As someone who is not an avid reader, choosing a book to try and break the habit of curating a collection of half-read novels is extremely difficult. Fortunately for me, I live (near-ish) to a town famous for its literature festivals, book shops and inviting authors from all over the globe to talk about their works. As a Japanese student, when I saw, that Toshikazu Kawaguchi was coming to talk about his book series that had gained a cult following in Japan, I tried to get tickets and ultimately failed because everyone BUT ME, knew how great this book is. I now know how good this book is.
Interesting to note that this book was originally a play, which is particularly insightful when it comes to understanding how each chapter (or scene) relates to each other.
Now a quick summary…
Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, a small cafe holds a secret: a single stool occupied by an unexpected soul, where patrons can travel back in time. For how long… they need to return before their coffee gets cold. The book unfolds through the eyes of the cafe’s staff and its visitors who choose to embark on a journey through time. Each character grapples with a personal regret or longing. Their travels are not about rewriting history, but about understanding, acceptance, and finding peace with the past.
For that reason, I believe this book would be very helpful and comforting to people experiencing any form of loss, whether that is a broken down relationship or grief.
Here’s what you’ll love about this book:
- Heartfelt stories: Each tale is touching and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression.
- Well-crafted writing: Kawaguchi’s prose is evocative and poetic, creating a vivid atmosphere.
- Unique premise: The time travel concept is used refreshingly, focusing on emotional journeys rather than an action-packed adventure that we see in a lot of shows and films now-a-days.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Would you recommend this book? Absolutely! The fact I finished this book speaks for itself. It is GREAT. This is a book for anyone who enjoys heart-warming stories, magical realism, and thought-provoking reads. It’s a perfect choice for a morning read with your cup of coffee.
