Like water for chocolate, 01 Oct 2008
My favourite book! The passion and ever lasting love shared between Pedro and Tita truly is magical!!

Still a wonderful read, 04 Jan 2007
I'd first read `Like Water for Chocolate' about 10 years ago and had found it simply amazing. Then again, it had been the my first contact with a book so unique ... the first novel to talk about the "magical" power of food, a combination which is now much more common thanks to writers and books like Joanne Harris' wonderful `Chocolat', Lily Prior's `La Cucina', Anthony Capella's `Food of Love', and Isabel Allende's `Aphrodite' and many others. In fact many of my favourite books fall into what has now become a genre in its own right.

`Like Water for Chocolate' may have lost some of it's uniqueness over the years but much of its magic and power is still there - even for a reader that's become much more jaded over the years. Well worth a read.



This is a wonderful book, 25 Sep 2006
This book is a must for anyone interested in Hispanic literature. It combines a beautiful, troubled love story with hispanic symbolism and imagery to create a wonderful novel of forbidden love, hidden attraction and mexican traditions and recipes. Look out for the fabulously evil Mama Elena ('I warn you sir, I have very good aim, and a very bad temper'!), the delightfully rebellious Gertudis with her explosive sexual frustration and the incredibly lovely and understanding John. This novel contains a host of incredibly different supporting characters, who all revolve around the virtous Tita, and her emotionally expressive recipes. This book made me want to jump up, cook a mexican 'mole' and dance with revolutionaries. it's great. Buy it. Now.

Overrated, 16 Sep 2006
I don't know why everyone's got so worked up about this book. Hopefully it's just the translation, but the writing was bludgeoningly pedestrian. The plot was hugely derivative (you'll pretty much be able to write the thing yourself after reading the first chapter) and I was afraid to sneeze while reading it in case all the characters blew over. While we're on the subject, the basic premise put me off almost from the outset: would this guy really drop everything and marry the love of his life's sister based on about one disapproving sentence from her mother? And the author seemed to take a rather unsettling pleasure in punishing the poor people who happen to get in the protagonists' way. I have to admit that it wasn't wholly without merit; some of the magic realism was fun, but felt rather forced at times.

A magical fantasy, 07 Jul 2006
This book takes you somewhere quite magical. For any one who enjoys food this is a must. I read it about 15 years ago and again when I managed to get my own copy recently and it was as good the second time around as I remember it being.

Laura Esquivel's Swift As Desire is a novel-cum-tribute to her father Jubilo, "born happy and on holiday" in early 20th-century Mexico. Now on his deathbed and unable to speak, his daughter Lluvia, the story's narrator, tries to puzzle out what had driven her parents' marriage asunder, for "even though the lines were down, their love kept travelling as swift as their desire".

Jubilo seems to have had every virtue: as son, father and friend, his gifts of communication, generosity and warmth were legion. And if his characterisation as husband leans rather too heavily on adoringly possessive Latin who makes love like a divine demon--well, let's overlook the stereotyping. His passion for his wife Lucha and their two children, his dedication to his work as a telegraph operator and his general bon vivance made him a man for all worlds. And yet, and yet... a photograph found by chance leads Lluvia to the heart of the matter.

Esquivel's frequent, interspersed reflections and observations, intruding on the narrative flow, tilt towards the trite and obvious, and are often surprisingly clumsily expressed. But the award-winning author of the bestselling Like Water for Chocolate presents her characters with such affection and zest, and such bountiful sensuality, that the book's shortcomings can be overlooked. --Ruth Petrie

Like water for chocolate, 01 Oct 2008
My favourite book! The passion and ever lasting love shared between Pedro and Tita truly is magical!!

Still a wonderful read, 04 Jan 2007
I'd first read `Like Water for Chocolate' about 10 years ago and had found it simply amazing. Then again, it had been the my first contact with a book so unique ... the first novel to talk about the "magical" power of food, a combination which is now much more common thanks to writers and books like Joanne Harris' wonderful `Chocolat', Lily Prior's `La Cucina', Anthony Capella's `Food of Love', and Isabel Allende's `Aphrodite' and many others. In fact many of my favourite books fall into what has now become a genre in its own right.

`Like Water for Chocolate' may have lost some of it's uniqueness over the years but much of its magic and power is still there - even for a reader that's become much more jaded over the years. Well worth a read.



This is a wonderful book, 25 Sep 2006
This book is a must for anyone interested in Hispanic literature. It combines a beautiful, troubled love story with hispanic symbolism and imagery to create a wonderful novel of forbidden love, hidden attraction and mexican traditions and recipes. Look out for the fabulously evil Mama Elena ('I warn you sir, I have very good aim, and a very bad temper'!), the delightfully rebellious Gertudis with her explosive sexual frustration and the incredibly lovely and understanding John. This novel contains a host of incredibly different supporting characters, who all revolve around the virtous Tita, and her emotionally expressive recipes. This book made me want to jump up, cook a mexican 'mole' and dance with revolutionaries. it's great. Buy it. Now.

Overrated, 16 Sep 2006
I don't know why everyone's got so worked up about this book. Hopefully it's just the translation, but the writing was bludgeoningly pedestrian. The plot was hugely derivative (you'll pretty much be able to write the thing yourself after reading the first chapter) and I was afraid to sneeze while reading it in case all the characters blew over. While we're on the subject, the basic premise put me off almost from the outset: would this guy really drop everything and marry the love of his life's sister based on about one disapproving sentence from her mother? And the author seemed to take a rather unsettling pleasure in punishing the poor people who happen to get in the protagonists' way. I have to admit that it wasn't wholly without merit; some of the magic realism was fun, but felt rather forced at times.

