Book Review | Before Your Memory Fades

Book: Before Your Memory Fades
Author: Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Personal Rating: 4/5

This is the third book of the “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” series by the same author.

The setting is not Cafe Funiculi Funicola, but rather Cafe Donna Donna. It has the same magic as the latter and is owned by the same family but managed by the matriarch Yukari Tokita. Since Yukari is away in Amerika, he’s son Nagare Tokita owner of Funiculi Funicola is currently managing cafe Donna Donna with the help of cousin Kazu Tokita.

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“Things that you put off saying until tomorrow are sometimes never said” – Reji

It’s the age-old tale of individuals yearning to go back in time to do unfinished business or reunite with long-lost loved ones. However, there is a catch: they must return to the cafe before their coffee gets cold, they are confined to the chair in which they are sitting, and they are limited to conversing with only those who have already visited the café.

The personal tales in each book are as in-depth as those in the other two books. The relationships between the characters and between the characters and the owner are what I like most about this novel. Plus, the connections between this volume and the last book.

Before Your Memory Fades

A daughter who begrudges her deceased parents for leaving her orphaned
A comedian who aches for his beloved and their shared dreams
A younger sister whose grief has become all-consuming
A young man who realizes his love for his childhood friend too late

I promise that you will finish this book before your coffee gets cold!

Also, there is a 2018 movie adaptation of the book titled “Cafe Funiculi Funicula” you’re welcome 🙂

Have you read the book? I love to hear what you think!