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

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

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.

Surprising! I loved it start to finish

Beautiful blend of a love story, family traditions tied together through recipes, and just enough fantasy elements to surprise and delight :-)
Narration was good, but production quality was lacking.

Very riveting take on Mexican gender roles.

I loved it. So many systems surrounding the family. The character develop was amazing.

A pretty good story overall

I enjoyed this book, and while it is not a personal favorite, I would still recommend it to a friend. The book is filled with folklore, surreal imagery, and sensuality- not just sexual (though that is present), but in the way one experiences the world through their senses- taste, sight, smell, touch, etc.

Good mix of humor and romance!

What made the experience of listening to Like Water for Chocolate the most enjoyable?

So much of the story seems like "real life" with random bursts of funny, totally off the wall moments.

Have you listened to any of Kate Reading’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no- she does a great job portraying the different characters

Who was the most memorable character of Like Water for Chocolate and why?

Gertrudis and Rosaura- the sisters

Any additional comments?

I want to cook so much of the food in this book!

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.

One of My All Time Favs

This is a beautiful story combining magical realism, cooking and Latinas. The narration was good but I felt it needed a younger voice.

Book Club Choice

I read the book for a book club. Otherwise I would not have read it.