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Unfortunately I returned my copy of this book back to the store so I can't specifically slam it. I thought it was THAT bad. The characters are weakly developed-- they show little depth and intelligence. It's also poorly written or translated. It's emotional and gushy-- would be OK with the balance of depth and intelligence, but that is lacking. If you want good writing try Gabriel Garcia Marquez's 100 Years of Solitude. LWFC is possibly a good children's book? Possibly teenagers might find value in it. but I wouldn't want my kids acting like the characters. It seems like a book for crazy women. I think Danielle Steele can write better than this. If romance is your thing try Wuthering Heights or Madame Bovary. I even liked Bridges of Madison County, but this book is awful aand doesn't even deserve one star.

This book reads as though written by someone with a fifth grade education, at best. I found that the writing did not flow, made no sense at all, and placed all of the emphasis in the wrong places. Where there should have been ANY character development, there were uninteresting, tedious descriptions about food. The placement of "magical" events did not even fit in with the story. In all, this book was a waste of time and paper and if anything, it deserves 1 star because someone would have to try REALLY hard to make something that BAD!!!

One of the most amazing books I have read. Tita is the youngest daugher in her family, and as such, according to her family's tradition, she is doomed never to marry and to care for her tyrannical mother for the rest of her mother's life. When she finds Pedro, the love of her life, she can't have him. He marries Tita's sister, just to be near Tita. The only way for Tita to express her love to Pedro is through her cooking. Tita has a magical way with food. Whatever emotions Tita is feeling while cooking will be transferred to all those who eat the food. The obstacles that Tita and Pedro must overcome are daunting, and yet they still persevere.This book inspired me to see the movie, which was also excellent (though I recommend reading the book first. It makes it easier to understand some of the symbolism).This book will make you believe in true love! I guess it's true what they say: the way to a man's heart IS through his stomach!

Like Water for Chocolate is a story about monthly recipes, love, anger, history etc... Close to the beggining of the century, Esquivel brings the reader the story of Mama Elena and her three daughters. The younger one Tita, was destined to take care of her mother till she died. This meant that she coudn't get married until this happened. Pedro, Tita's soulmate, marries Tita's sister in order to be close to her. The story brings a magic realism that sparkles with Tita's recipes. Whatever she was feeling while cooking transferred to the people who ate the food. Trough the story we see the Mexican Revolution and how people went back and fort from Mexico and U.S. The plot is very well mixed with emotions, we see how Tita and Pedro fight for their love trough the novel.

Under instructions to chose a cultural novel for my literature class, I reluctantly picked up Like Water for Chocolate because it seemed like "easy-reading" and not incredibly long. I, however, was immediately draw into this tale of love, deception, and family ties. This book drew me in to the point that it was impossible to put down. The symbolism is striking as the recipes relate and tie into the main story. The recipe for matches was especially interesting, as we saw Dr. John try to "light Tita's inner fire" like Pedro had. Though almost as depressing as a Shakespeare ending, Like Water for Chocolate was an overall brilliant novel and most enjoyable. (even for a stressed out junior looking for an easy "A")