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Like Water for Chocolate  By  cover art

Like Water for Chocolate

By: Laura Esquivel
Narrated by: Yareli Arizmendi
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Publisher's summary

Earthy, magical, and utterly charming, this tale of family life in turn-of-the-century Mexico became a best-selling 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.

©1989 Laura Esquivel (P)1994 Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, A Division of Random House, Inc.

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)

1994, YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, Listed

What listeners say about Like Water for Chocolate

Average customer ratings
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Sublime

An eloquent reader matched by the superb writing skills of Laura..... You have the best imagination...... Characters are surprising, memorable.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Beautifully Weird and Magical

I don't often fly through books and even though this one isn't very long, I couldn't stop. This was also wonderfully read by Yareli.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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What a beautiful performance

Such a moving story couldn’t have been narrated a better way.
This performance makes you feel like it’s actually being told by Esperanza’s daughter!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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AWESOME

Laura Esquivel has not disappointed. Years ago I saw the movie and I couldn't wait to read the book. NOT DISAPPOINTED. My favorite is The Law of Love...as I am a romantic.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Quick read

I first encountered this story through the film and was enchanted by it. The story is almost exactly like the film, but of course, with more insight. This is a quick story that caught my attention with its recipes, characters, and plot. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

oops

it didn't read the same as my book. I think I got the wrong audible

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3 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story, sound quality not so much.

I loved the story; magical without being too out there. I also really liked Yareli Arizmendi's voice - she gave the characters real lives and feelings. The problem with the book is that the sound quality is poor. It's distorted and the background music and sound effects sometimes makes the narrator hard to hear.

I'd recommend this book, but only if it's on sale. The quality just isn't quite there.

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Lovely abridged recording.

The story is enchanting, but as I followed along with the book I realized it was abridged. That surprised me because it's a very short novel, and it wasn't clearly posted as an abridged recording. It doesn't take away too much from the story, especially because Arizmendi did such a lovely job reading it! I was really glad there was a version available where the reader had a Spanish accent. Despite the small missing passages, I would still buy it again.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful story, excellent narrator!

I especially enjoyed the nuances of the narrator's accent and emphasis. She really made the story come alive!

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

a real page turnet

Loved the story line. narrator brought story to life . I have listened to this book multiple times and I'm sure I will revisit in the future

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