“Before the Coffee Gets Cold” by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a unique and charming novel that unfolds within the confines of a small, mysterious café in Tokyo. The story revolves around the Café Funiculi Funicula, where patrons have the opportunity to travel back in time to revisit a moment from their past. However, there are rules that must be followed, and the time travel is limited to the duration it takes for a cup of coffee to cool. Through a series of interconnected narratives, the novel explores themes of love, regret, and the fleeting nature of time. Kawaguchi’s storytelling is both poignant and meditative, drawing readers into a contemplative space where characters confront unresolved issues and seek closure with their past selves.