Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Description

“Before the Coffee Gets Cold” is a novel written by Japanese author Toshikazu Kawaguchi. Originally published in Japanese in 2015 as “コーヒーが冷めないうちに” (Kōhī ga samenai uchi ni), it has since been translated into several languages, including English.

The novel is set in a small, traditional Tokyo café named Funiculi Funicula. The café is known for serving a unique type of coffee that allows customers to travel back in time. However, there are specific rules and limitations associated with this magical coffee. Customers can only travel to the past, and they must return to the present before their coffee gets cold, or they will be stuck in the past forever.

The book is structured as a series of interconnected stories, each centered around a different character who visits the café with a specific reason for wanting to revisit their past. These stories explore themes of regret, reconciliation, and the longing to change the course of one’s life. The café’s enigmatic waitress, Nagare, plays a central role in facilitating these time-traveling experiences.

“Before the Coffee Gets Cold” combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and magical realism with a focus on the emotional and human aspects of time travel. It offers a unique and thought-provoking exploration of the choices people make in their lives and the potential consequences of altering the past.

The novel has been well-received for its imaginative premise and its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection in readers. It highlights the power of human connection and the desire to mend past mistakes or cherish precious moments. If you enjoy stories that blend the ordinary with the extraordinary and delve into the complexities of human relationships and emotions, this novel may be worth exploring.