Book Review: The Full Moon Coffee Shop
Author: Mai Mochizuki
The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki is a magical novel about a Kyoto pop-up café that will suddenly appear (no set location or hours) to people needing advice and guidance in their life. Out of this cafe come talking cats, consulting astrological charts.
‘In the middle of the temple grounds was what looked like a mobile coffee shop … Just then, a large tortoiseshell cat wearing an apron emerged from the truck and set out a sign. The sign read: The Full Moon Coffee Shop.’
The cafe suddenly appears to select people who have lost their way in life and the cats not only serve food and drink but also a reading from the character’s astrological chart. This will assist them to overcome their current obstacle and guide them once more in the right direction. It’s a cute and very quick read about understanding what motivates us and channeling that to lead a fulfilling life.
‘And that is the story of the strange moonlit night on which I learned to know myself - and finally move forward with my life.’
If you like cats and you like astrology and you are a fan of Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Days at the Morisake Bookshop and Butter, then you are in for a treat.
Title: The Full Moon Coffee Shop
Author: Mai Mochizuki
Publisher: 27th August 2024 by Hachette Australia
Pages: 240 pages
Genre: Japan, Magical Realism, fantasy, cats
My Rating: 3.5 cups
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.