I picked this up for release, but it looks like it might be worth reading.

Here's what Amazon.com says about the book:
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) centers 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. Esquivel mischievously appropriates the techniques of magical realism to make Tita's contact with food sensual, instinctual and often explosive. Forced to make the cake for her sister's wedding, Tita pours her emotions into the task; each guest who samples a piece bursts into tears. Esquivel does a splendid job of describing the frustration, love and hope expressed through the most domestic and feminine of arts, family cooking, suggesting by implication the limited options available to Mexican women of this period. Tita's unrequited love for Pedro survives the Mexican Revolution the births of Rosaura and Pedro's children, even a proposal of marriage from an eligible doctor. In a poignant conclusion, Tita manages to break the bonds of tradition, if not for herself, then for future generations.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Mailing to Kernow8.

Received in the mail today - thanks! I'm really looking forward to reading this one.

Excellent quick read. I loved the idea of combining a cookbook with a novel - it showed how intertwined food is with culture. The last chapter was full of surprises - I had to try really hard not to peak at the last page to see how it would end! A very enjoyable read, an interesting story aboout the evolution of women's roles in Mexico over the course of two or three generations, and ultimately a compelling love story. I had tears in my eyes at the end, and couldn't work out whether it was a happy or a sad ending!

I'm putting this in my husband's TBR pile now and will release it when he's finished...

Mailed to daidy as part of a BookRelay. (My husband decided he was never going to read it!)

Thanks! tbr

reserved for katn77

A good, quick read, now I'm sorry I didn't read this one sooner! I was a bit disappointed with the ending, and with what I think were a few inconsistencies in the story. Mailing to katn77 2/3/4

I got this as part of a swap - thanks!