• Like Water for Chocolate

  • By: Laura Esquivel
  • Narrated by: Kate Reading
  • Length: 5 hrs and 52 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (959 ratings)

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Like Water for Chocolate  By  cover art

Like Water for Chocolate

By: Laura Esquivel
Narrated by: Kate Reading
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Publisher's summary

The #1 best seller in Mexico in 1990, Like Water for Chocolate is a romantic, poignant tale of family life in turn-of-the-century Mexico.

Tita is the youngest daughter of Mama Elena, the tyrannical owner of the De la Garza ranch. As the youngest, she is expected to remain single and stay at home to care for her mother. So when Tita falls in love, Mama Elena arranges for Tita's older sister to marry Tita's young man.

As punishment, Tita is forced to bake the wedding cake. The bitter tears Tita weeps while stirring the batter provoke a remarkable reaction among the guests who eat the cake. It's apparent then that Tita's culinary talents are unique.

©1989 Laura Esquivel (P)1994 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

YALSA Best Books for Young Adults

"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

What listeners say about Like Water for Chocolate

Average customer ratings
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one of my favorites!

i always loved this story but hearing it in audio makes me love it even more!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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One of my favorite books

I hadn’t yet tried the audiobook format of this book but it has been a long time favorite of mine and I am very happy to say the audiobook is also just as lovely (if not more as it’s a great pick to put on while cooking for others!). I’m definitely happy I made the choice to buy this book in a third format after also purchasing both the ebook and physical book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Best book I’ve ever ready

Made me feel as if I was one with the book. Loves the voice actress.

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

story telling through food

I enjoyed the connection of meals with the love story of Tita. Questioning family traditions is something that happens in all cultures at one point or another. This book is a good example of what women go through as they grow up.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved this story

I did not know what to expect from listening to this story. But I loved it. The characters are rich with details, and the author spins a story like no other.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Beautiful, moving love story

This book spoke to me like no other. It has easily won the title of my favorite book of this year.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Do not listen w/o imagination

This literature IS absolutely timeless. If you have a love for spirituality, food, and a little drama? Sit back & embrace this. Brought me to tears. *sigh* sad it’s over. Going to help Tita live on by trying out these amazing recipes w/ my family though! Love.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Didn’t age like a fine wine

I know this is considered a “Classic” & I loved the movie when I was younger. However, in actually reading the book at this point of my life it was entertaining but extremely silly & infuriating. It did not age well and the tropes of machismo ran deep in the book.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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The imagery

A gorgeous sensory journey into love and loss. It moved me to tears at times and the recipes are seductive.

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

Interesting

This books I really enjoyed, but disliked as well. I don't do well with heartache stories and this was one big conglomerate of heartaches. The story was interesting with great twists and turns, and the infusion of traditional Hispanic recipes was wonderful.

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