MINI REVIEW: BEFORE WE SAY GOODBYE BY TOSHIKAZU KAWAGUCHI

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Welcome back to Funiculi Funicala! Bear in mind, this isn’t your regular cafe, as it offers a chance to go back or forward in time to have a cup of coffee with your loved one! In my review for Before Your Memory Fades (You can read the review here), I mentioned that the stories are getting a bit more sombre with each instalment, but this book takes a step back and goes back to the basics with more heartwarming stories, the return of cafe regulars from the first book, some witty banter and an overall comforting vibe. Once again, Toshikazu Kawaguchi brings together four people who wish to meet their loved ones to confront their profound longing and feelings of regret.

As always, the stories of all customers are well fleshed out, with each character learning a valuable lesson from the travels. I think it’s worth mentioning that this story takes place between first and second novels, which means that the titular characters, Kazu and Nagare are younger in the story, so if you have just read Before the Coffee Gets Cold, or if you are looking for an entry point to start reading this series, then Before We Say Goodbye is a really good option! While I don’t have a major critique of this book, I am a little disappointed that neither Nagare nor Kazu was featured prominently. Getting to explore the lives of the Tokita family is the highlight of this series, so their passive presence felt a bit disappointing. Overall, Before We Say Goodbye is a breezy, comforting read with a lot more optimism than precious installment and some well-placed poignant moments.