“Before the Coffee Gets Cold” by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a fantasy novel, but don’t expect the kind of fantastical elements that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Instead, this book is filled with raw emotions and deep human connections. If you dislike melancholic, thought-provoking stories, this book might not be for you.

I won’t claim it’s a perfect 10 out of 10, but I savored every moment of the story. I have always been a fan of how Japanese literature portrays human emotions, and if you’re anything like me—trust me—once you pick up this book, there’s no turning back until you’ve finished it.

The first thing that drew me in was the title—Before the Coffee Gets Cold. Doesn’t it sound intriguing? It immediately gives off the vibe of a unique, almost whimsical journey.

Now, let’s dive into the story…

Set in a hundred-year-old coffee shop, the novel revolves around a peculiar phenomenon: customers can travel through time—but only under strict conditions. They must sit in a specific seat, occupied by a mysterious ghost. Once a day, when the ghost leaves to use the bathroom, the seat becomes available for time travel. But don’t even think about forcing her to move—unless you want to be cursed!

Other rigid rules make time travel even trickier:

☕ Travelers cannot leave their seats while in the past.

☕ They can only stay as long as the coffee remains warm.

☕ Most importantly, they must finish drinking their coffee before it gets cold—otherwise, they turn into ghosts.

And the cruelest part? No matter what travelers do, they cannot change the present. Frustrating! But I think these problematic rules make the book even more compelling. Despite knowing everything remains the same, people still choose to return to their cherished moments—whether to mend past regrets or see a loved one for the last time.

The book is divided into four interconnected stories: The Lovers, Husband and Wife, The Sisters, and Mother and Child.

The Lovers

Fumiko, an ambitious workaholic, travels back to the moment her boyfriend, Goro, broke up with her. This time, she wants to say things she should have said back then. She knows it won’t change the outcome, but still, she holds onto the hope of closure.

Husband and Wife

This deeply touching story follows Fusagi, a man battling Alzheimer’s, and his wife, Kohtake. Fusagi had once written a letter for Kohtake, but before he could give it to her, his memories faded—until he no longer recognized her. Heartbroken, Kohtake decides to travel back to the moment when Fusagi still remembers her, hoping to hear what he truly wanted for their future together.

The Sisters & Mother and Child

If you thought the first two stories were emotional, brace yourself—these last two will break your heart.

“The Sisters” is a poignant reminder of how much we take our loved ones for granted. It screams: Be kind to your siblings while you still can! You might not even realize how much they love you.

“Mother and Child” tells the story of Kei, a café worker, and her unborn child. This tale will move you beyond words, exploring the depth of a mother’s love in the most bittersweet way possible.

As I read these stories, I found myself reflecting on my own life. How often do we neglect the smallest gestures that mean the world to our loved ones? Are we truly expressing our feelings the way we should? Are we making enough effort to understand the people who care about us?

One thing the book makes clear: We are not the only ones aching. The ones who love us often hurt the most.

The Café’s Mysteries…

As the stories unfold, some secrets of the café and its workers are revealed—yet others remain tantalizingly unsolved. I couldn’t get enough of the mysterious ghost who vacated her seat only once a day. Who is she? What’s her connection to time travel? Why is she bound to that chair? These unanswered questions only add to the novel’s allure.

This book is an unusual read, but that’s precisely what makes it so captivating. If you’re looking for something profoundly human, filled with raw emotions and heartfelt moments, Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a must-read.

Happy reading! 😊