A magical fantasy, 07 Jul 2006
This book takes you somewhere quite magical. For any one who enjoys food this is a must. I read it about 15 years ago and again when I managed to get my own copy recently and it was as good the second time around as I remember it being.

Simple and Powerful, 04 Jan 2007
Having reread `Like Water for Chocolate' after approximately 10 years, I got curious as to what else Laura Esquivel had written and came up with this. WOW!
This is very different to `Like Water for Chocolate', and although this story is much simpler (essentially a love story about the lives of an ordinary couple) it is just as powerful and touching - if not more so.
Definitely recommended.


I don't usually review books..., 13 Jan 2006
...but having read the rather negative review I felt compelled to. This is a wonderful story beautifully written. It is rather short, which makes it perfect for reading over and over again, which I do particularly when I am thoughtfully mulling over the complications of my own love life specifically, or when considering the absurd ways we as human beings conduct ourselves in relationship more generally! For me this book is an old friend.

disappointing after "Like water for Chocolate", 23 Jan 2004
I bought this because I enjoyed the mystical romance Like Water for Chocolate, but this didn't quite hit the same spot. It is a fairly short novel and as such I felt it was a little lightweight. Not a terrible book, but not very satisfying either.

Romance on the philosophical side., 20 Sep 2003
I read this book in only 3 short sessions and was so drawn in by the charachters and how "LOVE" was portrayed. That was 5 months ago and I haven't stopped recommending this book yet!

The storey follows the life of Don Jublio, who has the gift of commumication. From words, he could hear true message behind it all and so would often dabble in the lives of others as a diplomat on matters of love, bringing people back together.
As he lies on his death bed we learn how his loving relationship with his wife was destroyed and how his daughter tries to reconcile them both before it is too late.

I often read paragraphs 2 or 3 times, to think about the meaning of what was written or to enjoy the poeticness of the words. Here is one example.
'Love is a verb. One demonstrates one's love through one's actions. And a person can only feel loved when someone else shows their love with kisses, hugs, caresses and gifts. A lover will always promote the physical and emotional well-being of the person he loves.'
Esquivel continues with examples of the above.
'So we see that the verb to love can be conjugated in two ways. By hugging and kissing, or by supplying material goods'

It's a great read, which stirs up a wide range of emotions inside you.

Pure Escapism, 18 Dec 2002
This book is fantastic. It takes you on a journey through the life of Lluvia's father, Jubilo.The reader can absorb every emotion and feeling conveyed in the book. From its magical themes to its hard reality, it truly is an outstanding book, written by a extremely talented author. Magical realism at its best.

Like water for chocolate, 01 Oct 2008
My favourite book! The passion and ever lasting love shared between Pedro and Tita truly is magical!!

Still a wonderful read, 04 Jan 2007
I'd first read `Like Water for Chocolate' about 10 years ago and had found it simply amazing. Then again, it had been the my first contact with a book so unique ... the first novel to talk about the "magical" power of food, a combination which is now much more common thanks to writers and books like Joanne Harris' wonderful `Chocolat', Lily Prior's `La Cucina', Anthony Capella's `Food of Love', and Isabel Allende's `Aphrodite' and many others. In fact many of my favourite books fall into what has now become a genre in its own right.

`Like Water for Chocolate' may have lost some of it's uniqueness over the years but much of its magic and power is still there - even for a reader that's become much more jaded over the years. Well worth a read.



This is a wonderful book, 25 Sep 2006
This book is a must for anyone interested in Hispanic literature. It combines a beautiful, troubled love story with hispanic symbolism and imagery to create a wonderful novel of forbidden love, hidden attraction and mexican traditions and recipes. Look out for the fabulously evil Mama Elena ('I warn you sir, I have very good aim, and a very bad temper'!), the delightfully rebellious Gertudis with her explosive sexual frustration and the incredibly lovely and understanding John. This novel contains a host of incredibly different supporting characters, who all revolve around the virtous Tita, and her emotionally expressive recipes. This book made me want to jump up, cook a mexican 'mole' and dance with revolutionaries. it's great. Buy it. Now.

Overrated, 16 Sep 2006
I don't know why everyone's got so worked up about this book. Hopefully it's just the translation, but the writing was bludgeoningly pedestrian. The plot was hugely derivative (you'll pretty much be able to write the thing yourself after reading the first chapter) and I was afraid to sneeze while reading it in case all the characters blew over. While we're on the subject, the basic premise put me off almost from the outset: would this guy really drop everything and marry the love of his life's sister based on about one disapproving sentence from her mother? And the author seemed to take a rather unsettling pleasure in punishing the poor people who happen to get in the protagonists' way. I have to admit that it wasn't wholly without merit; some of the magic realism was fun, but felt rather forced at times.

A magical fantasy, 07 Jul 2006
This book takes you somewhere quite magical. For any one who enjoys food this is a must. I read it about 15 years ago and again when I managed to get my own copy recently and it was as good the second time around as I remember it being.

Simple and Powerful, 04 Jan 2007
Having reread `Like Water for Chocolate' after approximately 10 years, I got curious as to what else Laura Esquivel had written and came up with this. WOW!
This is very different to `Like Water for Chocolate', and although this story is much simpler (essentially a love story about the lives of an ordinary couple) it is just as powerful and touching - if not more so.
Definitely recommended.


I don't usually review books..., 13 Jan 2006
...but having read the rather negative review I felt compelled to. This is a wonderful story beautifully written. It is rather short, which makes it perfect for reading over and over again, which I do particularly when I am thoughtfully mulling over the complications of my own love life specifically, or when considering the absurd ways we as human beings conduct ourselves in relationship more generally! For me this book is an old friend.

disappointing after "Like water for Chocolate", 23 Jan 2004
I bought this because I enjoyed the mystical romance Like Water for Chocolate, but this didn't quite hit the same spot. It is a fairly short novel and as such I felt it was a little lightweight. Not a terrible book, but not very satisfying either.

