'Before the Coffee Gets Cold' & 'Never Let Me Go'

I finished two books during the last few days, both recommended to me by avid readers. 'Before the Coffee Gets Cold' by Toshikazu Kawagachi, was recommended by my nephew. Second one, 'Never Let Me Go' by Kazuo Ishigaro was recommended by a friend. It was coincidental that both these writers were of Japanese origin and I initially thought both were translations. 'Before the Coffee Gets Cold' is indeed a translation by Geoffery Trousselot but 'Never let me Go' is an original English novel by the author.

Both these books have quite unique plots. 'Before the Coffee Gets Cold' is all about time travel but in a very non- sci-fi way. I like how the author has thought through all the possible issues that come up with the concept of time travel and put 'rules' in place for the traveller. However there is a slight disjointed feel in the flow of this story. This could well be due to the fact that the translation does not do justice to the original, but that we will never know for sure. However, the coffee shop atmosphere that is central to the story line is soothing and the age-old question that the author presents to us-"what would you change if you could travel back in time?" keeps us pondering.

'Never let me Go' was quite an absorbing read. I love the way the author releases only bits of information to the reader as the story progresses, giving us insight to the whole plot only towards the end. This is centered around the chilling concept of human cloning but delivered to us in the form of a story of friendship and love. It is quite a page turner and delves into the cruelties and vulnerabilities of human nature quite efficiently. This book was shortlisted for the 2005 Man Booker Prize, for the 2006 Arthur C. Clarke Award and for the 2005 National Book Critics Circle Award

It is always great to receive recommendations for reading because that would mean someone has already enjoyed the book beforehand. As I always say, life is too short to spend on bad books!

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Picador Publishers (2019)

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, Vintage Publishers (2005)