A review by pgmoon
Like Water For Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

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.

 
 
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