, "Before We Say Goodbye" is a poignant, emotionally charged narrative that delves deep into the intricacies of human connections and the complexities of farewell. The story is an exquisite portrayal of the intertwining lives of its characters, capturing the essence of relationships, love, loss, and the inevitable passage of time.

The author masterfully weaves together the lives of diverse characters, each with their own compelling story arcs and personal struggles. As the narrative unfolds, their paths intersect in a beautifully orchestrated dance, leading to moments of joy, heartache, and profound introspection.

The central theme of bidding farewell serves as a powerful backdrop, evoking a myriad of emotions that resonate with readers on a deeply personal level. The exploration of nostalgia, regret, and the bittersweet nature of goodbyes is both tender and thought-provoking.

The prose is rich with evocative imagery, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the vividly painted scenes and empathize with the characters' journeys. The author's ability to evoke a spectrum of emotions through eloquent storytelling is nothing short of remarkable.

"Before We Say Goodbye" is a compelling testament to the human experience, reminding us of the transient nature of life and the significance of cherishing every moment and connection we encounter. It's a story that lingers in the heart long after the final page is turned—a poignant ode to love, loss, and the profound impact of goodbyes.

The fourth instalment in the series Before the Coffee Gets Cold - Kawaguchi's Before We Say Goodbye offers like his previous instalments a series of short stories, each one linked and set in a café where the visitors when sitting in the right seat travel back in time and revisit events of your past, which you can not change. Each story is heart wrenching in it's own way and truly covers the breadth of human stories.

As with the prior 3 I read this swiftly and greatly enjoyed and would recommend to those who enjoy magical realism.

Thanks Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC.

A lovely set of four short stories of different people who want to go back in time and change their past though the main rule is they can't change the outcome. Each person has a different reason for returning to their pasts, but each realise once they are there what they must do, which is the basically the same.

At first it felt a little repetitive where each time the rules were explained, though the fourth story had less of that. There are some mystery elements such as who is the woman in white?

The last story was the one that bought a tear to my eye and left me wondering did it change her life because of what was said and given?

I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review.

Emotionally moving; upsetting a lifetime’s effort to avoid sentimentality. Ever since Bambi, Love Story and those times you stray towards blubbering in public and pass it off as something in your eye.

Toshikazu Kawaguchi writes from the heart about those emotional episodes and dilemmas of life. Missed opportunities, fractured partings, broken hearts and unexpected loss.

This is now his fourth instalment following the critically acclaimed and worldwide appreciation of this series which began with “Before the coffee goes cold.”
The premise is simple. Being able to go back in time to meet a loved one or significant other. However, there are rules associated with this opportunity. The most significant and telling is that whatever you say or do meeting someone from the past, nothing will change in your present or their future. So if it is to warn them of an avoidable fatal accident, they will not be able to cheat death and live on.

Book 4, “Before we say goodbye.” returns most closely to the original format. It tells separate stories of four people’s desire and need to return to their past and right some wrongs or put the record straight. In the process it moved me emotionally again and brought a tear to my eye.
Part of this is the humanity of these situations; the fragility of life, one’s own experiences of being selfish and not being there for others, especially those we love. Not that the writing propels us to these conclusions; rather it is the impossible situations each time-traveller encounters when faced with the reality that they cannot save those they seek to meet one last time and undo,make do or part on better terms.

In the process, surprising to me, the change isn’t seen in the person who they go back to meet, but within their own understanding of themselves.

I enjoy these books, and especially this one, as they reveal to me the importance of expressing our feelings and having conversations that don’t exhaust, diminish or leave things unsaid. The trouble is, we over play our part and over analyse our own involvement rather than actively listening. The author through his crafted re-unions shines a light onto our own motives and the realities of life.

The fact is, we can’t go back in time.

We can’t take back words spoken in anger or shared on social media. We need to engage a filter and think more about how we relate to others.

Wise words were once shared: “Don’t let the sun go down on your anger” I guess it follows don’t storm out of the house in a rage, leave a group of friends in a fit of pique or go to sleep without resolving a bitter argument.

Fact remains we all fail to learn or seem unable to repair quickly but these stories without preaching or patronising help us to fill in the gaps, as we want the best in these situations. We quickly apply it to our own experiences and introduce our own memories of regret.

Great writing. A wonderful book.

