Book Summary
Toshikazu Kawaguchi has creatively written a fantasy book titled "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" which takes readers back in time and prompts them to reflect for a moment. The story begins in an old café located in one of Tokyo's neighborhoods, which is quite unique and hosts intriguing events. In this café, coffee is served that allows customers to embark on a journey through time and relive moments from the past that they are fond of.
However, this café and its coffee have their own specific rules; for instance, no one can prevent an event from occurring or solve problems that arise in the desired time period. Instead, individuals can only act within the time it takes for their coffee to cool down, after which they return to the present. This means that people cannot change the future by meeting a specific person or going to a particular place in the past. Now, one might wonder what benefits there are in reliving a specific moment, and they may find answers accordingly, but these questions and answers will vary depending on each person's characteristics and desires.
The captivating book "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" is intended by its author to raise questions in readers' minds through its beautiful narrative, providing a mood filled with poignant, sad, and humorous moments that resonate with its audience. In 2018, a film adaptation of this novel was directed by Isoko Tsukahara in Japan and received considerable acclaim.
About the Author
Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a creative Japanese writer born in 1971 in Osaka, Japan. Previously active as a director, writer, and producer in theater, he has works such as "Family Time" , "Couple " and" Sunset Song" in his repertoire as playwright.
Who Should Read the Book?
It is highly recommended for fans of novels with magical realism as well as those who enjoy fantasy stories to read this book.
Table of Contents
The book is divided into four sections, each dedicated to a separate story. The titles of the four sections are as follows: 1- Lovers 2- Husband and Wife 3- Sisters 4- Mother and Child.
Book Quotes
That summer, a heatwave had engulfed Japan. The temperature was constantly announced across the country. Every day, the television spoke of the unusual weather and often referred to global warming. Fusagi had taken a day off, and they had gone shopping together. It was an extremely hot day. They were so bothered by the heat that Fusagi suggested they find somewhere cool to escape to, and together they searched for a suitable place, like a café. The problem was that everyone else had the same idea. None of the cafés or family restaurants they entered had any available seats.
By chance, they spotted a small sign in one of the narrow alleys. The café was named "Funiculi Funicula" just like the name of a song that Kotake once knew. It had been many years since he had heard that song, but he still vividly remembered its melody. The lyrics were about ascending a volcanic mountain. The thought of molten red lava on this hot summer day made everything seem even warmer, and beads of sweat like jewels formed on his forehead. However, when they opened the heavy wooden door and entered, the café had a pleasant coolness. The sound of the ding-ding bell was soothing. Even though there were three two-person tables and three chairs by the counter, the only customer was a woman in a white dress sitting at the farthest table from the entrance. How lucky they were to have found such a wonderful place!
Water flows from a higher level to a lower one. This is the nature of gravitational force. Apparently, emotions also operate according to this force of gravity. In the presence of someone with whom you share a close connection and your feelings, lying and pretending becomes difficult. The truth wants to flow out. This particularly happens when you try to hide your sorrow or worries. Concealing sadness from a stranger or someone you don’t trust is much easier.
The name of the café was "Funiculi Funicula," just like the name of a song that Kotake once knew. It had been many years since he had heard that song, but he still vividly remembered its melody.
The loud voice of a man startled him as his fingers moved from caressing his right eyebrow to his hair, but after taking a few short, deep breaths, he leaned back in his chair and looked at the woman’s face. His expression suddenly calmed, and the change in his demeanor was so evident that it shocked the woman. He looked down and stared at his clenched hands resting on his lap; concerned about the time, he didn’t wait for her to lift her head.
Fumiko wasn’t bad-looking; with her well-defined features and small lips, she resembled popular stars. Her not-so-long black hair shone and adorned her face like a halo of light. Despite her simple clothing, her exceptional face stood out completely. She was like a model from fashion magazines—a beautiful woman who attracted everyone’s gaze. Yes, she was a combination of intelligence and beauty. But what she knew and what she didn’t know was something else entirely.
A week ago, Goro had asked Fumiko to meet him for a serious conversation. She had gone to the meeting wearing a light pink dress, a beige spring jacket, and white high-heeled shoes, attracting the attention of men all along the way. This style of dressing was new for Fumiko; she had been so addicted to work that before her relationship with Goro, she owned no clothes other than blazers and skirts.
