Reviews

“Before the coffee gets cold” takes place in a small and mysterious coffee shop in Tokyo, which allows customers to time travel, but only under many specific conditions, including that they can only meet people who have been to the cafe, and that they must return to the present before their coffee gets cold. The book is split into three sections: The Lovers, Husband and Wife, The Sisters, and Mother and Child, in each where a character travels in time for their own personal reasons. This is a story about love, loss, life and relationships, and is truly beautifully written and heartwarming, even though it is definitely a tear-jerker at times. Kawaguchi’s ability to immerse the reader into the story gives the book a very comforting feel, and will definitely be one that I return to when I’m feeling down. This book is great for all ages and those who are looking for a short and slower-paced, but intriguing read, that gives a warm and sentimental feeling. It is also great for those who wish to read literature by more racially and culturally diverse authors.