Romance on the philosophical side., 20 Sep 2003
I read this book in only 3 short sessions and was so drawn in by the charachters and how "LOVE" was portrayed. That was 5 months ago and I haven't stopped recommending this book yet!

The storey follows the life of Don Jublio, who has the gift of commumication. From words, he could hear true message behind it all and so would often dabble in the lives of others as a diplomat on matters of love, bringing people back together.
As he lies on his death bed we learn how his loving relationship with his wife was destroyed and how his daughter tries to reconcile them both before it is too late.

I often read paragraphs 2 or 3 times, to think about the meaning of what was written or to enjoy the poeticness of the words. Here is one example.
'Love is a verb. One demonstrates one's love through one's actions. And a person can only feel loved when someone else shows their love with kisses, hugs, caresses and gifts. A lover will always promote the physical and emotional well-being of the person he loves.'
Esquivel continues with examples of the above.
'So we see that the verb to love can be conjugated in two ways. By hugging and kissing, or by supplying material goods'

It's a great read, which stirs up a wide range of emotions inside you.

Pure Escapism, 18 Dec 2002
This book is fantastic. It takes you on a journey through the life of Lluvia's father, Jubilo.The reader can absorb every emotion and feeling conveyed in the book. From its magical themes to its hard reality, it truly is an outstanding book, written by a extremely talented author. Magical realism at its best.

Worst book ever, 24 Jul 2007
I am sorry to say that this book is one of the worst I have ever read. It's an appalling story between Malinalli and Cortes, (apart from giving good explanation and description of what the spanish did on mexican land and how they sacked everything that was of value to them) the story itself it's abismal. I paided £15.99 from this book and I am sorry to say it wasn't worth it.

Like water for chocolate, 01 Oct 2008
My favourite book! The passion and ever lasting love shared between Pedro and Tita truly is magical!!

Still a wonderful read, 04 Jan 2007
I'd first read `Like Water for Chocolate' about 10 years ago and had found it simply amazing. Then again, it had been the my first contact with a book so unique ... the first novel to talk about the "magical" power of food, a combination which is now much more common thanks to writers and books like Joanne Harris' wonderful `Chocolat', Lily Prior's `La Cucina', Anthony Capella's `Food of Love', and Isabel Allende's `Aphrodite' and many others. In fact many of my favourite books fall into what has now become a genre in its own right.

`Like Water for Chocolate' may have lost some of it's uniqueness over the years but much of its magic and power is still there - even for a reader that's become much more jaded over the years. Well worth a read.



This is a wonderful book, 25 Sep 2006
This book is a must for anyone interested in Hispanic literature. It combines a beautiful, troubled love story with hispanic symbolism and imagery to create a wonderful novel of forbidden love, hidden attraction and mexican traditions and recipes. Look out for the fabulously evil Mama Elena ('I warn you sir, I have very good aim, and a very bad temper'!), the delightfully rebellious Gertudis with her explosive sexual frustration and the incredibly lovely and understanding John. This novel contains a host of incredibly different supporting characters, who all revolve around the virtous Tita, and her emotionally expressive recipes. This book made me want to jump up, cook a mexican 'mole' and dance with revolutionaries. it's great. Buy it. Now.

Overrated, 16 Sep 2006
I don't know why everyone's got so worked up about this book. Hopefully it's just the translation, but the writing was bludgeoningly pedestrian. The plot was hugely derivative (you'll pretty much be able to write the thing yourself after reading the first chapter) and I was afraid to sneeze while reading it in case all the characters blew over. While we're on the subject, the basic premise put me off almost from the outset: would this guy really drop everything and marry the love of his life's sister based on about one disapproving sentence from her mother? And the author seemed to take a rather unsettling pleasure in punishing the poor people who happen to get in the protagonists' way. I have to admit that it wasn't wholly without merit; some of the magic realism was fun, but felt rather forced at times.

A magical fantasy, 07 Jul 2006
This book takes you somewhere quite magical. For any one who enjoys food this is a must. I read it about 15 years ago and again when I managed to get my own copy recently and it was as good the second time around as I remember it being.

Simple and Powerful, 04 Jan 2007
Having reread `Like Water for Chocolate' after approximately 10 years, I got curious as to what else Laura Esquivel had written and came up with this. WOW!
This is very different to `Like Water for Chocolate', and although this story is much simpler (essentially a love story about the lives of an ordinary couple) it is just as powerful and touching - if not more so.
Definitely recommended.


I don't usually review books..., 13 Jan 2006
...but having read the rather negative review I felt compelled to. This is a wonderful story beautifully written. It is rather short, which makes it perfect for reading over and over again, which I do particularly when I am thoughtfully mulling over the complications of my own love life specifically, or when considering the absurd ways we as human beings conduct ourselves in relationship more generally! For me this book is an old friend.

disappointing after "Like water for Chocolate", 23 Jan 2004
I bought this because I enjoyed the mystical romance Like Water for Chocolate, but this didn't quite hit the same spot. It is a fairly short novel and as such I felt it was a little lightweight. Not a terrible book, but not very satisfying either.

Romance on the philosophical side., 20 Sep 2003
I read this book in only 3 short sessions and was so drawn in by the charachters and how "LOVE" was portrayed. That was 5 months ago and I haven't stopped recommending this book yet!

The storey follows the life of Don Jublio, who has the gift of commumication. From words, he could hear true message behind it all and so would often dabble in the lives of others as a diplomat on matters of love, bringing people back together.
As he lies on his death bed we learn how his loving relationship with his wife was destroyed and how his daughter tries to reconcile them both before it is too late.

