Like Water for Chocolate

De: Laura Esquivel

Narrado por: 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.©1989 Laura Esquivel; (P)1994 Books on Tape, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“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.

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.

LOVED IT!!!!

I remember seeing this movie when I was younger and I loved it, the book is just wonderful, I loved the narrator, now what I'm about to say is not bad but I have bad insomnia and her voice often put me to sleep so that made me like it even more she didn't sound boring just comforting.

Fantastic story!

I didn’t expect for it to be so beautifully and tastefully STEAMY!! I loved the imaginative story and the recipes, while not particularly useful, fit right in! Loved it.

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.