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benjatk's review against another edition
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
No pude despegarme de este libro cada vez que me sentaba a leerlo. Es increíble. Pasan tantas cosas que no te da tiempo a reaccionar.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
iqlofty's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Rape, Sexual content, and War
Minor: Child death, Fatphobia, and Racism
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
kelleykamanda's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
4.5
Funny, beautifully written, and such a delightful read. The mix of food and an incredible story really engaged me. Loved <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual content, Violence, and Death of parent
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
rebquirks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Fantastic book, a must read for Hispanic women, but also touches on a universality for all women. Also fucking hilarious.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
merlinagarance's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I genuinely don't know if I liked this book or not. It was certainly intriguing enough for me to finish it and I'd recommend it as a good example of magical realism but it deals with heavy topics such as abusive families and SA, as well as war, so be mindful of that.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Death of parent, Pregnancy, War, and Injury/Injury detail
tashtasher's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Pregnancy, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Child death, Fatphobia, Gun violence, Racism, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and War
Minor: Animal death, Eating disorder, Abortion, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Classism
yuripiano's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.75
Sometimes, you read a book that really make you stop and say "wow," and to this book's credit, I did that several times.
Unfortunately, this was mainly because I was astounded at how ridiculous this book was.
I don't really think it's a bad book, but, it's definitely not a book for me, I suppose? I just, like... GAH, I've never been so frustrated with a book before (outside of maybe Good Omens).
The magical realism? Like. Wow. Just. I don't see how it added anything to the story, which is weird because a lot of events happened because of the magical realism fueled things, but like...
...
there wasn't.. really.... a point to it? To any of it?
Like, the cooking and the recipes and stuff did nothing for the story itself, in my opinion, and then suddenly people would have some great emotional effect from eating the food, but to what end? Idk, I can't even coherently phrase why I disliked this book so much without massive spoilers for everything in the book, but I guess I can sum it up as:
This book markets itself as "A novel in Monthly Installments with Recipes, Romances, and Home Remedies". If this book were just a novel, that could have been interesting. If it were just a set of 12 recipes, one for each month, with descriptions and home remedies thrown in, it would be a culturally unique cookbook of sorts. Instead we got a disappointing mix of these alongside one of the most infuriating romances I've ever read. That said, there's a review on the back of the book likening it to a "soap-opera romance", and I guess if that's your jam, then this might be an okay read for you.
Maybe my mom would like this book, but, I just.. couldn't recommend it for any reason.
Still an easier read than Good Omens though.
Unfortunately, this was mainly because I was astounded at how ridiculous this book was.
I don't really think it's a bad book, but, it's definitely not a book for me, I suppose? I just, like... GAH, I've never been so frustrated with a book before (outside of maybe Good Omens).
The magical realism? Like. Wow. Just. I don't see how it added anything to the story, which is weird because a lot of events happened because of the magical realism fueled things, but like...
...
there wasn't.. really.... a point to it? To any of it?
Like, the cooking and the recipes and stuff did nothing for the story itself, in my opinion, and then suddenly people would have some great emotional effect from eating the food, but to what end? Idk, I can't even coherently phrase why I disliked this book so much without massive spoilers for everything in the book, but I guess I can sum it up as:
This book markets itself as "A novel in Monthly Installments with Recipes, Romances, and Home Remedies". If this book were just a novel, that could have been interesting. If it were just a set of 12 recipes, one for each month, with descriptions and home remedies thrown in, it would be a culturally unique cookbook of sorts. Instead we got a disappointing mix of these alongside one of the most infuriating romances I've ever read. That said, there's a review on the back of the book likening it to a "soap-opera romance", and I guess if that's your jam, then this might be an okay read for you.
Maybe my mom would like this book, but, I just.. couldn't recommend it for any reason.
Still an easier read than Good Omens though.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual content
tokki_reads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Death, Emotional abuse, Incest, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Kidnapping, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
possumghost's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content