Before We Forget Kindness by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

The Magical Café Reopens Its Doors

In a world where the pace of life seems to accelerate with each passing day, wouldn’t it be nice to have a quiet moment to reflect, to go back and right a wrong, or to say the words left unsaid? Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s “Before We Forget Kindness,” the fifth installment in his beloved “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” series, invites readers once again to step into the enchanting underground café where such impossibilities become possible—if only for the time it takes for a cup of coffee to cool.

Like a familiar aroma wafting through the air, Kawaguchi’s latest offering beckons both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The premise remains delightfully simple yet profound: visitors to a mysterious café in Tokyo can travel back in time, but only within the confines of the café itself, and only for as long as it takes their coffee to go cold. It’s a concept that has captivated readers worldwide, spawning a series that has become a global phenomenon.

New Faces, Timeless Struggles

In “Before We Forget Kindness,” Kawaguchi introduces us to four new patrons, each grappling with regrets and unresolved emotions:

• A young boy hoping to see his divorced parents smile together once more
• A mother cradling her unnamed child, searching for closure
• A father who opposed his daughter’s marriage, now yearning to make amends
• A woman who never confessed her love on Valentine’s Day

These characters, like those in previous volumes, are drawn with a gentle touch that belies the depth of their emotional struggles. Kawaguchi has a gift for creating protagonists who feel achingly real, their pain and hopes resonating across cultural boundaries.

The Child’s Wish

Young Yuki’s desire to see his parents together again is handled with a delicate touch that avoids mawkishness. Through his eyes, we see the impact of divorce on children and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a testament to Kawaguchi’s skill that he can tackle such weighty themes through the perspective of a child without losing authenticity.

A Mother’s Quest

The story of Megumi Sakura and her unnamed child touches on themes of loss, identity, and the power of names. It’s a haunting exploration of grief and the need for closure that showcases Kawaguchi’s ability to find magic in the mundane aspects of life.

The Father’s Dilemma

The story of Fumio Mochizuki, the father who couldn’t bring himself to bless his daughter’s marriage, is particularly poignant. His journey from stubborn opposition to desperate regret unfolds with a nuanced understanding of parental love and the fear of letting go. As Fumio travels to the future to meet his estranged daughter, readers are treated to a masterclass in Kawaguchi’s ability to blend the fantastical with the deeply human.

A Valentine’s Lament

Tsumugi Ito’s tale of unrequited love and missed opportunities strikes a chord that will resonate with anyone who’s ever hesitated to express their feelings. Her reconnection with her high school friend Ayame is a bittersweet exploration of the what-ifs that haunt us all, tinged with the added complexity of same-sex attraction in a conservative society.

The Art of Gentle Storytelling

Kawaguchi’s prose, beautifully translated by Geoffrey Trousselot, retains the simplicity and warmth that has become his trademark. There’s a soothing quality to his writing, like the first sip of a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. He doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, but approaches them with a compassionate touch that invites reflection rather than judgment.

The structure of interconnected vignettes, a hallmark of the series, allows for a depth of exploration that belies the book’s relatively short length. Each story in “Before We Forget Kindness” stands on its own while contributing to the larger tapestry of the café’s mythology. Returning characters like Kazu, the enigmatic waitress, and Nagare, the stoic owner, provide a sense of continuity for longtime readers while remaining accessible to newcomers.

Time Travel with a Twist

What sets Kawaguchi’s take on time travel apart is its limitations. The inability to change the past or future adds a layer of poignancy to each journey. Characters must confront the immutability of certain events, focusing instead on changing their perspectives and finding peace within themselves. It’s a clever device that elevates the emotional stakes of each encounter.

The rules of the café, now familiar to fans of the series, are reiterated without feeling repetitive. They serve as a comforting framework, like the rituals surrounding the preparation of a perfect cup of coffee. New wrinkles are added to the mythology, such as the revelation that one can only travel through time once, adding fresh intrigue to the established world.

Themes of Connection and Kindness

As the title suggests, kindness is at the heart of this volume. Each character grapples with the consequences of unkind words or actions, seeking redemption through understanding and empathy. Kawaguchi gently reminds us that it’s never too late to choose kindness, even if we can’t change the past.

The importance of human connection is another recurring theme in “Before We Forget Kindness”. In a world increasingly mediated by technology, the café serves as a sanctuary where face-to-face interactions hold transformative power. It’s a subtle commentary on our modern condition, inviting readers to consider the value of being present in the moment.

A Worthy Addition to the Series

For fans of the previous books – “Before the Coffee Gets Cold,” “Tales from the Café,” “Before Your Memory Fades,” and “Before We Say Goodbye” – this latest installment will feel like coming home. Kawaguchi maintains the delicate balance between continuity and novelty, offering familiar comforts while exploring new emotional territory.

Newcomers to the series need not fear feeling lost. While there are nods to previous volumes, each story stands on its own merits. The café’s rules are explained clearly, allowing fresh readers to immerse themselves in the magic without confusion.

Cultural Insights and Universal Emotions

Kawaguchi’s work offers fascinating glimpses into Japanese culture, from the intricacies of Valentine’s Day customs to the nuances of family dynamics. Yet the emotional core of each story transcends cultural boundaries, touching on universal human experiences of love, loss, and the search for meaning.

The attention to detail in describing the café and its surroundings creates a vivid sense of place. Readers can almost smell the coffee brewing and hear the gentle ticking of the clocks. It’s this ability to ground the fantastical in the tangible that makes Kawaguchi’s world so immersive.

A Gentle Critique

If there’s a criticism to be made, it’s that the formula established in previous books is adhered to quite closely. Some readers might wish for a more radical departure or a deeper exploration of the café’s mysteries. However, the comfort of the familiar is part of the series’ charm, like returning to a favorite coffee shop where you know exactly what to expect.

Final Thoughts: A Warming Blend of Magic and Humanity

“Before We Forget Kindness” is a worthy addition to Kawaguchi’s literary universe. It’s a book that invites slow reading, best savored like a carefully prepared cup of coffee. The stories linger in the mind long after the last page is turned, prompting reflection on our own relationships and the power of small acts of kindness.

In a world that often feels chaotic and unkind, Kawaguchi’s gentle reminder of our shared humanity is a balm for the soul. It’s a book that makes you want to put down your phone, step away from the noise, and connect with the people around you. Perhaps that, more than any time travel fantasy, is the real magic Kawaguchi offers.

For those who have journeyed with Kawaguchi from the beginning, this book feels like a warm reunion with old friends. For new readers, it’s an invitation to discover a world where the impossible becomes possible, all within the steam of a coffee cup. Either way, “Before We Forget Kindness” is a testament to Kawaguchi’s enduring ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, reminding us that sometimes, the most powerful magic of all is simply being kind to one another.

Recommendation

Highly recommended for fans of gentle magical realism, those who appreciate character-driven stories, and anyone who’s ever wished for a second chance to make things right. Best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee—just don’t let it get cold.