Like Water for Chocolate

By: Laura Esquivel

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Earthy, magical, and utterly charming, this tale of family life in turn-of-the-twentieth-century Mexico became a bestselling phenomenon with its winning blend of poignant romance and bittersweet wit. The classic love story takes place on the De la Garza ranch, as the tyrannical owner, Mama Elena, chops onions at the kitchen table in her final days of pregnancy. While still in her mother’s womb, her daughter-to-be weeps so violently she causes an early labor, and little Tita slips out amid the spices and fixings for noodle soup. This early encounter with food soon becomes a way of life, and Tita grows up to be a master chef. She shares special points of her favorite preparations with listeners throughout the story.

Critic reviews

“A tall-tale, fairy-tale, soap-opera romance, Mexican cookbook and home-remedy handbook all rolled into one, Like Water For Chocolate is one tasty entree from first-time novelist Laura Esquivel.” —San Francisco Chronicle

Surprising! I loved it start to finish

Beautiful blend of a love story, family traditions tied together through recipes, and just enough fantasy elements to surprise and delight :-)
Narration was good, but production quality was lacking.

Good mix of humor and romance!

What made the experience of listening to Like Water for Chocolate the most enjoyable?

So much of the story seems like "real life" with random bursts of funny, totally off the wall moments.

Have you listened to any of Kate Reading’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no- she does a great job portraying the different characters

Who was the most memorable character of Like Water for Chocolate and why?

Gertrudis and Rosaura- the sisters

Any additional comments?

I want to cook so much of the food in this book!

Very riveting take on Mexican gender roles.

I loved it. So many systems surrounding the family. The character develop was amazing.

A pretty good story overall

I enjoyed this book, and while it is not a personal favorite, I would still recommend it to a friend. The book is filled with folklore, surreal imagery, and sensuality- not just sexual (though that is present), but in the way one experiences the world through their senses- taste, sight, smell, touch, etc.

Berry Good

Good story of generational traditions that hurt more than anything else. Good listen and would recommend 5/5 chiles anchos