SFF

Tales from the Cafe

by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Hanover Square: Harlequin. Oct. 2021. 256p. ISBN 9781335630988. $19.99. FANTASY
COPY ISBN
This meaningful and emotional sequel to Before the Coffee Gets Cold features four interconnected stories with a broad range of characters. The fascinating premise unfolds in a Tokyo café that allows a return to the past, as long as the patrons don’t leave their seats and as long as they finish what they need to do before their coffee gets cold. No matter what they do, the café patrons cannot change the present; some of them wonder, What’s the point of going back in time? As the characters seek and discover the answer to that question, their stories gracefully confront hard topics such as bereavement, despair, parenthood, financial destitution, suicide, miscarriage, and illness. Kawaguchi has found a unique way to manipulate such a commonly used trope as time travel and has captured the power of joy as a legacy.
VERDICT These tearful stories hit hard but ultimately lead to a beautiful ending. Fans of Matt Haig’s Midnight Library will enjoy this quick read with touches of magical realism and soul-searching.
Reviewed by Andrea Dyba, Oswego P.L. Dist., IL , Oct 01, 2021
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

Lightfall
by Crocker, Ed
FICTION

An Honored Vow
by Blair, Melissa
FICTION

We Lived on the Horizon
by Swyler, Erika
FICTION

Glow of the Everflame
by Cole, Penn
FICTION

The Martian Contingency
by Kowal, Mary Robinette
FICTION

Galaxy Raiders: Abyss
by Douglas, Ian
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?