I often read paragraphs 2 or 3 times, to think about the meaning of what was written or to enjoy the poeticness of the words. Here is one example.
'Love is a verb. One demonstrates one's love through one's actions. And a person can only feel loved when someone else shows their love with kisses, hugs, caresses and gifts. A lover will always promote the physical and emotional well-being of the person he loves.'
Esquivel continues with examples of the above.
'So we see that the verb to love can be conjugated in two ways. By hugging and kissing, or by supplying material goods'

It's a great read, which stirs up a wide range of emotions inside you.

Pure Escapism, 18 Dec 2002
This book is fantastic. It takes you on a journey through the life of Lluvia's father, Jubilo.The reader can absorb every emotion and feeling conveyed in the book. From its magical themes to its hard reality, it truly is an outstanding book, written by a extremely talented author. Magical realism at its best.

Worst book ever, 24 Jul 2007
I am sorry to say that this book is one of the worst I have ever read. It's an appalling story between Malinalli and Cortes, (apart from giving good explanation and description of what the spanish did on mexican land and how they sacked everything that was of value to them) the story itself it's abismal. I paided £15.99 from this book and I am sorry to say it wasn't worth it.

I loved it... you must read it., 20 Jul 2008
I loved this book and couldn't put down, I had to follow the book by reading the rest of Esquivel's novels.

Like water for chocolate, 01 Oct 2008
My favourite book! The passion and ever lasting love shared between Pedro and Tita truly is magical!!

Still a wonderful read, 04 Jan 2007
I'd first read `Like Water for Chocolate' about 10 years ago and had found it simply amazing. Then again, it had been the my first contact with a book so unique ... the first novel to talk about the "magical" power of food, a combination which is now much more common thanks to writers and books like Joanne Harris' wonderful `Chocolat', Lily Prior's `La Cucina', Anthony Capella's `Food of Love', and Isabel Allende's `Aphrodite' and many others. In fact many of my favourite books fall into what has now become a genre in its own right.

`Like Water for Chocolate' may have lost some of it's uniqueness over the years but much of its magic and power is still there - even for a reader that's become much more jaded over the years. Well worth a read.



This is a wonderful book, 25 Sep 2006
This book is a must for anyone interested in Hispanic literature. It combines a beautiful, troubled love story with hispanic symbolism and imagery to create a wonderful novel of forbidden love, hidden attraction and mexican traditions and recipes. Look out for the fabulously evil Mama Elena ('I warn you sir, I have very good aim, and a very bad temper'!), the delightfully rebellious Gertudis with her explosive sexual frustration and the incredibly lovely and understanding John. This novel contains a host of incredibly different supporting characters, who all revolve around the virtous Tita, and her emotionally expressive recipes. This book made me want to jump up, cook a mexican 'mole' and dance with revolutionaries. it's great. Buy it. Now.

Overrated, 16 Sep 2006
I don't know why everyone's got so worked up about this book. Hopefully it's just the translation, but the writing was bludgeoningly pedestrian. The plot was hugely derivative (you'll pretty much be able to write the thing yourself after reading the first chapter) and I was afraid to sneeze while reading it in case all the characters blew over. While we're on the subject, the basic premise put me off almost from the outset: would this guy really drop everything and marry the love of his life's sister based on about one disapproving sentence from her mother? And the author seemed to take a rather unsettling pleasure in punishing the poor people who happen to get in the protagonists' way. I have to admit that it wasn't wholly without merit; some of the magic realism was fun, but felt rather forced at times.

A magical fantasy, 07 Jul 2006
This book takes you somewhere quite magical. For any one who enjoys food this is a must. I read it about 15 years ago and again when I managed to get my own copy recently and it was as good the second time around as I remember it being.

Simple and Powerful, 04 Jan 2007
Having reread `Like Water for Chocolate' after approximately 10 years, I got curious as to what else Laura Esquivel had written and came up with this. WOW!
This is very different to `Like Water for Chocolate', and although this story is much simpler (essentially a love story about the lives of an ordinary couple) it is just as powerful and touching - if not more so.
Definitely recommended.


I don't usually review books..., 13 Jan 2006
...but having read the rather negative review I felt compelled to. This is a wonderful story beautifully written. It is rather short, which makes it perfect for reading over and over again, which I do particularly when I am thoughtfully mulling over the complications of my own love life specifically, or when considering the absurd ways we as human beings conduct ourselves in relationship more generally! For me this book is an old friend.

disappointing after "Like water for Chocolate", 23 Jan 2004
I bought this because I enjoyed the mystical romance Like Water for Chocolate, but this didn't quite hit the same spot. It is a fairly short novel and as such I felt it was a little lightweight. Not a terrible book, but not very satisfying either.

Romance on the philosophical side., 20 Sep 2003
I read this book in only 3 short sessions and was so drawn in by the charachters and how "LOVE" was portrayed. That was 5 months ago and I haven't stopped recommending this book yet!

The storey follows the life of Don Jublio, who has the gift of commumication. From words, he could hear true message behind it all and so would often dabble in the lives of others as a diplomat on matters of love, bringing people back together.
As he lies on his death bed we learn how his loving relationship with his wife was destroyed and how his daughter tries to reconcile them both before it is too late.

I often read paragraphs 2 or 3 times, to think about the meaning of what was written or to enjoy the poeticness of the words. Here is one example.
'Love is a verb. One demonstrates one's love through one's actions. And a person can only feel loved when someone else shows their love with kisses, hugs, caresses and gifts. A lover will always promote the physical and emotional well-being of the person he loves.'
Esquivel continues with examples of the above.
'So we see that the verb to love can be conjugated in two ways. By hugging and kissing, or by supplying material goods'

It's a great read, which stirs up a wide range of emotions inside you.

