When assigned to read Like Water for Chocolate for my 10th grade English class, I had no idea what to expect. I am not an expert on Latin American Literature, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Here is my view on the novel!
The novel's unique storytelling approach is one of its strong points. Esquivel creates an engaging and unforgettable narrative by combining supernatural elements with everyday experiences. For instance, the main character Tita is able to communicate her feelings through her cooking, and the meals she cooks have the ability to influence the people who are eating them. This magical component gives the narrative a new depth and allows for a greater understanding of Tita's feelings and experiences. Each chapter's use of a dish as a metaphor for the chapter's issues encourages the reader to empathize with Tita on a deeper level.
The novel's feminist viewpoint is one of its other strengths. Due to her family's traditional expectations, Tita cannot get married to the man she loves, and this makes a clear reflection on the limitations put on women's choices and freedoms. Tita serves as a good representation of female freedom since she is able to utilize her cooking as a means of resistance and rebellion against these restrictions throughout the book.
Despite its strong parts, "Like Water for Chocolate" has certain negatives as well. The novel's character development is one of its flaws. Some of the other characters in the book are not as well-developed as Tita, despite the fact that her story is interesting and her character is well-drawn. For instance, it was difficult for me to fully comprehend Pedro, Tita's love interest, because he is presented as a one-dimensional character. Additionally, the reader may find it hard to fully comprehend the motivations and acts of some of the supporting characters, such as Tita's mother and sisters, who lack depth and are not fully explained. If the author were to have used more details when referring to the ideas of side characters, I feel that I would have enjoyed Like Water for Chocolate more.
When reading other reviews left by other readers, I learned that the novel’s lack of historical accuracy is another issue people have brought up. Despite the fact that the book is set during the Mexican Revolution, it is noticeable that Esquivel has altered the accuracy of the real-life characters and events. Some readers contend that this decreases the impact of the book and makes it challenging to properly understand the historical setting.
In conclusion, "Like Water for Chocolate" is a book that combines feminist viewpoints with magical aspects to create a captivating and memorable story. Upon opening this book, I was eager to turn each page. It is an important contribution to literature because of its distinctive storytelling approach and strong comments on the limitations placed on women's choices and freedoms. However, some readers may find it challenging to completely love the narrative due to the story's lack of historical authenticity and its weakly developed characters. Fans of feminist writing and magical realism should still read "Like Water for Chocolate" despite its flaws.
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Reviews with images
The book is very intriguing
This book came in perfect shape and the story in general is very interesting. I fully recommend this book if you are into dramatic love story’s that include traditions.
Top reviews from other countries
Alcatre
La facilidad de tener acceso a libros de interés en idiomas diferentes al materno.
Reviewed in Mexico on January 9, 2023
Peter Longden
First class magical realism!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 19, 2023KKR
Longing, food, magic and the farm life
Reviewed in India on January 5, 2019
KKR
Reviewed in India on January 5, 2019
The almost cruel love story of Tita and Pedro unfolds against a backdrop of slicing, peeling, sifting, pounding - basically 12 chapters - one each for a month with a recipe. With each chapter, and recipe the love develops and takes different twists and turns.
Yet I say cruel because I can’t even begin to imagine the agony of unconsumed passion, of unrequited love that the characters had for 22 years and beyond. The description of an emotional life by means of food is so beautiful. Cooking here has magical powers but falls short of winning that love and there’s only a longing of a strong kind. Tita’s effect on food is powerful. Her emotions transfer to the food she cooks. It brings out almost magical passion in other people and yet there she is, alone, with only frustrations and sometimes hopes of being in love.
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