Our rating: 4.8 / 5

How this book made us feel: 💔 🥹 ❤️

Themes: regret, closure, unspoken emotions

Toshikazu Kawaguchi's enchanting novel, "Before the Coffee Gets Cold," serves up a blend of whimsy and emotion that transcends time itself. Set in a quaint Tokyo café with an extraordinary twist, the book takes readers on a journey that delves into the intricate web of human emotions, offering a unique perspective on mental health and well-being.

The café in question isn't your typical coffee shop—it possesses the uncanny ability to transport visitors back in time. But there's a catch: they can only meet with people who have frequented the café and who haven't yet faced their own life-altering moments. Through four intertwined stories, Kawaguchi masterfully addresses themes of regret, closure, and the impact of unspoken emotions on mental well-being.

Each tale centers around a character seeking to mend a broken connection or find solace in the past. Kawaguchi's exploration of these pivotal moments showcases the way unresolved emotions can shape our sense of self and the course of our lives. By offering a chance to revisit these moments, the café becomes a vessel for emotional healing, underscoring the importance of understanding one's emotions as a key to mental well-being.

“It takes courage to say what has to be said.”

TOSHIKAZU KAWAGUCHI, Before the Coffee Gets Cold

What elevates "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" is its ability to infuse the fantastical with the deeply human. Kawaguchi deftly navigates the balance between magical elements and genuine emotional resonance, making the book a poignant reflection on the impact of emotional growth on mental health. The stories unfold with a delicate touch, prompting readers to consider their own relationships and the power of addressing lingering emotional wounds.

Kawaguchi's writing, in the capable hands of translator Geoffrey Trousselot, captures the essence of Tokyo's bustling streets and the café's intimate ambiance. The narrative weaves a rich tapestry of characters, each seeking something beyond the surface—an opportunity for forgiveness, a chance to say goodbye, or a moment to change the course of destiny. The book's simplicity is its strength, inviting readers to embrace the cathartic journey these characters undertake.

"Before the Coffee Gets Cold" invites us to reflect on the connections we hold dear and the conversations we've left unsaid. It beautifully illustrates how emotional healing is intertwined with mental well-being, reminding us that addressing our past can lead to a brighter present. With its endearing characters and thought-provoking themes, this novel lingers like the aroma of freshly brewed coffee—a comforting reminder of the importance of embracing life's fleeting moments.