Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a heartwarming novel about time travel, regret, and second chances. Explore the book summary, themes, analysis, and why this bestselling Japanese novel is a must-read.
Book Information:
Here is all the essential information about Before the Coffee Gets Cold:
Title: Before the Coffee Gets Cold
Original Title: コーヒーが冷めないうちに (Kōhī ga Samenai Uchi ni)
Author: Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Genre: Magical Realism, Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: December 6, 2015 (Japan) | 2019 (English Translation)
Translator: Geoffrey Trousselot
Publisher: Sunmark Publishing (Japan) | Picador (English Edition)
Pages: 213
Setting: A small café in Tokyo, Japan
Themes: Time Travel, Regret, Second Chances, Love, Loss, Human Connections
Series: First book in the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series
Adaptations: Stage play and a 2023 Japanese film adaptation
Before the Coffee Gets Cold – A Unique Time Travel Novel
Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s Before the Coffee Gets Cold is not your typical time-travel novel. Instead of exploring grand changes in history or futuristic adventures, this book focuses on human emotions, regret, and the desire to revisit moments from the past.
Set in a small, cozy café in Tokyo, the novel follows a peculiar rule: visitors can travel back in time, but they must return before their coffee gets cold. This constraint adds a sense of urgency and depth to the storytelling.
The book consists of four interconnected stories, each revolving around different characters who wish to revisit their past for various reasons. However, despite traveling back, they cannot change the present, forcing them to confront their emotions and find peace in acceptance.
Summary:
The novel is structured around four main stories, each featuring a different café visitor:
1. The Woman Who Wants to Reunite with Her Ex – A woman wishes to meet her former lover to understand why their relationship ended.
2. The Man Who Wants to Read a Letter from His Late Wife – A husband who lost his wife receives an emotional message from the past.
3. The Sister Who Regrets Her Last Conversation – Two sisters are separated by a misunderstanding, and one of them wants to fix their final conversation.
4. The Mother Who Wants to Meet Her Unborn Child – A pregnant woman seeks to connect with the child she never got to raise.
Each of these stories brings out deep emotions, touching on themes of love, loss, and human connection.
Themes:
This novel is more than just a time-travel story—it’s a reflection on life, relationships, and the choices we make.
1. The Power of Second Chances
Many characters in the book seek to undo their past mistakes, but the novel reminds us that while we cannot change what happened, we can change our perspective.
2. Time Travel as a Metaphor for Regret
Unlike traditional time-travel books, Before the Coffee Gets Cold focuses on the emotional impact of revisiting the past rather than changing it. This highlights the importance of living in the present and making peace with what has happened.
3. Love, Loss, and Human Connection
The book beautifully captures different kinds of love—romantic, familial, and friendship. Each story reflects the deep connections people share and the pain of losing those they care about.
4. The Role of the Café in the Novel
The café itself becomes a character in the story. It serves as a magical yet ordinary place where time travel is possible, creating an intimate and comforting setting.
Writing Style and Impact:
Kawaguchi’s writing is simple yet deeply emotional. The novel was originally a stage play, and this influence is visible in the dialogue-heavy storytelling and minimalistic setting.
The book does not rely on dramatic twists but instead focuses on subtle, heartfelt moments that make readers reflect on their own lives. The translation by Geoffrey Trousselot does a great job of preserving the novel’s warmth and emotional depth.
Who Should Read?
This book is perfect for:
- Readers who enjoy slow, reflective, and emotional stories
- Fans of books like The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
- Those who appreciate Japanese literature with magical realism
- Anyone who has ever wished for a second chance to say something left unsaid
If you’re looking for a deeply touching novel that makes you think about the meaning of time and regret, this is a must-read.
Final Thoughts:
Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a beautifully crafted novel that blends magical realism with human emotions. It teaches us that while we may not be able to change the past, we can always change how we move forward.
This book is not just a time-travel story—it’s a journey into the human heart. If you haven’t read it yet, grab a cup of coffee and immerse yourself in this unforgettable story.