I think that this series of books can be an acquired taste. The magical realism is something I enjoy, but the stories can often feel repetitive or redundant. I enjoy reading them, and I always feel like I gain enjoyment and am thinking about the scenarios after I have finished them. I don't think this is the case for everyone, so I would dive into others' interests before recommending this book and series as a whole.

this series can do absolutely no wrong in my eyes!

another gorgeous, atmospheric story of customers looking to travel back to an important moment in their lives. one of the stories had me absolutely balling my eyes out.

i already can’t wait for the next instalment!

This is my favourite of the series thus far. The tour tales, especially that of Apollo the dog, we're heartwarming and heartbreaking in equally parts. Toshikazu Kawaguchi writes about grief so wonderfully.

I was also glad to return to Funiculi Funicula after our trip away in book three.

However, for long time readers of the series, the continuous explanation of the rules and situation in the café can be a little repetitive.

What an absolutely beautiful read. I massively enjoyed the authors previous work, Before The Coffee Gets Cold, and this was utterly spectacular. Had me absolutely broken. Amazing.

Book 4 in the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series, all about a cafe in Japan where patrons can time travel. There are certain rules though: you must sit in a certain seat and when you time travel, you will sit in this seat; you cannot stand up. Nothing you say or do will alter events, things will never change. And you must finish your coffee before it goes cold, otherwise you will remain stuck as a ghost.

Like the previous books, this one has 4 short stories: a father and husband who wants to address some issues, a woman who didn't get to say goodbye to her dog, a woman who refused a proposal and a daughter who drove her father away. The central themes of the stories are regret, loneliness and nuances of human behaviour. They're thought provoking and bittersweet and I always find myself shedding a tear or two. I love the series, it's very sweet. If I had any issue, it's that the explaining of the themes does get a bit repetitive but I did find that it was less so than the other books. That explaining the rules were either done slightly differently or much shorter.

I've seen on Goodreads there's another book already published in Japanese so I can't wait for that to be translated and released in English in the future!

I recently had the pleasure of reading "Before We Say Goodbye" by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, and I must say, it was a truly captivating and thought-provoking read. This poignant novel, translated from Japanese, delves into the intriguing concept of time travel and explores the profound question of what one would do if given the opportunity to revisit the past.

Set in the enchanting Cafe Funiculi Funicula, the story follows a group of intriguing characters who are drawn to the cafe's legendary time travel offering. As they navigate the rules and risks associated with time travel, they embark on a deeply personal and emotional journey to reconnect with loved ones and reconcile unresolved feelings. Kawaguchi masterfully weaves together their stories, evoking a range of emotions from nostalgia to heartache, and ultimately leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

What sets "Before We Say Goodbye" apart is its ability to delve into the complexities of human relationships and the significance of pivotal moments in our lives. The author beautifully explores themes of love, regret, and second chances, making us contemplate our own choices and the people we hold dear. Each character's journey is poignant and relatable, reminding us of the power of human connection and the importance of cherishing the moments we have.

Kawaguchi's writing style is both elegant and evocative, transporting the reader to the bustling streets of Japan and immersing them in the magical atmosphere of the cafe. The descriptive prose brings the characters and their emotions to life, making it easy to become fully invested in their stories. The pacing of the novel is perfect, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the next twist and turn in the characters' journeys.

"Before We Say Goodbye" is not only a standalone masterpiece but also a wonderful addition to Kawaguchi's bestselling series. For those who have followed the previous books in the series, this novel offers a fresh set of characters and stories to explore, while still capturing the essence of what made the earlier books so beloved.

In conclusion, "Before We Say Goodbye" is an emotionally charged and beautifully written novel that will leave a lasting impression on readers. It is a testament to the power of love, forgiveness, and the significance of treasuring the moments that shape our lives. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking fiction that tugs at the heartstrings. Prepare to be captivated by Kawaguchi's storytelling prowess and embark on a journey that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

Having read "Before the Coffee Gets Cold", I was very curious about the continuation of the story. However, it seems like the concept that worked well once, was not truly destined to come across that well the second time around. Sure, Toshikazu Kawaguchi decided to focus on unspoken goodbyes, hence the title "Before We Say Goodbye", which on one hand organises the plot quite well, but on the other it just makes the narrative repetitive and designed without a greater nuance.