Pure Escapism, 18 Dec 2002
This book is fantastic. It takes you on a journey through the life of Lluvia's father, Jubilo.The reader can absorb every emotion and feeling conveyed in the book. From its magical themes to its hard reality, it truly is an outstanding book, written by a extremely talented author. Magical realism at its best.

Worst book ever, 24 Jul 2007
I am sorry to say that this book is one of the worst I have ever read. It's an appalling story between Malinalli and Cortes, (apart from giving good explanation and description of what the spanish did on mexican land and how they sacked everything that was of value to them) the story itself it's abismal. I paided £15.99 from this book and I am sorry to say it wasn't worth it.

I loved it... you must read it., 20 Jul 2008
I loved this book and couldn't put down, I had to follow the book by reading the rest of Esquivel's novels.



Worst book ever, 24 Jul 2007
I am sorry to say that this book is one of the worst I have ever read. It's an appalling story between Malinalli and Cortes, (apart from giving good explanation and description of what the spanish did on mexican land and how they sacked everything that was of value to them) the story itself it's abismal. I paided £15.99 from this book and I am sorry to say it wasn't worth it.

Laura Esquivel's Swift As Desire is a novel-cum-tribute to her father Jubilo, "born happy and on holiday" in early 20th-century Mexico. Now on his deathbed and unable to speak, his daughter Lluvia, the story's narrator, tries to puzzle out what had driven her parents' marriage asunder, for "even though the lines were down, their love kept travelling as swift as their desire".

Jubilo seems to have had every virtue: as son, father and friend, his gifts of communication, generosity and warmth were legion. And if his characterisation as husband leans rather too heavily on adoringly possessive Latin who makes love like a divine demon--well, let's overlook the stereotyping. His passion for his wife Lucha and their two children, his dedication to his work as a telegraph operator and his general bon vivance made him a man for all worlds. And yet, and yet... a photograph found by chance leads Lluvia to the heart of the matter.

Esquivel's frequent, interspersed reflections and observations, intruding on the narrative flow, tilt towards the trite and obvious, and are often surprisingly clumsily expressed. But the award-winning author of the bestselling Like Water for Chocolate presents her characters with such affection and zest, and such bountiful sensuality, that the book's shortcomings can be overlooked. --Ruth Petrie

Like water for chocolate, 01 Oct 2008
My favourite book! The passion and ever lasting love shared between Pedro and Tita truly is magical!!

Still a wonderful read, 04 Jan 2007
I'd first read `Like Water for Chocolate' about 10 years ago and had found it simply amazing. Then again, it had been the my first contact with a book so unique ... the first novel to talk about the "magical" power of food, a combination which is now much more common thanks to writers and books like Joanne Harris' wonderful `Chocolat', Lily Prior's `La Cucina', Anthony Capella's `Food of Love', and Isabel Allende's `Aphrodite' and many others. In fact many of my favourite books fall into what has now become a genre in its own right.

`Like Water for Chocolate' may have lost some of it's uniqueness over the years but much of its magic and power is still there - even for a reader that's become much more jaded over the years. Well worth a read.



This is a wonderful book, 25 Sep 2006
This book is a must for anyone interested in Hispanic literature. It combines a beautiful, troubled love story with hispanic symbolism and imagery to create a wonderful novel of forbidden love, hidden attraction and mexican traditions and recipes. Look out for the fabulously evil Mama Elena ('I warn you sir, I have very good aim, and a very bad temper'!), the delightfully rebellious Gertudis with her explosive sexual frustration and the incredibly lovely and understanding John. This novel contains a host of incredibly different supporting characters, who all revolve around the virtous Tita, and her emotionally expressive recipes. This book made me want to jump up, cook a mexican 'mole' and dance with revolutionaries. it's great. Buy it. Now.

Overrated, 16 Sep 2006
I don't know why everyone's got so worked up about this book. Hopefully it's just the translation, but the writing was bludgeoningly pedestrian. The plot was hugely derivative (you'll pretty much be able to write the thing yourself after reading the first chapter) and I was afraid to sneeze while reading it in case all the characters blew over. While we're on the subject, the basic premise put me off almost from the outset: would this guy really drop everything and marry the love of his life's sister based on about one disapproving sentence from her mother? And the author seemed to take a rather unsettling pleasure in punishing the poor people who happen to get in the protagonists' way. I have to admit that it wasn't wholly without merit; some of the magic realism was fun, but felt rather forced at times.

A magical fantasy, 07 Jul 2006
This book takes you somewhere quite magical. For any one who enjoys food this is a must. I read it about 15 years ago and again when I managed to get my own copy recently and it was as good the second time around as I remember it being.

Simple and Powerful, 04 Jan 2007
Having reread `Like Water for Chocolate' after approximately 10 years, I got curious as to what else Laura Esquivel had written and came up with this. WOW!
This is very different to `Like Water for Chocolate', and although this story is much simpler (essentially a love story about the lives of an ordinary couple) it is just as powerful and touching - if not more so.
Definitely recommended.


I don't usually review books..., 13 Jan 2006
...but having read the rather negative review I felt compelled to. This is a wonderful story beautifully written. It is rather short, which makes it perfect for reading over and over again, which I do particularly when I am thoughtfully mulling over the complications of my own love life specifically, or when considering the absurd ways we as human beings conduct ourselves in relationship more generally! For me this book is an old friend.

disappointing after "Like water for Chocolate", 23 Jan 2004
I bought this because I enjoyed the mystical romance Like Water for Chocolate, but this didn't quite hit the same spot. It is a fairly short novel and as such I felt it was a little lightweight. Not a terrible book, but not very satisfying either.

Romance on the philosophical side., 20 Sep 2003
I read this book in only 3 short sessions and was so drawn in by the charachters and how "LOVE" was portrayed. That was 5 months ago and I haven't stopped recommending this book yet!

