Each chapter of screenwriter Esquivel's utterly charming interpretation of life in turn-of-the-century Mexico begins with a recipe--not surprisingly, since so much of the action of this exquisite first novel (a bestseller in Mexico) centres around the kitchen, the heart and soul of a traditional Mexican family. The youngest daughter of a well-born rancher, Tita has always known her destiny: to remain single and care for her aging mother. When she falls in love, her mother quickly scotches the liaison and tyrannically dictates that Tita's sister Rosaura must marry the luckless suitor, Pedro, in her place. But Tita has one weapon left--her cooking.

Picked this up at the Unconvention at the weekend. What could be better than a book with recipes in it?

What a fantastic book. I really devoured this one. It has just about everything you could want in a book, romance, betrayal, a revolution, comedy - all beautifully written. Throw in a smattering of recipes (anyone for cream fritters?) and this is a real winner.

Thank you for this one Netstation!

Released on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at about 5:00:00 AM BX time (GMT-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada) at Bottega dei Sapori in Alton, England United Kingdom.

RELEASE NOTES:

I loved this foody book and thought I would release it in my favourite deli. I know I am mixing my cuisines here, but at least there is a love of food in both the book and the deli - it was also an excuse for a jolly good lunch. The mushroom ravioli with sage butter sauce was lovely, if you are searching for this book while feeling peckish I can't recommend the home made cappucino ice cream highly enough - served with a slice of warm apple strudel. Enjoy!

I found the book in a small coffee shop on Alton High St this morning. It was the first I had ever heard of bookcrossing so I was very excited! I plan to read the book (naturally!) and will then leave it in another public place, not sure where yet. Great scheme - thank you!

CAUGHT IN ALTON HANTS UK

I loved this book and found it hard to put down. In fact I often found myself reading it when I should have been doing other things!
A great introduction to Bookcrossing. I have posted it on to a very good friend in Cambridge as I'm sure it's one she will love. As I'm writing this she's probably just about finishing it!!

This comes highly recommended - I look forward to reading it.