Book Review of My Only 5 Star Read This Year
With all the buzz surrounding Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, my expectations couldn’t have been higher—and I’m thrilled to say this book exceeded every one of them. This whimsical collection of interconnected short stories dives deep into themes of love, loss, and family struggles. While these topics can feel heavy, Kawaguchi’s storytelling is infused with such grace and beauty that it leaves a lasting impression on the heart. This book review contains spoiler, so continue at your own risk!
Image from Goodreads.
Part I: The Lovers
The first story in Before the Coffee Gets Cold, titled The Lovers, sets the tone for the deeply emotional journey this book offers. It follows Fumiko, a woman reeling from a painful breakup with her boyfriend, Goro. Their relationship ended when Goro announced he was leaving for America for work, a decision that left Fumiko feeling heartbroken.
When Fumiko decides to travel back in time to the day of their breakup, her goal isn’t to change the outcome—she knows she can’t—but to rewrite the way she said goodbye. Instead of pleading with Goro to stay, she hopes to find closure and leave things on a more dignified, heartfelt note.
This story beautifully explores the theme of accepting what cannot be changed and finding peace in the act of letting go. Fumiko’s journey is both touching and relatable, showing how even the smallest acts of emotional courage can bring healing. It’s a commanding start to the collection, setting the stage for the other heartfelt stories that follow.
Part II: Husband and Wife
The second story in Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Husband and Wife, delves into the intricacies of love and memory. It follows Kohtake, a nurse, and her husband Fusagi, who is battling Alzheimer’s. As Fusagi’s illness progresses, he begins to lose his memories, including those of Kohtake, blurring the line between his wife and her role as a caregiver.
Kohtake decides to use the café’s unique time-traveling opportunity to revisit a moment when Fusagi was still lucid. During this visit, Fusagi brought a letter to the café—one he intended to give to Kohtake. The letter contains a heartfelt message asking her to remain his wife, not just his caretaker, even when he no longer remembers her. It’s a moving request, rooted in the love they share and the desire to preserve their relationship as it has always been, despite the challenges of his illness.
This story beautifully portrays the struggles of a relationship tested by disease, highlighting the strength and vulnerability required to love someone through such profound changes. The themes of acceptance and devotion resonate deeply, making Husband and Wife a tender addition to this collection.
Part III: The Sisters
The third story in Before the Coffee Gets Cold, The Sisters, is a heartbreaking exploration of estrangement and regret. It centers on Hirai and her younger sister, Kumi. Hirai, unwilling to follow the path her family laid out for her, distanced herself from her loved ones, refusing to take part in the family business. Despite the estrangement, Kumi never gave up on her sister, holding onto the hope that Hirai would one day return home and take her place in the family legacy.
Kumi visited Funiculi Funicula to speak with Hirai, hoping for a moment of connection. However, Hirai, unwilling to face her sister, hid from her, leaving Kumi to wait alone in the café. Tragically, Kumi was involved in an accident shortly after leaving the café and passed away, leaving Hirai devastated and consumed with guilt.
In her grief, Hirai decides to use the café’s time-traveling seat to go back and see Kumi one last time. This moment is not about undoing the past but about embracing the opportunity to speak with her sister, express her feelings, and seek a sense of closure and healing.
The Sisters is a deeply emotional story about the fragility of relationships and the pain of missed opportunities. It reminds readers of the importance of cherishing our loved ones and the power of seeking reconciliation before it’s too late. Hirai’s journey resonates profoundly, offering a bittersweet but healing resolution to her story.
Part IV: Mother and Child
The final story in Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Mother and Child, shifts focus to one of the café’s owners, Kei, delivering an emotionally charged tale of maternal love and sacrifice. Kei has lived her entire life with a serious heart condition, frequently in and out of the hospital. When she becomes pregnant, it places immense strain on her already fragile heart.
Kei’s husband, Nagare, deeply concerned for her health, pleads with her not to continue with the pregnancy. However, Kei, fully understanding the risks, makes the brave decision to have the baby. She knows that her chances of surviving childbirth are slim, but her desire to bring her child into the world is unwavering.
Unlike the other stories in the book, Kei uses the café’s time-traveling seat to journey into the future rather than the past. Her goal is to meet her unborn daughter, a child she fears she may never get the chance to see. This rare glimpse into what might be gives Kei a moment of peace and the strength to embrace her decision with love and hope, even in the face of her uncertain future.
Mother and Child is a deeply moving conclusion to this collection of stories, exploring themes of unconditional love and the profound sacrifices parents make for their children. Kei’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring, leaving readers with a sense of bittersweetness that lingers long after the book has been completed.
My Book Review
The reasons I adored this book are endless. Each story resonated deeply, offering meaning and messages that made me reflect on my own relationships and the choices we make in life. Every chapter felt personal, encouraging me to consider the “what-ifs” and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with loved ones.
The interconnectedness of the stories was another highlight for me. The way each narrative wove seamlessly into the next kept me turning the pages, eager to discover how the characters and their journeys overlapped. It added a layer of intrigue and cohesiveness to the book that made it impossible to put down.
The description of the café in Before the Coffee Gets Cold is so vivid and atmospheric that it feels like stepping right into Funiculi Funicula. The cozy, timeless setting is brought to life with such detail that I can picture it perfectly in my mind—the warm lighting, the quiet hum of conversation, and the sour smell of Nagares’ coffee seems to linger in the space. It’s the kind of place that feels like home, even if you’ve never been there.
Most of all, the characters themselves brought this book to life. Each one had such depth and humanity that I felt like I truly knew them. Their struggles, joys, and regrets were so well-written that they lingered in my mind long after I finished the book. I finished this book over a month ago, and it has stayed on my mind ever since. This emotional connection is what makes Before the Coffee Gets Cold one of the most memorable reads I’ve ever had.
A 5-Star Masterpiece
Before the Coffee Gets Cold is my first and only 5-star read of 2024—and for good reason. Every second of every chapter keeping me present, pulling me deeper into the heartfelt stories of love, loss, and humanity. It’s rare to find a book that resonates so deeply, but this one delivered on every level, leaving me extremely satisfied and immensely moved.
I can’t wait to continue this journey and finish the rest of the series. If you’ve also read this book, I’d love to hear your thoughts! What story impacted you the most? Share in the comments, and I’ll talk to you later!
