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aameem's review against another edition
3.0
Okay, first of all, WHAT?
Why would Tita end up with Pedro? John was SO much better! I'm disappointed with the ending.
The writing became childish in the second half. It could have been more polished.
There is a warmth of expression, feeling and imagination running through these pages that makes this a satisfying read, though.
Why would Tita end up with Pedro? John was SO much better! I'm disappointed with the ending.
The writing became childish in the second half. It could have been more polished.
There is a warmth of expression, feeling and imagination running through these pages that makes this a satisfying read, though.
lau_op's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
3.5
Escrito de manera deliciosa (guiño, guiño) y con un realismo mágico inesperado y original que me ha encantado.
Solo algunos temas se abordan de formas que no acaban de convencer, incluido el mismo amor entre Pedro y Tita.
Solo algunos temas se abordan de formas que no acaban de convencer, incluido el mismo amor entre Pedro y Tita.
ladulcetapia's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
jazlem's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved this!! A perfect magical realism novel that had love, broken hearts, food and feminism - what more could you want? This was my first novel by a Mexican author and I really enjoyed learning more about the cultural aspects presented within the book. I loved Tita and really felt for her throughout the book. I also loved that even the villain, mama elena, was humanised and could be empathised with at points. Was some of it a bit dramatic and ridiculous? Sure but I think that fits in with the magical realism aspect, a genre which is important in Latin America. Some of the lines and actions were cheesy too but overall I really enjoyed this and loved how it parodies gender norms within the cookbook style commentary. Definitely recommend reading this!!
trlshah's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
pgmoon's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
CW: consent
Please take caution as there is mention of sexual assault in the book.
Like Water for Chocolate is a magical and metaphorical novel about many generations. I really enjoy magical realism, as I liked 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' and adored 'House of the Spirits'. I had heard good things about this novel so I decided to listen to it.
Tita, the protagonist, is incredibly well-rounded. Her journey from a young, oppressed girl to a confident, loving woman who learns to stand up to her domineering mother is both heart-wrenching and empowering.
The novel’s focus on women characters—Chencha, Nacha, Gertrudis, Mama Elena, and Rosaura—was refreshing. Their complex, loving, and sometimes strained relationships are explored in depth, making them interesting and relatable. I felt sympathy for each of them at different points in the story, which is a testament to Esquivel's craft of nuanced characters. I was particularly enthralled by how cooking was used as an emotional outlet throughout the story. The visualization of emotions through food was enhanced by Yareli Arizmendi’s phenomenal narration in the audiobook, which brought the story to life in a vivid way. The sudden deaths of some characters were shocking, adding to the novel’s intensity.
However, I had more issues with the male characters, particularly Pedro. While the story positions him as Tita’s true love, his behavior often left me uncomfortable, especially his jealousy as Tita tried to move on. Additionally there is one scene where Pedro and Tita sleep together for the first time with dubious consent. I wanted to feel happy for Tita, but I was somewhat disturbed. In contrast, Rosaura, though depicted as shrewish, also had her share of struggles, being another victim of Mama Elena’s oppressive control. The doctor, John, however, was a breath of fresh air, and I appreciated his kindness and understanding. I can understand that the book is set and was written at a different time, however I feel about it as a modern person.
Although I wasn’t entirely satisfied with Pedro and Tita ending up together, I must admit that their final scene was visually stunning and left a lasting impression. The novel’s message about the dangerous yet beautiful and nourishing nature of love within a household was powerful, and the passing on of recipes through generations could break the cycle of trauma was incredibly poetic. I understand that some find this story's tendency for melodrama exhausting. I understand that, but also feel that's part of its charm, as it feels more in line with a fairy tale with moments of reality. It's certainly not everyone's cup of tea.
Overall, I found Like Water for Chocolate to be a charming, fantastical, and powerful read, filled with beautiful imagery. I recommend it, especially as a short read or in audiobook format.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, and War
sundayfever's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Read more like a movie than a book. Heartwarming and interesting, though weird.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Confinement, Infidelity, Rape, Medical content, and War
Minor: Racism
teigenbereadin's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
*read in spanish* I read this in high school and I remember thinking it was crazy, but rereading it, it's nuts! I didn't really like the main character, she falls into the "perfect at everything, beautiful little martyr" trope. The main love interest was a whiny boy and the supporting characters seemed to get the short end of the stick. I don't think I would recommend this book to friends unless they are looking for a fever dream and don't mind unlikeable characters, weird timeline, extreme fatphobia and old Mexican terminology.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia