The fourth novel in the bestselling series that has achieved millions of sales worldwide.

The regulars of the magical café Funiculi Funicula are well aware of its reputation and its incredible ability to let you travel through time. Many customers have met old loves, reconciled with estranged relatives, and visited their loved ones. However, the journey hides dangers and certain rules must be followed.

Readers of the beloved series "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" will meet some new characters: a husband who didn't have time to say something important, a woman who didn't manage to say goodbye to her dog, a woman who couldn't respond to a marriage proposal, and a daughter who drove her father away.

In the enchanting Before We Say Goodbye, with nostalgic narration and unique, tender characters, Kawaguchi explores once again the question: Who would you like to meet if you could travel through time?

Genre: Fantasy novel / contemporary literature

Atmosphere: Nostalgic, warm, and moving, focusing on human relationships and second chances

“Wonderful.” –New York Times Book Review

“Kawaguchi uniquely handles a subject that many have dealt with, time travel, and manages to highlight the power that joy has as a legacy.” –Library Journal

“The narrative is deeply moving.” –Chicago Review of Books

“Touching, original, and nostalgic.” –Huffpost

“Within an ostensibly dreamy escape, we find existential quests revolving around love and loss, family and freedom, life and death.” –Christian Science Monitor

“A magical novel that speaks about discovering happiness, despite the past we desperately want to return to.” –The Harvard Crimson

“A delightful book, an emotional balm with lasting action.” –Booklist

…you like quiet, emotional novels that talk about life, loss, and hope. If you are looking for a book that reads quickly but makes you pause and think.

Toshikazu Kawaguchi was born in Osaka, Japan in 1971. He has been a producer, director, and writer for the Sonic Snail theater company. As a playwright, he wrote, among others, Couple, Sunset Song, and Family Time. The novel Before the Coffee Gets Cold is an adaptation of his own play, which was awarded the grand prize at the Suginami Drama Festival. It has become an international bestseller and has been adapted for television in Japan.