Toshikazu Kawaguchi

‘’So, there’s nothing one could do to change the present?’’

In the fourth instalment of our beloved Tales From the Cafe series, the focus turns on family, parenthood, the relationship between daughters and parents, and the regret that comes to haunt our step once our bond with those we love- be it kin or lovers - is shuttered by misunderstanding, prejudice or plain denial to accept the truth.

‘’You cannot change the present no matter how hard you try…what a cruel rule.’’

The Husband: A rather inquisitive professor wants to return to the time when his wife was healthy, for there are things left unspoken…What do you do when you know the future and the misery it will bring? Do you tell or keep everything locked within you, suffering in silence?

The Farewell: We often overlook the special bond, the adoration even, between a human being and their pet. In this moving episode, a woman visits the past to face her regrets over the death of her pet.

The Proposal: In an unexpectedly sad story, a young woman wants to meet the boyfriend whose marriage proposal she refused. One of the most moving moments in the entire Funiculi Funicula series.

The Daughter: This moment was equally heart-breaking and infuriating. A daughter who treated her father in such a manner makes it difficult for me to understand her. Making amends? There would be no need for that if you had tried to listen to your father and care for his feelings instead of being a megalomanic selfish shrew. I am sorry if I sound cruel but honesty always comes first.

Yes, Toshikazu Kawaguchi and his treasures keep breaking our hearts, but the hope, love, and sense of freedom surrounding you when you read his books last long after your coffee gets cold. Within these pages, Life awaits. You don’t want to miss it…

‘’When our action brings about an unexpected result, how can we not experience huge regret? After all, do we ever get another shot?’’

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com/… (mehr)

A delightful book with an interesting twist. Go to a specific café, sit in a specific chair, drink a cup of coffee, time travel. The twist is you must return before the coffee gets cold. Four interconnecting stories bring us stories that resonate. They deal with relationships and changed hearts, and ultimately, changed lives.

This book was originally written as a play and then adapted into a book. As it is a translation from Japanese, I don't think it translated very well in places. In a few spots in the book, the writing seems to amble this way and that. I'm sure a few phrases were "lost in translation".

However, it is beautiful book.… (mehr)

I will agree with someone that mentioned that it was written like a theatrical play. The idea and the message is good, however I felt that a lot of character’s stories were rushed and unfinished. The author spent more time describing unnecessary things than actually focusing on the plot. Overall it’s a good book, but I am left with a feeling that I wanted more! I’m left with a feeling of an unfinished story!

I felt disappointed that I was left with many unanswered questions.
For example, we didn’t get an answer/a story telling us about the Ghost Lady! Who is she? How she became the Ghost? What was her story that made her not finishing her coffee before it got cold?

"Before the Coffee Gets Cold" by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a novel that revolves around time travel and the stories of individuals who visit a mysterious café.

Here are ten potential lessons or themes that readers might take away from the book:

1. The Fragility of Time:

2. Value of Connection:

3. Consequences of Actions:

4. Appreciation for the Present:

5. Regret and Redemption:

6. The Power of Communication:

7. Embracing Change:

8. Understanding Others' Perspectives:

9. Gratitude for Second Chances:

10. Living Authentically:… (mehr)