A review by nymnphi
Tales from the Café by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

emotional inspiring reflective relaxing sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I don't think these stories matched or surpassed the ones in the first novel, but this was still a fantastic read.
The scene where Kazu's mother passes into the afterlife is what gave this book the .5 star. It was beautifully touching.
 

Kazu's character is a shining star in this novel, and (in my opinion) is the most important one despite how "unremarkable" she is. 

The translation was a little wonky at times, and the voice/tone felt stiff at times, but that's just how translating goes and is not the fault of Kawaguchi or the translator. 

An overall great sequel.