The storey follows the life of Don Jublio, who has the gift of commumication. From words, he could hear true message behind it all and so would often dabble in the lives of others as a diplomat on matters of love, bringing people back together.
As he lies on his death bed we learn how his loving relationship with his wife was destroyed and how his daughter tries to reconcile them both before it is too late.

I often read paragraphs 2 or 3 times, to think about the meaning of what was written or to enjoy the poeticness of the words. Here is one example.
'Love is a verb. One demonstrates one's love through one's actions. And a person can only feel loved when someone else shows their love with kisses, hugs, caresses and gifts. A lover will always promote the physical and emotional well-being of the person he loves.'
Esquivel continues with examples of the above.
'So we see that the verb to love can be conjugated in two ways. By hugging and kissing, or by supplying material goods'

It's a great read, which stirs up a wide range of emotions inside you.

Pure Escapism, 18 Dec 2002
This book is fantastic. It takes you on a journey through the life of Lluvia's father, Jubilo.The reader can absorb every emotion and feeling conveyed in the book. From its magical themes to its hard reality, it truly is an outstanding book, written by a extremely talented author. Magical realism at its best.

Worst book ever, 24 Jul 2007
I am sorry to say that this book is one of the worst I have ever read. It's an appalling story between Malinalli and Cortes, (apart from giving good explanation and description of what the spanish did on mexican land and how they sacked everything that was of value to them) the story itself it's abismal. I paided £15.99 from this book and I am sorry to say it wasn't worth it.

I loved it... you must read it., 20 Jul 2008
I loved this book and couldn't put down, I had to follow the book by reading the rest of Esquivel's novels.



Worst book ever, 24 Jul 2007
I am sorry to say that this book is one of the worst I have ever read. It's an appalling story between Malinalli and Cortes, (apart from giving good explanation and description of what the spanish did on mexican land and how they sacked everything that was of value to them) the story itself it's abismal. I paided £15.99 from this book and I am sorry to say it wasn't worth it.

Simple and Powerful, 04 Jan 2007
Having reread `Like Water for Chocolate' after approximately 10 years, I got curious as to what else Laura Esquivel had written and came up with this. WOW!
This is very different to `Like Water for Chocolate', and although this story is much simpler (essentially a love story about the lives of an ordinary couple) it is just as powerful and touching - if not more so.
Definitely recommended.


I don't usually review books..., 13 Jan 2006
...but having read the rather negative review I felt compelled to. This is a wonderful story beautifully written. It is rather short, which makes it perfect for reading over and over again, which I do particularly when I am thoughtfully mulling over the complications of my own love life specifically, or when considering the absurd ways we as human beings conduct ourselves in relationship more generally! For me this book is an old friend.

disappointing after "Like water for Chocolate", 23 Jan 2004
I bought this because I enjoyed the mystical romance Like Water for Chocolate, but this didn't quite hit the same spot. It is a fairly short novel and as such I felt it was a little lightweight. Not a terrible book, but not very satisfying either.

Romance on the philosophical side., 20 Sep 2003
I read this book in only 3 short sessions and was so drawn in by the charachters and how "LOVE" was portrayed. That was 5 months ago and I haven't stopped recommending this book yet!

The storey follows the life of Don Jublio, who has the gift of commumication. From words, he could hear true message behind it all and so would often dabble in the lives of others as a diplomat on matters of love, bringing people back together.
As he lies on his death bed we learn how his loving relationship with his wife was destroyed and how his daughter tries to reconcile them both before it is too late.

I often read paragraphs 2 or 3 times, to think about the meaning of what was written or to enjoy the poeticness of the words. Here is one example.
'Love is a verb. One demonstrates one's love through one's actions. And a person can only feel loved when someone else shows their love with kisses, hugs, caresses and gifts. A lover will always promote the physical and emotional well-being of the person he loves.'
Esquivel continues with examples of the above.
'So we see that the verb to love can be conjugated in two ways. By hugging and kissing, or by supplying material goods'

It's a great read, which stirs up a wide range of emotions inside you.

Pure Escapism, 18 Dec 2002
This book is fantastic. It takes you on a journey through the life of Lluvia's father, Jubilo.The reader can absorb every emotion and feeling conveyed in the book. From its magical themes to its hard reality, it truly is an outstanding book, written by a extremely talented author. Magical realism at its best.

Laura Esquivel's Swift As Desire is a novel-cum-tribute to her father Jubilo, "born happy and on holiday" in early 20th-century Mexico. Now on his deathbed and unable to speak, his daughter Lluvia, the story's narrator, tries to puzzle out what had driven her parents' marriage asunder, for "even though the lines were down, their love kept travelling as swift as their desire".

Jubilo seems to have had every virtue: as son, father and friend, his gifts of communication, generosity and warmth were legion. And if his characterisation as husband leans rather too heavily on adoringly possessive Latin who makes love like a divine demon--well, let's overlook the stereotyping. His passion for his wife Lucha and their two children, his dedication to his work as a telegraph operator and his general bon vivance made him a man for all worlds. And yet, and yet... a photograph found by chance leads Lluvia to the heart of the matter.

Esquivel's frequent, interspersed reflections and observations, intruding on the narrative flow, tilt towards the trite and obvious, and are often surprisingly clumsily expressed. But the award-winning author of the bestselling Like Water for Chocolate presents her characters with such affection and zest, and such bountiful sensuality, that the book's shortcomings can be overlooked. --Ruth Petrie

Like water for chocolate, 01 Oct 2008
My favourite book! The passion and ever lasting love shared between Pedro and Tita truly is magical!!

