The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki is cosy healing fiction with a healthy dollop of Astrology in your drink. Enchanting and whimsical each story and characters explore real life issues with the guidance of oversized cats…or are they something else entirely?
“The stars don’t decide your future. All they do is help you to choose one for yourself.”
BLURB:
Under a glittering full moon, a Kyoto coffee shop with no fixed location or hours appears only where and when it’s needed. It’s run by talking cats serving the finest teas and coffees, delicious desserts and age-old astrological wisdom.
The Full Moon Coffee Shop attracts customers who have lost their way in their life, from a down-on-her-luck screenwriter to a failed video game developer. In the middle of the night, the feline guides will set them on their destined paths…
Heartwarming and magical, THE FULL MOON COFFEE SHOP will remind you that it’s never too late to discover your purpose.
REVIEW:
I am not one to believe heavily in star signs and astrology, though I do find it a bit of fun. I was worried that it would be too heavy handed and detract from the storytelling, but surprisingly it balanced the fanciful nature of it well. Regardless of what you believe, the advice and traits of Saturn, Mercury, the Moon and others, are articulated in such a manner in relation to the character’s predicaments that feel useful. Small and big revelations about oneself are explored.
“Humans are stars in their own right, Mizuki. Every one of them.”
I really enjoyed how the central character of each short story was connected to one another. The ways the knew each other, and came together in this book was a beautiful display of community and connection. What seems like coincidence at the start over time feels more like the hands of fate. The last story truly cements this.
It’s low stakes and meandering through its plot, with much being told rather than shown. It encourages introspection, and for the reader, there are many takeaways on life and the philosophy of living if you want it. Reading this book it was also hard not to drool at the magical food and drinks served at the Full Moon Coffee Shop. The descriptions were so enticing. I would like to order one of everything please.
“Actually, when revolution comes knocking, it’s not the universe that decides what happens,” said the master apologetically. “No, that part is up to mankind.”
The Full Moon Coffee Shop is a sweet and gentle short novel that will take you on a journey through the stars and the heart. With a second book to come, I look forward to returning for a coffee real soon.
Until next time,
Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: Fantasy – Magical Realism
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