When I first heard about Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s novel, “Before the Coffee Gets Cold,” I was intrigued by the premise of a tiny Tokyo café where patrons could travel back in time, with a catch—the trip lasted only as long as their coffee stayed warm. What sounded like a whimsical setup soon transformed into a profound meditation on the fleeting nature of time, the weight of our choices, and the delicate balance between past, present, and future. Here’s my personal take on why this book left such a lasting impression on me.
The Charm of Café Funiculi Funicula
The café in the book is no ordinary coffee shop. It’s a place where time bends, memories are revisited, and conversations take on new meaning. The idea of a café where you can travel back in time by simply sitting in a specific seat and adhering to certain rules felt simultaneously enchanting and deeply personal. Who among us hasn’t wished for a moment to relive a cherished memory or mend a fractured relationship?
Rules and Realities
The strict rules of the time-traveling café brought a unique sense of reality to the magical setting. You couldn’t change the present, no matter how far back you went, and you had to return before the coffee got cold. It was a reminder that even if we could revisit the past, we can’t rewrite it. These rules spoke to me about the inevitability of our choices and the importance of living in the present, rather than dwelling on what might have been.
The Human Connection
The stories within the café weave a tapestry of human connections—some poignant, some heart-wrenching, but all deeply meaningful. Kawaguchi explores themes of love, loss, and forgiveness through the characters’ journeys, illustrating that even brief moments can have profound impacts. It made me reflect on my own relationships and the moments I might want to revisit if given the chance. Would I say something different? Would I cherish the moments more?
Before the Coffee Gets Cold
The title itself encapsulates the urgency of life. It’s a gentle reminder that time moves quickly, and we must savor the moments we have. This resonated with me, as I often find myself caught up in the hustle and bustle, forgetting to slow down and enjoy the warmth of the coffee, the sound of laughter, or the beauty of a simple sunset. The book’s message is a call to be present, to engage with the people around us, and to create lasting memories.
The Power of Closure
The ability to travel back in time and find closure is a theme that struck a chord with me. The characters in the book were seeking answers, reconciliation, or a final goodbye. It’s something we all desire—to heal old wounds, express unspoken feelings, or simply have one last moment with someone we’ve lost. It made me think about the importance of closure in my own life and the relationships that might need it.
An Invitation to Reflect
“Before the Coffee Gets Cold” is more than just a book; it’s an invitation to reflect on our own lives and the relationships that shape us. It encourages us to embrace the present, even as we acknowledge the past. As I closed the book, I felt a sense of gratitude for the moments I’ve had and a renewed commitment to make the most of the time ahead. Because, as the story reminds us, the coffee never stays warm forever.
Moonbird x
Hoi An, Vietnam
