Like Water for Chocolate: A Novel in Monthly Installments with Recipes, Romances, and Home Remedies

by Laura Esquivel | Literature & Fiction | This book has not been rated.
ISBN: 038542017X Global Overview for this book
Registered by ababaigalit of Modi'in, Israel Israel on 7/11/2010
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4 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by ababaigalit from Modi'in, Israel Israel on Sunday, July 11, 2010
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.


11.07.2010:
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Like water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel. English translation from Spanish. This delicious story of love, family, fate and food is enthralling. Esquivel, a Mexican resident, does a brilliant job on this her first novel. This book tells a tale of Tita who is unable to marry her true love due to unjust family tradition.The story develops to reveal the pain suffered by Tita in struggling to live without her soulmate and having to live with in oppression due to her old fashioned mother.Narrated in the third person this story is fairly comprehensible although it moves quickly so reading it more than once allows for better understanding. This book is outstanding as it is unique, the journey of unrequited love is captivating. The Mexican setting is easy to visualise because of the detail used in describing the food and people.the story is set at the time of the Mexican Revolution(1910 to 1920) which adds to the atmosphere of the book. Tita as the main character is likeable as she is an interesting, lively character with extreme talent for cooking. Tita deserves a lot of sympathy in the story as she is the victim. One of Tita's two sisters, Rosaura, is the quiet , shy type. She became a bother to the plot , she was placed in a bad situation but she is not an evil person.Gertrudis, Tita's other sister is a free spirited soul who rebels against all restrictions. Gertrudis brings an element of shock or surprise to the story which makes her likeable. The male lead and love interest of Tita, Pedro is highly passionate but acts at times submissive as he is not strong enough to stop circumstances. The villain of the story is arguably Mama Elena. As the mother of the three girls, this tyrant woman is dislikeable as she ruins the lives of nearly every character. Esquivel has created such a believable character in this bitter selfish woman. I liked this book! It was filled with emotions, you could taste, smell, feel and see the characters lives unfolding. I liked the magical touch too. The truth is that I would like a different end to this book, but I have ti live with the author decided to write.


Journal Entry 2 by ababaigalit at Onsala, Halland Sweden on Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Released 13 yrs ago (7/27/2010 UTC) at Onsala, Halland Sweden

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Enjoy the book I always like to find the books that I read and release a good home. Keep the books dream alive "Read & Release'

Journal Entry 3 by Fidilur at Onsala, Halland Sweden on Saturday, August 14, 2010
When I came home from my holiday I found this book waiting for me.
I am looking forward to reading it.
Thanks for sending the book all the way from Israel to Sweden!

Journal Entry 4 by Fidilur at Onsala, Halland Sweden on Saturday, April 20, 2013
It is time to find a new better home for this book. Since I became a mother I can´t find the time to read. I am bringing this with me to the Bookcrossing-Convention in Göteborg, Sweden,, my home town.

Journal Entry 5 by Fidilur at Norgeshus (BC Convention 2013) in Göteborg, Västergötland Sweden on Saturday, April 20, 2013

Released 10 yrs ago (4/21/2013 UTC) at Norgeshus (BC Convention 2013) in Göteborg, Västergötland Sweden

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

Released at the BC-convention in Göteborg. Enjoy!

Journal Entry 6 by wingGhaneschawing at Göteborg, Västergötland Sweden on Monday, April 22, 2013
Picked up at the Bookbuffet from the Bookcrossing Convention 2013 Göteborg

for a"Schokoladenbücherbox"

Released 10 yrs ago (4/25/2013 UTC) at BookBox in -- Per Post geschickt/ Persönlich weitergegeben --, Bayern Germany

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Journal Entry 8 by curlycat at Wien Bezirk 05 - Margareten, Wien Austria on Sunday, May 26, 2013
Die Schokobox ist wieder wohlbehalten zu mir zurückgekehrt u. a. mit diesem Buch.

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