May 1, 2025
Kawaguchi's fifth book in his poignant "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" series (following Before We Say Goodbye) returns listeners to the comfort of Tokyo's magical caf� Funiculi Funicula, where customers can revisit the past. Four stories follow different visitors as they learn the rules of the time-traveling caf�--the woman in the white dress must leave her seat before the customer can embark on their journey, and their one-time visit must be concluded before the coffee gets cold. Kevin Shen narrates, sensitively communicating a seven-year-old boy's wish to offer his parents solace when they announce their separation ("The Son"); the heart-wrenching grief of a new widow who wants her late husband to name their daughter ("The Nameless Child"); the longing of a woman trying to make amends to her father after eloping without his blessing ("The Father"); and a young woman's need to apologize to her former best friend ("The Valentine"). Shen's narration is gentle and unhurried, allowing room for the characters' complex motivations to unfurl. Whether voicing a young mother or a gruff grandfather, his contemplative tone and nuanced depictions speak volumes. VERDICT A feel-good, reflective novel offering a comforting take on grief, separation, and regret.--Sarah Hashimoto
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