Before we say goodbye by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Before we say goodbye is the fourth book in Kawaguchi’s 'Before the coffee gets cold' series about people returning to the past to revisit a moment they regret. Each story takes place in the mysterious cafe Funiculi Funicula. I had not read the other books in the series, and found I didn’t need to; this selection of four short stories gave me all the context I needed, and I was drawn into the accounts of four distraught people, each trying to come to terms with some form of loss.

In this intriguing world, there are rules about going back into the past and they are repeated for each venturer. Perhaps the most significant is that while they may revisit the past there is no way they can change the outcomes in the present, and they must return from the visit before their cup of coffee goes cold.

In Kawagushi's book we are presented with four stories: the husband who regrets taking his wife for granted, the woman who regrets not being present while her dog passed away, the young woman who regrets her response to a marriage proposal, and the daughter who regrets her harsh words towards her father. There is sure to be something in each scenario that readers will relate to.

The lesson in each story is about kindness, not only towards the other person, but also towards oneself. Each of the characters comes to a feeling of peace, saying the things they wished they had said, and finding the redemption they need.

Kawaguchi’s stories are beautiful life lessons, about communicating and caring for the significant people, or animal companions, that have made life worthwhile. They each provide magical moments to reflect on what is important in life. I am sure that any reader will be drawn into at least one of these stories. And like me, they will want to seek out the other stories in the series. Highly recommended.

Themes: Time travel, Regret, Grief, Loss, Redemption, Forgiveness.

Helen Eddy