Sunday, November 3, 2024

Before We Forget Kindness by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Time slips away, but kindness stays—one last visit to Funiculi Funicula

"Before We Forget Kindness" is like the perfect cup of coffee—warm, comforting, with just the right balance of bitter and sweet. It's a book to be savored slowly, preferably with your own steaming mug nearby. Just remember to drink it before it gets cold—you never know when you might need to take an unexpected journey through time.

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Time is a fickle thing. Like sand through an hourglass, it slips away before we realize, leaving us with regrets and “what ifs.” But what if you could go back, even for a brief moment? What if you had one last chance to say the words left unsaid, to mend a relationship, or to simply see a loved one’s face again?

In “Before We Forget Kindness,” the fifth installment of Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s beloved “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” series, we once again step into the magical underground café in Tokyo where such impossibilities become possible—but only for as long as it takes for a cup of coffee to cool.

A Familiar Brew with New Flavors

For readers who have journeyed through the previous four books, the premise will feel comfortingly familiar. The rules remain the same: visitors can travel to the past or future, but only to meet someone who has also visited the café. They must sit in a specific seat, cannot leave it, and must return before their coffee gets cold—or risk becoming a ghost trapped forever in that chair.

Yet Kawaguchi, like a master barista, knows how to keep his blend fresh. This time, we’re treated to four new stories, each exploring different facets of human relationships and the bittersweet nature of time:

1. The Son Who Couldn’t Smile

In “The Son,” we meet young Yuki, whose parents are divorcing. His journey back in time to see his father one last time before the separation is heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful. It’s a poignant exploration of how children cope with family upheaval and the enduring power of parental love.

2. A Child Without a Name

“The Nameless Child” follows Megumi, a new mother whose husband died before their daughter’s birth. Her desire to have him name their child leads to a deeply moving encounter that reminds us how fleeting our time with loved ones can be.

3. A Father’s Regret

In “The Father,” we see the consequences of stubborn pride as Mochizuki tries to reconcile with the daughter he drove away years ago. This story beautifully illustrates how time can both heal and deepen wounds, and the importance of expressing love before it’s too late.

4. An Undelivered Valentine

The final tale, “The Valentine,” explores unrequited love and missed connections through the story of Tsumugi and her high school friend Ayame. It’s a bittersweet reminder that sometimes our deepest feelings go unspoken, and the pain that can cause.

Time in a Coffee Cup

Kawaguchi’s prose, expertly translated by Geoffrey Trousselot, remains as warm and inviting as a freshly brewed cup of coffee. His writing has a gentle, almost meditative quality that draws you in and makes you feel as if you’re sitting in that dimly lit café, eavesdropping on these intimate moments.

The author has a knack for capturing the small, quiet moments that make up a life. A father’s gentle touch on his newborn daughter’s cheek. The way a friend’s eyes light up when talking about a shared passion. The tremble in a voice when finally expressing long-held feelings. These details bring the characters to vivid life, making their joys and sorrows deeply felt by the reader.

More Than Just Magical Realism

While the time-travel element provides the hook, it’s really just a vehicle for Kawaguchi to explore deeper themes. At its heart, “Before We Forget Kindness” is about the importance of human connection, the weight of words left unsaid, and the healing power of forgiveness—both of others and ourselves.

The title itself is a gentle reminder. In our rush through life, it’s all too easy to forget kindness—both giving and receiving it. The characters in these stories are given a chance to remember, to reach out, to show compassion even when it’s difficult. It’s a lesson we could all stand to learn.

A Familiar Brew with New Flavors

Readers who’ve journeyed through the previous four books (“Before the Coffee Gets Cold,” “Tales from the Café,” “Before Your Memory Fades,” and “Before We Say Goodbye“) will find comfort in the familiar rhythms of Kawaguchi’s storytelling. The rules of the café remain unchanged, and beloved characters like Nagare, Kazu, and the enigmatic woman in white make welcome appearances.

However, “Before We Forget Kindness” isn’t simply a rehash of old formulas. Kawaguchi introduces new wrinkles to his established framework, particularly in the story of Tsumugi Ito, the woman grappling with unrequited love and missed Valentine’s Day confessions. Her tale takes an unexpected turn that adds depth to the café’s mythology and raises intriguing questions about the nature of time itself.

A Blend of Joy and Sorrow

Like the previous installments, “Before We Forget Kindness” walks a delicate line between hope and melancholy. There’s an underlying sadness to many of the stories—after all, these are people driven by regret or loss to attempt the impossible. Yet there’s also a thread of optimism running through each tale. Even if the present can’t be changed, the characters find some measure of peace or understanding through their journeys.

This bittersweet quality is perhaps what makes the series so compelling. It reflects the messy, complicated nature of real life and relationships. There are no easy fixes or Hollywood endings here, but there are moments of grace, forgiveness, and human connection that feel deeply authentic.

A Few Grounds for Criticism

If there’s a criticism to be made, it’s that the formula can sometimes feel a bit repetitive. The rules of the café are explained in detail in each story, which may test the patience of longtime readers. Additionally, some might find the resolutions a bit too neat or sentimental at times.

However, these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a deeply satisfying read. Kawaguchi’s strength lies in his ability to create deeply empathetic characters and situations that resonate on a universal level. Who among us hasn’t wished for just one more conversation with someone we’ve lost, or the chance to right a past wrong?

A Lingering Aftertaste

“Before We Forget Kindness” is the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Like a good cup of coffee, it leaves you feeling both comforted and energized. You may find yourself reflecting on your own relationships, pondering the words you wish you’d said, or simply appreciating the present moment a little more deeply.

It’s a reminder that while we can’t change the past, we can learn from it. We can choose kindness, express our feelings, and cherish the time we have with those we love. Because in the end, that’s what truly matters—not the grand gestures, but the small moments of connection and compassion that make up a life well-lived.

For Fans of Gentle Magic and Human Stories

If you enjoy magical realism with a heart, “Before We Forget Kindness” is a must-read. Fans of authors like Haruki Murakami or Banana Yoshimoto will find much to love here, as will anyone who appreciates stories that blend the ordinary with the extraordinary to illuminate the human condition.

It’s also a perfect read for those times when you need a gentle reminder of the good in the world. Keep it on your nightstand for those nights when you need a little magic, a little hope, and a lot of heart.

The Perfect Blend

In the end, “Before We Forget Kindness” is like the perfect cup of coffee—warm, comforting, with just the right balance of bitter and sweet. It’s a book to be savored slowly, preferably with your own steaming mug nearby. Just remember to drink it before it gets cold—you never know when you might need to take an unexpected journey through time.

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"Before We Forget Kindness" is like the perfect cup of coffee—warm, comforting, with just the right balance of bitter and sweet. It's a book to be savored slowly, preferably with your own steaming mug nearby. Just remember to drink it before it gets cold—you never know when you might need to take an unexpected journey through time.Before We Forget Kindness by Toshikazu Kawaguchi