Still a wonderful read, 04 Jan 2007
I'd first read `Like Water for Chocolate' about 10 years ago and had found it simply amazing. Then again, it had been the my first contact with a book so unique ... the first novel to talk about the "magical" power of food, a combination which is now much more common thanks to writers and books like Joanne Harris' wonderful `Chocolat', Lily Prior's `La Cucina', Anthony Capella's `Food of Love', and Isabel Allende's `Aphrodite' and many others. In fact many of my favourite books fall into what has now become a genre in its own right.

`Like Water for Chocolate' may have lost some of it's uniqueness over the years but much of its magic and power is still there - even for a reader that's become much more jaded over the years. Well worth a read.



This is a wonderful book, 25 Sep 2006
This book is a must for anyone interested in Hispanic literature. It combines a beautiful, troubled love story with hispanic symbolism and imagery to create a wonderful novel of forbidden love, hidden attraction and mexican traditions and recipes. Look out for the fabulously evil Mama Elena ('I warn you sir, I have very good aim, and a very bad temper'!), the delightfully rebellious Gertudis with her explosive sexual frustration and the incredibly lovely and understanding John. This novel contains a host of incredibly different supporting characters, who all revolve around the virtous Tita, and her emotionally expressive recipes. This book made me want to jump up, cook a mexican 'mole' and dance with revolutionaries. it's great. Buy it. Now.

Overrated, 16 Sep 2006
I don't know why everyone's got so worked up about this book. Hopefully it's just the translation, but the writing was bludgeoningly pedestrian. The plot was hugely derivative (you'll pretty much be able to write the thing yourself after reading the first chapter) and I was afraid to sneeze while reading it in case all the characters blew over. While we're on the subject, the basic premise put me off almost from the outset: would this guy really drop everything and marry the love of his life's sister based on about one disapproving sentence from her mother? And the author seemed to take a rather unsettling pleasure in punishing the poor people who happen to get in the protagonists' way. I have to admit that it wasn't wholly without merit; some of the magic realism was fun, but felt rather forced at times.

A magical fantasy, 07 Jul 2006
This book takes you somewhere quite magical. For any one who enjoys food this is a must. I read it about 15 years ago and again when I managed to get my own copy recently and it was as good the second time around as I remember it being.

Simple and Powerful, 04 Jan 2007
Having reread `Like Water for Chocolate' after approximately 10 years, I got curious as to what else Laura Esquivel had written and came up with this. WOW!
This is very different to `Like Water for Chocolate', and although this story is much simpler (essentially a love story about the lives of an ordinary couple) it is just as powerful and touching - if not more so.
Definitely recommended.


I don't usually review books..., 13 Jan 2006
...but having read the rather negative review I felt compelled to. This is a wonderful story beautifully written. It is rather short, which makes it perfect for reading over and over again, which I do particularly when I am thoughtfully mulling over the complications of my own love life specifically, or when considering the absurd ways we as human beings conduct ourselves in relationship more generally! For me this book is an old friend.

disappointing after "Like water for Chocolate", 23 Jan 2004
I bought this because I enjoyed the mystical romance Like Water for Chocolate, but this didn't quite hit the same spot. It is a fairly short novel and as such I felt it was a little lightweight. Not a terrible book, but not very satisfying either.

Romance on the philosophical side., 20 Sep 2003
I read this book in only 3 short sessions and was so drawn in by the charachters and how "LOVE" was portrayed. That was 5 months ago and I haven't stopped recommending this book yet!

The storey follows the life of Don Jublio, who has the gift of commumication. From words, he could hear true message behind it all and so would often dabble in the lives of others as a diplomat on matters of love, bringing people back together.
As he lies on his death bed we learn how his loving relationship with his wife was destroyed and how his daughter tries to reconcile them both before it is too late.

I often read paragraphs 2 or 3 times, to think about the meaning of what was written or to enjoy the poeticness of the words. Here is one example.
'Love is a verb. One demonstrates one's love through one's actions. And a person can only feel loved when someone else shows their love with kisses, hugs, caresses and gifts. A lover will always promote the physical and emotional well-being of the person he loves.'
Esquivel continues with examples of the above.
'So we see that the verb to love can be conjugated in two ways. By hugging and kissing, or by supplying material goods'

It's a great read, which stirs up a wide range of emotions inside you.

Pure Escapism, 18 Dec 2002
This book is fantastic. It takes you on a journey through the life of Lluvia's father, Jubilo.The reader can absorb every emotion and feeling conveyed in the book. From its magical themes to its hard reality, it truly is an outstanding book, written by a extremely talented author. Magical realism at its best.

Worst book ever, 24 Jul 2007
I am sorry to say that this book is one of the worst I have ever read. It's an appalling story between Malinalli and Cortes, (apart from giving good explanation and description of what the spanish did on mexican land and how they sacked everything that was of value to them) the story itself it's abismal. I paided £15.99 from this book and I am sorry to say it wasn't worth it.

I loved it... you must read it., 20 Jul 2008
I loved this book and couldn't put down, I had to follow the book by reading the rest of Esquivel's novels.



Worst book ever, 24 Jul 2007
I am sorry to say that this book is one of the worst I have ever read. It's an appalling story between Malinalli and Cortes, (apart from giving good explanation and description of what the spanish did on mexican land and how they sacked everything that was of value to them) the story itself it's abismal. I paided £15.99 from this book and I am sorry to say it wasn't worth it.

Simple and Powerful, 04 Jan 2007
Having reread `Like Water for Chocolate' after approximately 10 years, I got curious as to what else Laura Esquivel had written and came up with this. WOW!
This is very different to `Like Water for Chocolate', and although this story is much simpler (essentially a love story about the lives of an ordinary couple) it is just as powerful and touching - if not more so.
Definitely recommended.


