Like Water for Chocolate

By: Laura Esquivel

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 5 hrs and 52 mins

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

"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)

Incredible book. Disappointing narration

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I was very disappointed with the narration. It was bland, monotone and the narrator's accent when pronouncing certain words were like nails on a chalkboard. It would have been much better to get someone who is equally fluent in English and Spanish. But even more disappointing was the monotone reading. The story is so passionate, so full of life.... The narration was bland and tasteless (pun intended).

What was one of the most memorable moments of Like Water for Chocolate?

The ending. Such a fantastic end. And the descriptions of the food - so rich and real. The author has an incredible way with words

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Kate Reading?

I'm not sure... Someone, however, who is fully fluent in both English and Spanish. While the narrator may have a good command of Spanish, her very bad pronunciation of certain words was jarring and distracting. Would have also liked to see an actress. Not sure what the current narrator's background is, but there is little to no emotion in her voice, which leads me to think that she is not an actress.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

It is already and yes, I would. It's a fantastic movie, actually.

Any additional comments?

Awesome story. Beautifully written. Would have liked to find an Audible version available in Spanish, however.

Lost in translation.

Overall, this is one of my favorite books of all time. I listen to it, in Spanish, every year. While, in general, I enjoy Kate Reading's performances, I feel that much of the emotion is lost in the translation of the book, and therefore the performance lacks the passion it should have. Still very worth the read before you watch the sub-titled movie.

Incredible story, worst narrator

This is one of my all time favourite books, I've read it three times and have enjoyed it thoroughly each time. When I decided to listen to it, I was so disappointed, this narrator was monotone and pronounced all the Spanish words poorly. Thoroughly disappointed with this performance.

Imaginative & Soothing

Having to read this for a class for school, I found the audio form as an imaginative and soothing alternative. The narrator's voice electrifies the story and adds a cultural spice to the listening experience. Overall, a great listen! The recipes made my mouth water!

A delicious story

This story will evoke hunger, anger, giggles, frustration, sadness and joy. The food in the story is so well described that you can almost smell and taste it.
The character development is excellent.
I was a little disapponted in the conclusion -- but the story was so enjoyable that I purchased the video.
Like Water For Chocolate is worth the time, the audio credit and or the cash.

Romantically-sad, absolutely beautiful!

Romantically-sad, absolutely beautiful. I have always recommended the movie but had never experience the book… Now, as soon as I get the chance, I will recommend it to my Book Club!

Magical Realism That Feels Like Non-Fiction

If you are from the borderlands or have spent an time here, you will be nodding your head with familiarity from the first chapter. Wicked, fun, sad, and thought provoking. Be sure to see the movie as well.

Nice Story, Reading a little monotonous

such a successful book, but the audio book reader's monotonous.

plus it's a book whose characters are from mexico, so I feel the narrator should at least have a hint of Mexican accent, but no, nada.

A taste of the exotic

What a great book in its way of taking us to another world - the world of Mexico and a small farm there. There is that otherworldliness about the way the food changes with the attitude. The recipes sound delicious and they mix into the books events in such a unique way. This book is great not only for the content, but for the way the story was told.

Life is a point of view

The book is a mixture of fable and history. History in the sense of how life might have been in that time period. The material doesn't pull the punches on sexuality, envy, lust, romance, and love. The reader has a great voice, and sometimes that's half the battle. I recommend it, it's a "ok" / "good" book.