sophtanda's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Death, Death of parent, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, and Terminal illness
Minor: Car accident
angelofthetardis's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
In a backstreet cafe, regular customers visit for expertly made coffee, the staff who have become friends and the opportunity to step away from their daily lives. But there's an extra offer available in this place; if you sit in the right seat, you can travel in time for a few moments to right a wrong, say the words you meant to say or look upon the face of your loved one in happier times. As long as you follow the rules and finish your coffee before it gets cold.
A beautiful yet simple premise, with clearly defined rules to prevent things becoming outlandish, this is a cosy, comforting read. Essentially the story is comprised of four vignettes, all tied together by the cafe and its staff. And yet, each story comes together to add something to the whole cast of characters, giving it something of a 'found family' vibe.
Each person who chooses to take the trip does so for reasons that are so understandable and relatable; I'm sure most of us have wished that we could time travel for at least one of the reasons they have. The fact that it's so gentle - no-one is looking to profit from it, there's no scores to settle or ugly selfishness in here - is just lovely, and the fact that there's no complicated explanations or justification for why you can time travel just in that seat, in that cafe actually makes the whole thing more believable and 'real'; I could be easily convinced you could stumble across this cafe in a city backstreet somewhere.
Unfortunately however, I do think something has probably quite literally been lost in translation. The plot feels like it should read almost poetically, and something tells me in the original Japanese it probably does, but the prose in English is quite clunky, giving it an 'amateur writer' feel. There's a lot of telling rather than showing, and in places it can be quite hard to follow the thread of the action. Likewise, some of the characters come off the page far better than others, but I can't say that I felt like I could picture or grasp onto any of them fully. The book does speak to its audience, and I can imagine if you are an 'emotional' reader this will hit you right in the feels, but for me there was just something lacking in the sensitivity of the writing (whether from the author or the translator I can't quite tell) that detracted from the overall effect.
I understand that this is an adaptation of a stage play written by the author, and I can definitely see that working; the piece absolutely comes across like it would suit the visual performance format of the theatre, and would probably have a more visceral impact on the audience if well acted and produced.
One to make you think and feel, and leave a warm glow in your insides on a cold and rainy day.
A beautiful yet simple premise, with clearly defined rules to prevent things becoming outlandish, this is a cosy, comforting read. Essentially the story is comprised of four vignettes, all tied together by the cafe and its staff. And yet, each story comes together to add something to the whole cast of characters, giving it something of a 'found family' vibe.
Each person who chooses to take the trip does so for reasons that are so understandable and relatable; I'm sure most of us have wished that we could time travel for at least one of the reasons they have. The fact that it's so gentle - no-one is looking to profit from it, there's no scores to settle or ugly selfishness in here - is just lovely, and the fact that there's no complicated explanations or justification for why you can time travel just in that seat, in that cafe actually makes the whole thing more believable and 'real'; I could be easily convinced you could stumble across this cafe in a city backstreet somewhere.
Unfortunately however, I do think something has probably quite literally been lost in translation. The plot feels like it should read almost poetically, and something tells me in the original Japanese it probably does, but the prose in English is quite clunky, giving it an 'amateur writer' feel. There's a lot of telling rather than showing, and in places it can be quite hard to follow the thread of the action. Likewise, some of the characters come off the page far better than others, but I can't say that I felt like I could picture or grasp onto any of them fully. The book does speak to its audience, and I can imagine if you are an 'emotional' reader this will hit you right in the feels, but for me there was just something lacking in the sensitivity of the writing (whether from the author or the translator I can't quite tell) that detracted from the overall effect.
I understand that this is an adaptation of a stage play written by the author, and I can definitely see that working; the piece absolutely comes across like it would suit the visual performance format of the theatre, and would probably have a more visceral impact on the audience if well acted and produced.
One to make you think and feel, and leave a warm glow in your insides on a cold and rainy day.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia
Minor: Abandonment, Death of parent, Abortion, Death, Car accident, Grief, and Pregnancy
andrewhatesham's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I initially had low expectations of this book because it doesn't look or sound like anything I'd typically pick up, so if it weren't for the book club I'm in, I probably would have never read it. I'm glad the book proved to be much better than what I expected! I wouldn't say I loved it, but it was a nice story, easy to read, with a satisfactory ending. I can see how this was easily expanded into a series, but one book is enough for me.
The main thing I was worried about was that the story would be repetitive/redundant, and it kind of was at first but then it got better. Overall, even though it's still not exactly my kind of book, I can see why people like it and can appreciate the author's work, so I gave it 4/5 stars.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes cozy light fantasy, slice of life, and novellas! This is kind of like four stories rolled into one. Just be aware that it's a little bit repetitive at times, especially the first volume.
The main thing I was worried about was that the story would be repetitive/redundant, and it kind of was at first but then it got better. Overall, even though it's still not exactly my kind of book, I can see why people like it and can appreciate the author's work, so I gave it 4/5 stars.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes cozy light fantasy, slice of life, and novellas! This is kind of like four stories rolled into one. Just be aware that it's a little bit repetitive at times, especially the first volume.
Content Warnings
Minor: Car accident, Death, Grief, and Dementia
bluedilly's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
Moderate: Pregnancy, Grief, Terminal illness, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Car accident, Death, Alcohol, and Medical content
Minor: Abortion
bookchatwithbeth's review against another edition
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident and Death
gossameralbum's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
i didn't particularly care for the first or third story, however the second story made me silently cry, my heart broke into pieces when i realized what was happening in the last one.
fumiko's story felt so superficial and shallow that i didn't know if i was going to continue reading the book however, as pages go by you end up loving the characters as if they're a part of your life. i'd say it's a book worth reading as it is very atmospheric and it makes you reflect & feel a certain tenderness about living.
fumiko's story felt so superficial and shallow that i didn't know if i was going to continue reading the book however, as pages go by you end up loving the characters as if they're a part of your life. i'd say it's a book worth reading as it is very atmospheric and it makes you reflect & feel a certain tenderness about living.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia, Grief, Pregnancy, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Confinement
Minor: Car accident and Gun violence
hodgeonlucy's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Dementia, Grief, and Car accident
carina_dreamer's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Numa altura em que a minha saúde mental está muito abalada, ler este livro foi como meditar, mais do que qualquer outra leitura que fiz, este anestesiou a minha ansiedade quando eu mais precisei. Recomendo este livro pela mensagem que passa nos seus 4 contos/capítulos e porque a vibe que passa é tão tranquila.
Adorava que fizessem uma adaptação anime desde livro, seria um ótimo slice of life nas mãos da Kyoto Animation, por exemplo.
Adorava que fizessem uma adaptação anime desde livro, seria um ótimo slice of life nas mãos da Kyoto Animation, por exemplo.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia and Grief
Minor: Death of parent, Death, and Car accident
grunbean's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
If a book makes me cry, I find that it’s a good book. A chapter of this book had me bawling.
A short but packed read. I really enjoyed the world it took me to and the stories inside just one cafe. If you’re a fan of the real world with a bit of magic, you will like this!
A short but packed read. I really enjoyed the world it took me to and the stories inside just one cafe. If you’re a fan of the real world with a bit of magic, you will like this!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Chronic illness, Death, Medical content, and Pregnancy
captainnat's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia, Car accident, Death, Medical content, Pregnancy, and Terminal illness
Minor: Abortion