Like Water for Chocolate: A Novel in Monthly Installments with Recipes, Romances, and Home Remedies

This is a well written and unique book. I love the recipes and home remedies. I was so thoroughly entertained and engaged while I read this book that I read it in less than a day's time. Although I can read in both Spanish and English, I am more comfortable reading in English so I read the English translation of this book. However, my only qualification to this positive review is that the original (in Spanish) might be better to read because some details have probably been lost in translation.

Although it is not a literary masterpiece it is so different to anything else I ever read, that it holds a special place in my heart. The story is bold, in terms that it focuses on recipes to narrate a passionate love story, which could become bland... but it doesn't. It doesn't because we fall in love with the heroine and want the just to win!!!!

It gives a deep look at the Mexican flavors and the rich culture of the century. We can relate to Tita and her deepest desire to be loved sexually and as a human. Her mother, Mama Elena, is a cruel authoritarian with no respect for her daughter's feelings. With the help of ancient magic (although it isn't mentioned outright) Tita expresses her feelings through cooking and allows people to feel her feelings through eating her food.