Book Review of ‘Before the Coffee Gets Cold — Tales from the Cafe’ by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Tales from the Cafe is a sequel to the book Before the Coffee Gets Cold, which is a collection of four interwoven stories, all set in a single Tokyo cafe Funiculi Funicula. In this cafe, there exists a table and chair, in which always sits a woman in a white dress. This cafe apart from its good coffee also offers a special service — time travel in past and future.
Tales from the Café contains four stories of customers who have come to the café wanting to travel back in time for various reasons. One man wants to see his best friend and tell him that his daughter is about to be married. A retired detective wants to give his wife a birthday present. The son who didn’t attend his mother’s funeral wants to see his mum one more time. A man wants to check if his one true love is doing well.
The reasons behind the visits are complex. The waitress guides each customer through the rules of time travel and the ritual of pouring the coffee. But one has to return to the present before the coffee gets cold. There are several other rules that need to be followed. I did not read the first book, but they are explained in each story again. The book also sheds some light on the cafe owners — Nagare and Kazu.
The stories are emotionally captivating and heartwarming. The real gist of the book is why would someone want to go back when they are well aware that no amount of effort can change the reality. Also, no one is allowed to get up from the seat, and the time you get is hardly ten minutes. Well, each story remains true to the message that while you cannot change the present, you can choose to change your perspective and how you deal with it.
Reading the café’s rules in each story became quite repetitive but it didn’t matter; it actually made me feel like one of the regular customers at the cafe. The book explores regret, grief, and unconditional love. The ending left me wanting more. I wish if there is a third part it is released soon. I would love to read that.
