Eleven members were able to attend the meeting and were warmly welcomed by Brenda together with apologies and comments on the book from those unable to attend.
Most agreed that this book had a very unusual concept with 4 short stories with the same cast members. Four different people, with three going back to the past and one moving to the future. Several members said they liked the idea behind it but struggled with the names, which all actually began with the letter K – causing more confusion. After discussion, it was thought this might have been eased in the translation with a change to more relatable names to the reader from the confusing and very similar sounding Japanese ones. One or two said that they had not worried about the names as they felt that dismissing them was not as important to the characters and they could “shape” them to build a picture but you did need to read the story. Most found that they enjoy books less and often give up if they have to keep going back and forth to remember who was who in relation to the storyline, spoiling it for them.
Discussion then took place on how each story impacted us as readers. The first -The Lovers, who parted but found by going back that they would reunite 3 years later. Members did enjoy the plot which it was felt did not change anything – no real purpose but although not as good at the start, the plot did get better. It was found to have lots of repetition and being quite tedious at times but then it was thought that could have been due to the translation. Most enjoyed the idea of going backwards and forwards in time and the thought of time-travelling quite interesting. In the second story –The Husband and Wife – the husband realises he is getting dementia so writes what he is unable to say verbally to his wife and goes back to give the letter to her. Everyone found that very emotional and thought provoking and it was agreed that each story, although tragic, had a moral to it – a philosophical message entwined.
The third story – The Sisters – about two estranged sisters, was a very emotional one with the two sisters needing to sort out the reason for their situation and with one of them going back in time to just before the other sister dies to make things right between them. This again evoked members to raise the thought that being able to have a second chance was positive for each one of them and a good thing. Story number four – Mother and Child – was noted by a few as very strange. In this case, the mother went forward in time to find out how her child forges her life, knowing that giving birth would kill her. Members found strange yet a very enjoyable read, prompting much conversation on the possibility and effects of time-travelling as very interesting. The “ghost lady” in the chair drinking copious amounts of coffee sent ripples of amusement amongst Members especially leading to the need for her to go the “loo” frequently!!
One member said she felt there were many fascinating insights in the book about the Japanese culture within the text – rather than someone just trying to explain the culture. So true to life. She felt that the book did not for her begin with an idea for a story but maybe the question “what if you could time travel?” which evoked a lovely discussion amongst members. Quite a few members thought the story did come through towards the end as written as a play, with the book following. The book which was felt spiritually quite significant. There were mixed views on where the cafe in question may be situated and on when in time the story was actually set – perhaps a murky back street with a cellar with comparisons made to The Cavern in Liverpool !!!
One member said it was a “Sweet ‘n Sad” book as it gives people the chance to say sorry or goodbye. Members did not dislike the book and most quite liked it, with several saying they did not actually enjoy it so to speak, but all agreed would not recommend it to a friend.
A quote about the book that possibly sums it up nicely…“Explores themes of regret, missed opportunities, and the importance of living in the present. This book highlights the idea that time-travel may seem like the solution to fix past mistakes or change the future but really shows that the present moment is the only one that truly matters!”