BEFORE YOUR MEMORY FADES
𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬
𝐁𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐳𝐮 𝐊𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐢
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫
𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤: 𝟐𝟑𝟗
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟖
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑
Before delving into the topic at hand, allow me to express my initial thoughts upon reading the first book in this series. The premise of time travel had piqued my interest, and I appreciated the direction the book took with it. However, I couldn't help but wonder how the series would sustain itself across four instalments. Would it merely rehash the same concepts repeatedly, leading to potential boredom on my part?
Yet, as I embarked on the second book, I was pleasantly surprised. While the fundamental formula remained intact, the narrative also delved into the lives of the individuals associated with Cafe Funiculi Funicula. I had developed an affection for the Tokita family and yearned for more of their story. Additionally, the use of time travel as a storytelling mechanic continued to evolve in unexpected ways. It wasn't a mere recycling of ideas; instead, it introduced fresh and engaging elements. To my delight, I found myself enjoying the sequel even more than the initial instalment.
In the most recent addition to the "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" series, the setting transitions from the cosy, concealed cafe in Tokyo to a charming cafe located in northern Japan, offering a picturesque view of the harbour. However, fret not, for the familiar staff members, along with a new addition, still grace the establishment, and the cafe retains its remarkable ability to transport patrons back in time for brief interludes. It is my belief that this heartwarming and occasionally poignant series has more tales to share, and we can eagerly anticipate further instalments in the future.
We are introduced to a cast of compelling characters within the pages of this book: Yayoi, a daughter burdened with resentment toward her parents, Todoroki, a comedian yearning for his lost love and their shared dreams, Reiko, a sister consumed by grief, and Reiji, a man who has come to realize his deep affection for his childhood friend. Each of them carries regrets as they travel through time, wishing they could have expressed their feelings differently.
Much like the enchanting narratives found in "Before The Coffee Gets Cold" and "Tales From the Cafe," "Before Your Memory Fades" rekindled my admiration for Kawaguchi's masterful storytelling. Despite weaving a mesmerizing story, it also tackles poignant and heartbreaking themes.
As much as I liked Miki in the preceding book, Sachi Tokita caught my attention this time around. She possesses a love for reading at the tender age of seven and exudes a rare combination of charm, brilliance, and adorableness. In many ways, her demeanor resembles that of her mother, Kazu.
My Rating:
4/5
Other Books From this Series
Before Your Memory fades; Book 2
Before We Say Goodbye; Book 4 (Review Soon)
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