"Before We Say Goodbye" by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a profoundly touching and imaginative exploration of life, love, and second chances. Set in the unique backdrop of a mysterious time-traveling café, the story unfurls as patrons travel back to revisit moments with lost loved ones. Kawaguchi's narrative is a bittersweet meditation on the beauty of human connections, regrets, and the untold emotions that often remain unexpressed. The characters' journeys are filled with nostalgia and poignant reflections, creating a deeply emotional and thought-provoking read. The author's prose is both evocative and poignant, invoking a powerful sense of longing and the inevitability of goodbyes. "Before We Say Goodbye" is a compelling, unforgettable novel that urges readers to cherish the present and find solace in the idea that, sometimes, farewells aren't permanent. Kawaguchi's storytelling will resonate with anyone who has ever wished for one more moment with a loved one who is no longer present.

As with the original of this book series this wasn’t for me unfortunately. It was repetitive and I found some of the translations difficult to read.

Thank you to Pan Macmillan, Toshikazu Kawaguchi and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In "Before We Say Goodbye" by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, the cafe Funiculi Funicula continues to be a mystical bridge between time and heartache. This fourth installment in the series provides readers with four distinct yet profoundly emotional stories. It delves into the human experience of grief and the longing for second chances, exploring the poignant theme of returning to the past to find closure, even when it's impossible to change the future. Kawaguchi's storytelling is as heartwarming and poignant as ever, delivering a collection of narratives that tug at the heartstrings. Each story is a masterpiece in itself, offering profound insights into human nature and the complexity of emotions. As readers journey through the lives of characters seeking solace and closure in the cafe's time-travel offering, they are reminded of the power of love, loss, and the inevitability of time's passage. "Before We Say Goodbye" is a compelling and bittersweet exploration of the eternal human longing for resolution and the acceptance of life's inherent imperfections.

Kawaguchi continues to captivate with his skillful exploration of time's limits, weaving tales of redemption and heartache in a world where time travel comes with rules that defy the desire to change the past. The stories in this collection are a testament to the author's ability to infuse the ordinary with the extraordinary, leaving readers with a profound sense of nostalgia and introspection. "Before We Say Goodbye" is a beautifully bittersweet continuation of Kawaguchi's beloved series, a reminder of the eternal allure of second chances and the enduring power of love and forgiveness. Each story, like a carefully brewed cup of coffee, warms the soul, offering solace and insight into the intricate and often painful tapestry of human existence.

Well he got me again!
Four unique heartwarming stories absolutely devoured this in one sitting I highly rec for all my translation readers this had me laugh cry and heartache all at once!

i loved continuing the series with this book. this series is an emotional rollercoaster with a wonderful set of characters who you root for and feel for them as you get to know their stories

I have previously read the first book in the series, so I did not generally what I was getting into with this book and I’ve got to say I thought this was going to be less than the first book, but its prized mean it was as good as the first book, I absolutely adore. Do I love the new characters with the Familia setting I like the way different characters reacted to the same scenario how they went about the choices and I also really like to getting to know how people would react in a situation. It gives you an insight into peoples heads and motives.

Once again, thought provoking, heart warming, heart breaking and beautiful. It will put you through an emotional spin cycle!

This is the fourth book in the series about a cafe in Tokyo where the clients can choose to go back or forward in time. Until this book there has been a logical chronology to what are short stories, four to each book. This book itself is about a time prior to the third book. I found this confusing. That said I still enjoyed the stories about life in Tokyo. Having read the previous books the reiterating of the rules regarding going back in time is a little monotonous but the author seems to find so many ways that the time traveller reacts to them that it is interesting. What is also interesting is the reasons for travelling in time, the solutions the couples come to when they discuss the matters effecting them and the consequences when the traveller arrives back in their own time. In this volume the theme for each traveller could be helping to come to terms with the loss of a loved one.

It is thought provoking, I have mulled over how I and how we westerners would react to the circumstances that are described. The characters who are in each story develop over time and are well described. Everyone I have recommended the series to has enjoyed the books they have read. The books could be read standalone rather than in sequence and still be enjoyable.

Thank You for the review copy.

Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s 'Before We Say Goodbye' is a befitting follow-up to the last instalment of this series. Translated from Japanese it makes us ponder on what would we do if we could travel back in time. While the question itself is heavy, imagine if you could do it without being able to affect the outcome. Would you do it? Who would you want to meet, maybe for one last time?

Toshikazu Kawaguchi takes you back to the cafe and the endearing tales of strangers and the known characters. This is another cosy read which makes you think about some of the most difficult questions in the most unassuming of ways.

So, do read it.