sudhahariharan's review against another edition
1.0
I hated this book! A stupid plot with senseless characterisation! An absolute waste of time. Love stories are never my cup of tea anyway.
poorlenore's review against another edition
Absolutely love anything by this author, she is just brilliant.
ailbhereads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
george_tte's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
3.0
Este libro se me hizo súper fácil de leer. Me encantó la parte de Mamá Elena, pero no me gustó tanto lo de Pedro, y no sé si me encantó el final. Pero igual si recomendaría leerlo, se lee rápido y es muy entretenido.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape
bak8382's review against another edition
3.0
This was the November pick for my book club and we all felt pretty much the same about it which was we weren't sure what to make of it. We found the recipes to be distracting as they would continue throughout the chapter in the middle of the action. We didn't understand her continued attraction to Pedro, or the bizarre things that happened to her sister.
We thought Mistress of Spices by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni was a possible read alike for this title because it also explores the relationship between a woman and food although from an Indian perspective and has elements of magical realism.
We thought Mistress of Spices by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni was a possible read alike for this title because it also explores the relationship between a woman and food although from an Indian perspective and has elements of magical realism.
jenmat1197's review against another edition
4.0
This story takes place on the De la Garza ranch. Mama Elena gives birth to a little girl named Tita - right in the kitchen where Mama Elena was working. Tita knows this is what lead to her love for cooking and creating delicious dishes.
Tita grows up as the youngest daughter of Mama Elena, and the tradition in her family is that the youngest daughter never marries and always takes care of her mother. But Tita is in love with a boy named Pedro. And Pedro loves Tita. Mama Elena refuses to let them be together, so Pedro marries Tita's eldest sister so that he can always be near her.
Over the course of their whole lives, Ttia and Pedro love each other. Pedro stays married to Tita's oldest sister, has children with her, and even moves away for a time. Tita falls for another man named John, but never comes to love him like she loved Pedro.
They spend their whole lives circling each other. Through a tale of magical realism, and a tale that is chalked full of metaphors and figurative speech, Tita finally learns about love and passion. Food is the central theme of this book and it helps express Tita's feelings and understanding of what is happening around her.
This was a very interesting book. I really liked it, but it took me awhile to get into a rhythm with the style of writing. It reminded me a bit of the writing in 100 Years of Solitude. It took some concentration to find the deeper meaning in what Tita was trying to express. Many of the characters die during the book unpredictably and in very bizarre ways. Above all, this book will make you hungry - the meals she describes and cooks are mouth watering. They all sound delicious.
If you are into magical realism type stories, and are okay with a bizaare tale, then this book is for you.
Tita grows up as the youngest daughter of Mama Elena, and the tradition in her family is that the youngest daughter never marries and always takes care of her mother. But Tita is in love with a boy named Pedro. And Pedro loves Tita. Mama Elena refuses to let them be together, so Pedro marries Tita's eldest sister so that he can always be near her.
Over the course of their whole lives, Ttia and Pedro love each other. Pedro stays married to Tita's oldest sister, has children with her, and even moves away for a time. Tita falls for another man named John, but never comes to love him like she loved Pedro.
They spend their whole lives circling each other. Through a tale of magical realism, and a tale that is chalked full of metaphors and figurative speech, Tita finally learns about love and passion. Food is the central theme of this book and it helps express Tita's feelings and understanding of what is happening around her.
This was a very interesting book. I really liked it, but it took me awhile to get into a rhythm with the style of writing. It reminded me a bit of the writing in 100 Years of Solitude. It took some concentration to find the deeper meaning in what Tita was trying to express. Many of the characters die during the book unpredictably and in very bizarre ways. Above all, this book will make you hungry - the meals she describes and cooks are mouth watering. They all sound delicious.
If you are into magical realism type stories, and are okay with a bizaare tale, then this book is for you.
sophiecorbett's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
This is the second novel I read in Spanish and I adored it. As a reader I was gripped by the surprises and frustrations within the book and I loved the whimsy that the element of magical realism added.
eunicegiselle_'s review against another edition
5.0
Fácil de leer, una historia que te deja sorprendido en cada capítulo!
kk0sanda's review against another edition
Too much like a romance novel for my taste. Good writing, would have finished if the book was more up my alley.