

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• Rating: ★★★★★

• Author: Toshikazu Kawaguchi

• Genre: Magical Realism, Time Travel

Synopsis

• Brief Overview: Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a captivating Japanese novella that explores the concept of time travel with a unique twist. Set in a small cafe named Funiculi Funicula in Tokyo, the story revolves around the cafe's mysterious ability to send its patrons to the past or future. However, there's a catch - they cannot change anything in their journey through time. This poignant tale weaves together the stories of various characters who choose to embark on this temporal adventure, revealing profound truths about human nature, relationships, and personal growth.

• Setting: Funiculi Funicula cafe.

• Main Characters: Various patrons of the cafe, each with their own compelling reasons for time travel

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop Book Review

Toshikazu Kawaguchi's "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" is a heartwarming and thought-provoking novella that lingers in the reader's mind long after the last page is turned. This book beautifully illustrates the transformative power of perspective and the resilience of the human spirit.

The premise of the story is intriguing: a cafe that allows time travel, but with the stipulation that nothing can be changed. This unique concept raises the question: What's the point if one cannot alter the past or future? Kawaguchi masterfully answers this through his narrative, showing that the true value lies not in changing external events, but in the internal transformation of the characters.

The story is expertly crafted, with interconnected narratives that give each character their moment in the spotlight. Every patron who enters the cafe becomes an integral part of the overarching tale, creating a rich tapestry of human experiences and emotions. The author's ability to weave these individual stories into a cohesive whole is commendable, ensuring that no character feels extraneous or out of place.

One of the strengths of the novella is its emotional depth. Readers should be prepared for a poignant journey that may require a box of tissues 🤧 nearby. The stories are touching and relatable, exploring themes of love, loss, regret, and hope in a way that resonates deeply with the human experience.

While the book is deeply satisfying, it does leave one lingering question - the story of the woman in the white dress remains a mystery, leaving readers curious about what had happened to her. This unresolved thread adds an element of intrigue to the overall narrative.

Analysis and Interpretation

• Author’s Style: Kawaguchi uses a gentle, introspective narrative style that allows readers to connect deeply with the characters and their emotional journeys. The cafe setting serves as a cozy backdrop that adds warmth and intimacy to the story.

• Themes & motifs: The primary themes include the nature of time, the importance of human connections, the power of perspective, and personal growth through self-reflection.

• Character Development: Each character undergoes significant emotional growth through their time travel experience, learning valuable lessons about themselves and their relationships.

• Symbolism: The Funiculi Funicula cafe symbolizes a sanctuary where people can visit their past or future, while the cooling coffee represents the fleeting nature of time and opportunities. The word "Funiculi" derives from the Latin funiculus, meaning a conducting cord, such as an umbilical cord or nerve cord. Thus, the cafe serves as a metaphorical cord connecting different times (past, present, and future).

Conclusion

• Overall Impression: Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a touching and insightful novella that challenges readers to reconsider their perspectives on time, relationships, and personal change.

• Recommendation: Highly recommended for readers who enjoy thought-provoking, emotionally rich stories that blend elements of magical realism with deep human truths. This book is perfect for those who believe in the power of introspection and the magic of human connections.

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