Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

 

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the story of a coffee shop that has a seat that allows you to back in time for a brief moment - as long as it takes for a cup of coffee to get cold. It gives you the opportunity for one last moment with a loved one, but there are rules - nothing in the will future change, you can only return to the coffee shop, and your stay will only last a short while.

The book tells four stories of people who are seemingly unconnected. They all "travel" for different reasons. All four stories are heartfelt and distinct.

 This book is translated from the Japanese and the language is spare and sometimes doesn't have the fluidity we are accustomed to with English writers. I also wonder about some cultural differences - especially in the way emotions are described.

I think people should read this book and just sit with the stories - accept them at face value.

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