Before The Coffee Gets Cold By Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Introduction
Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a novel by Toshikazu Kawaguchi that takes place in a small café in Tokyo. The novel tells the story of four individuals who visit the café with the hope of travelling back in time to rectify their past mistakes. The café has a unique condition: the time travel can only be done if the person drinks a cup of coffee and sits on a particular chair.
Plot
The first character introduced is Fumiko, an elderly woman who comes to the café to meet with her boyfriend, who died many years ago. The second character is Kohtake, who wants to see his wife who left him years ago. The third character is Hirai, who wants to see his sister who committed suicide. Lastly, there is Nagare, who wants to see his daughter who he never had a chance to meet.
The novel has four interconnected stories, each of which is about a different individual. The stories are told in a non-linear manner, and the reader has to pay attention to the details to understand them fully. The stories all have a common theme: the characters have regrets about their past and want to travel back in time to make amends. However, the time travel always comes with a cost.
Themes
One of the essential themes of the novel is regret. The characters all have something they regret and want to rectify. However, the novel also explores the consequences of trying to change the past. The characters soon realize that the past cannot be changed, and they have to learn to accept it and move on.
Another theme explored in the novel is the importance of the present. The café owner reminds the characters that they should not forget to live in the present and cherish the moments they have with their loved ones. The novel emphasizes the importance of appreciating the present and not dwelling too much on the past or worrying too much about the future.
Writing Style
Kawaguchi's writing style is simple and easy to read. The novel is quite short, and the chapters are brief, making it an easy read for anyone who wants to read a novel quickly. The novel's non-linear structure makes it more engaging and compelling, as the reader has to pay attention to the details to understand the story fully.
Conclusion
Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a unique and thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of regret, acceptance, and the importance of the present. The novel is a quick and easy read, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to read a novel quickly. The non-linear structure of the novel makes it more engaging and compelling, as the reader has to pay attention to the details to understand the story fully.