Scan barcode
A review by kelly_e
Before We Say Goodbye by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Title: Before We Say Goodbye
Author: Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Genre: Magical Realism
Rating: 3.75
Pub Date: November 14, 2023
T H R E E • W O R D S
Repetitive • Reflective • Heartwarming
📖 S Y N O P S I S
The regulars at the magical Café Funiculi Funicula are well acquainted with its famous legend and extraordinary, secret menu time travel offering. Many patrons have reunited with old flames, made amends with estranged family, and visited loved ones. But the journey is not without risks and there are rules to follow. Travellers must have visited the café previously and most importantly, must return to the present in the time it takes for their coffee to go cold.
The new set of visitors include: a husband with something important left to say, a woman who couldn’t bid her dog farewell, a woman who couldn’t answer a proposal, and a daughter who drove her father away.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Before We Say Goodbye is the fourth installment in the hugely popular Before the Coffee Gets Cold series. After reading book three, I wasn't sure if I would continue with the series, yet this one was my favourite thus far and has me anticipating the upcoming release of book #5.
There was just something about this set of stories and characters (or maybe it was my mood at the time) that resonated deeply with me. I always find it interesting to see which point in time a person will return to or who they choose to see if given the opportunity. Similar to the others, this one does get repetitive when it comes to the concept and rules for the café, however, I think I've gotten used to it and it doesn't bother me as much.
I listened to the audiobook as enjoyed the narration and being able to listen to one characters story (section) at a time and not needing to remember too much as I moved through. I think the series is a good place to start for anyone just getting into consuming books via audio.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed being back among the café and its characters and getting to meet the new ones. It's a concept that fascinates me and it made for some reflective and interesting reading. I'll likely continue to venture into this series when the time is right as I don't necessarily think they are worth rushing for.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• the series
• reflective stories
• short story collections
⚠️ CW: death, death of parent, animal death, grief, terminal illness, cancer, medical content, infertility, pregnancy, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, abandonment
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"There are many crossroads in life. All regrets stem from what happened at one moment we never imagined would happen to us."
Author: Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Genre: Magical Realism
Rating: 3.75
Pub Date: November 14, 2023
T H R E E • W O R D S
Repetitive • Reflective • Heartwarming
📖 S Y N O P S I S
The regulars at the magical Café Funiculi Funicula are well acquainted with its famous legend and extraordinary, secret menu time travel offering. Many patrons have reunited with old flames, made amends with estranged family, and visited loved ones. But the journey is not without risks and there are rules to follow. Travellers must have visited the café previously and most importantly, must return to the present in the time it takes for their coffee to go cold.
The new set of visitors include: a husband with something important left to say, a woman who couldn’t bid her dog farewell, a woman who couldn’t answer a proposal, and a daughter who drove her father away.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Before We Say Goodbye is the fourth installment in the hugely popular Before the Coffee Gets Cold series. After reading book three, I wasn't sure if I would continue with the series, yet this one was my favourite thus far and has me anticipating the upcoming release of book #5.
There was just something about this set of stories and characters (or maybe it was my mood at the time) that resonated deeply with me. I always find it interesting to see which point in time a person will return to or who they choose to see if given the opportunity. Similar to the others, this one does get repetitive when it comes to the concept and rules for the café, however, I think I've gotten used to it and it doesn't bother me as much.
I listened to the audiobook as enjoyed the narration and being able to listen to one characters story (section) at a time and not needing to remember too much as I moved through. I think the series is a good place to start for anyone just getting into consuming books via audio.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed being back among the café and its characters and getting to meet the new ones. It's a concept that fascinates me and it made for some reflective and interesting reading. I'll likely continue to venture into this series when the time is right as I don't necessarily think they are worth rushing for.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• the series
• reflective stories
• short story collections
⚠️ CW: death, death of parent, animal death, grief, terminal illness, cancer, medical content, infertility, pregnancy, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, abandonment
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"There are many crossroads in life. All regrets stem from what happened at one moment we never imagined would happen to us."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer, Infertility, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Medical content, and Pregnancy
Minor: Abandonment