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Like Water for Chocolate

Laura Esquivel

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Aug 20, 2024 paige mooney (semi-hiatus) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 3.75

CW: consent, sexual assault

Like Water for Chocolate is a generational story that weaves magic and cuisine with the joy and sorrow of family. I enjoy magical realism as a genre, so I had a pretty good feeling about this novel.

The protagonist Tita is a well rounded, interesting character. Her journey from under the thumb of her mother to an independent woman, making her own decisions (for better or worse!) is really robust, yet also heartbreaking.

The women in this story (Nacha, Chencha, Gertru 3.75

CW: consent, sexual assault

Like Water for Chocolate is a generational story that weaves magic and cuisine with the joy and sorrow of family. I enjoy magical realism as a genre, so I had a pretty good feeling about this novel.

The protagonist Tita is a well rounded, interesting character. Her journey from under the thumb of her mother to an independent woman, making her own decisions (for better or worse!) is really robust, yet also heartbreaking.

The women in this story (Nacha, Chencha, Gertrudis, Mama Elina, and Rosaura) are all multifaceted and represent the many facets of womanhood. Their relationships are complex and lay the foundation of this story. Esquivel absolutely makes you feel for them all, even when you don't agree with their actions. The theme of womanhood and independence is mixed with the importance of food in the family. The food descriptions in this book are incredible, listening to Yareli Arizmendi's voice and included music adds to the atmosphere.

Unfortunately, I had issues with the men in the story, especially Pedro. He and Tita have a clear connection full of passion, but I can't help but think that he and Tita are not good for each other. Tita's relationship with John the doctor is more wholesome, but I do wish she could have been with someone her own age. I don't believe the story is trying to make this relationship of Pedro and Tita wholesome, but it is somewhat hard for me to read, especially the parts where his jealousy when Tita tries to move on. Additionally, the scene where Pedro and Tita sleep together with dubious consent disturbed me. I acknowledge the story takes place in a different time, but this is just how I reacted as a modern person.

Although the story of Pedro and Tita didn't grab me, I have to say their ending was visually beautiful and impactful. The major theme of love being all consuming and even terrifying but so crucial left a mark. The writing is certainly very stylized and won't be for everyone, but I did mostly enjoy it.

Like Water For Chocolate is a very striking novel full of human contradiction. I think, for the most part, it sticks its landing, especially when focusing on the women in the story. ...more

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