Who hasn’t imagined going back in time?

As kids, we grew up watching sci-fi movies where time travel was a big theme. As adults, we keep about all the things we would do if we could go back in time. Though scientists have been working on the concept of time travel for ages, we haven’t reached to any breakthrough yet.

Anyway that doesn’t stop us reflecting on what we could do if we got a chance to go in the past. As I concluded the book – Before the Coffee Gets Cold, I found myself in tears. I will tell you in a bit why!

The story is set in a small, quaint cafe in Tokyo, Japan. The cafe is not known for being loud; it has minimal sitting and doesn’t see much footfall. Interestingly, it is known because of an urban legend – one can go back in time from this cafe, but terms and conditions applied!

There are certain rules that one has to follow – rules that are not quite straightforward. And no matter what you do in the past, the present doesn’t change. This condition – that ‘no matter what you do in your past, the present doesn’t change‘ got me reflecting throughout the novel. You come across many characters that go back to the past (and future) to show up, to say something that they couldn’t earlier, to realise the preciousness of time – all while knowing that no matter what they do the present won’t change.

As I read the last page of the novel, I couldn’t help but remember my mother, whom I lost two years ago. I have been thinking what I would have done if I had the chance to go back in time, knowing I would lose her eventually.

I would have just stayed closest by her side during her last days, would have told her multiple times how much I loved her (and will continue to love her). I would have told her again and again how big an impact she made in my life and how sorry I am for all the pain I caused her.

The novel makes you think twice about your actions today. It makes you reflect on how you want to live your present; it makes you question whether what you do today will bring you happiness or leave you with regret later.

Do pick up this beautiful and thought provoking novel if you are questioning your past or just need a gentle nudge to cherish your present. 🙂

If you loved the above blog post and are thinking to grab your copy – don’t think and buy it on Amazon .

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Happy Reading! 🙂