Listen to Before the Coffee Gets Cold Free Audiobook
By Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Audiobook Summary-

"Before the Coffee Gets Cold" by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a touching Japanese novel that delves into love, remorse, and time passing in magical realism form. It takes place in a quaint Tokyo café called Funiculi Funicula and features a special chair where customers can journey back in time. However, strict rules govern its use: travelers must sit in a specific seat, cannot leave the café while in the past, can only meet individuals who have also visited the café, and must return before their coffee gets cold to avoid becoming a ghost.  The narrative unfolds through four interconnected stories. Fumiko, a businesswoman, seeks to confront her boyfriend before his departure to America. Kohtake, a nurse, wishes to retrieve a letter from her husband, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Hirai, a bar owner, desires to reconcile with her estranged sister. Lastly, Kei, one of the café's co-owners, wishes to meet her unborn daughter in the future. Each character's journey delves into their personal struggles and desires, highlighting the emotional complexities of human relationships.  Kawaguchi's novel emphasizes that while the past cannot be changed, the present holds the potential for growth and understanding. Through these intimate tales, readers are reminded of the importance of human connections and the fleeting nature of time.