I don't usually review books..., 13 Jan 2006
...but having read the rather negative review I felt compelled to. This is a wonderful story beautifully written. It is rather short, which makes it perfect for reading over and over again, which I do particularly when I am thoughtfully mulling over the complications of my own love life specifically, or when considering the absurd ways we as human beings conduct ourselves in relationship more generally! For me this book is an old friend.

disappointing after "Like water for Chocolate", 23 Jan 2004
I bought this because I enjoyed the mystical romance Like Water for Chocolate, but this didn't quite hit the same spot. It is a fairly short novel and as such I felt it was a little lightweight. Not a terrible book, but not very satisfying either.

Romance on the philosophical side., 20 Sep 2003
I read this book in only 3 short sessions and was so drawn in by the charachters and how "LOVE" was portrayed. That was 5 months ago and I haven't stopped recommending this book yet!

The storey follows the life of Don Jublio, who has the gift of commumication. From words, he could hear true message behind it all and so would often dabble in the lives of others as a diplomat on matters of love, bringing people back together.
As he lies on his death bed we learn how his loving relationship with his wife was destroyed and how his daughter tries to reconcile them both before it is too late.

I often read paragraphs 2 or 3 times, to think about the meaning of what was written or to enjoy the poeticness of the words. Here is one example.
'Love is a verb. One demonstrates one's love through one's actions. And a person can only feel loved when someone else shows their love with kisses, hugs, caresses and gifts. A lover will always promote the physical and emotional well-being of the person he loves.'
Esquivel continues with examples of the above.
'So we see that the verb to love can be conjugated in two ways. By hugging and kissing, or by supplying material goods'

It's a great read, which stirs up a wide range of emotions inside you.

Pure Escapism, 18 Dec 2002
This book is fantastic. It takes you on a journey through the life of Lluvia's father, Jubilo.The reader can absorb every emotion and feeling conveyed in the book. From its magical themes to its hard reality, it truly is an outstanding book, written by a extremely talented author. Magical realism at its best.

Simple and Powerful, 04 Jan 2007
Having reread `Like Water for Chocolate' after approximately 10 years, I got curious as to what else Laura Esquivel had written and came up with this. WOW!
This is very different to `Like Water for Chocolate', and although this story is much simpler (essentially a love story about the lives of an ordinary couple) it is just as powerful and touching - if not more so.
Definitely recommended.


I don't usually review books..., 13 Jan 2006
...but having read the rather negative review I felt compelled to. This is a wonderful story beautifully written. It is rather short, which makes it perfect for reading over and over again, which I do particularly when I am thoughtfully mulling over the complications of my own love life specifically, or when considering the absurd ways we as human beings conduct ourselves in relationship more generally! For me this book is an old friend.

disappointing after "Like water for Chocolate", 23 Jan 2004
I bought this because I enjoyed the mystical romance Like Water for Chocolate, but this didn't quite hit the same spot. It is a fairly short novel and as such I felt it was a little lightweight. Not a terrible book, but not very satisfying either.

Romance on the philosophical side., 20 Sep 2003
I read this book in only 3 short sessions and was so drawn in by the charachters and how "LOVE" was portrayed. That was 5 months ago and I haven't stopped recommending this book yet!

The storey follows the life of Don Jublio, who has the gift of commumication. From words, he could hear true message behind it all and so would often dabble in the lives of others as a diplomat on matters of love, bringing people back together.
As he lies on his death bed we learn how his loving relationship with his wife was destroyed and how his daughter tries to reconcile them both before it is too late.

I often read paragraphs 2 or 3 times, to think about the meaning of what was written or to enjoy the poeticness of the words. Here is one example.
'Love is a verb. One demonstrates one's love through one's actions. And a person can only feel loved when someone else shows their love with kisses, hugs, caresses and gifts. A lover will always promote the physical and emotional well-being of the person he loves.'
Esquivel continues with examples of the above.
'So we see that the verb to love can be conjugated in two ways. By hugging and kissing, or by supplying material goods'

It's a great read, which stirs up a wide range of emotions inside you.

Pure Escapism, 18 Dec 2002
This book is fantastic. It takes you on a journey through the life of Lluvia's father, Jubilo.The reader can absorb every emotion and feeling conveyed in the book. From its magical themes to its hard reality, it truly is an outstanding book, written by a extremely talented author. Magical realism at its best.

Laura Esquivel's Swift As Desire is a novel-cum-tribute to her father Jubilo, "born happy and on holiday" in early 20th-century Mexico. Now on his deathbed and unable to speak, his daughter Lluvia, the story's narrator, tries to puzzle out what had driven her parents' marriage asunder, for "even though the lines were down, their love kept travelling as swift as their desire".

Jubilo seems to have had every virtue: as son, father and friend, his gifts of communication, generosity and warmth were legion. And if his characterisation as husband leans rather too heavily on adoringly possessive Latin who makes love like a divine demon--well, let's overlook the stereotyping. His passion for his wife Lucha and their two children, his dedication to his work as a telegraph operator and his general bon vivance made him a man for all worlds. And yet, and yet... a photograph found by chance leads Lluvia to the heart of the matter.

Esquivel's frequent, interspersed reflections and observations, intruding on the narrative flow, tilt towards the trite and obvious, and are often surprisingly clumsily expressed. But the award-winning author of the bestselling Like Water for Chocolate presents her characters with such affection and zest, and such bountiful sensuality, that the book's shortcomings can be overlooked. --Ruth Petrie

Like water for chocolate, 01 Oct 2008
My favourite book! The passion and ever lasting love shared between Pedro and Tita truly is magical!!

Still a wonderful read, 04 Jan 2007
I'd first read `Like Water for Chocolate' about 10 years ago and had found it simply amazing. Then again, it had been the my first contact with a book so unique ... the first novel to talk about the "magical" power of food, a combination which is now much more common thanks to writers and books like Joanne Harris' wonderful `Chocolat', Lily Prior's `La Cucina', Anthony Capella's `Food of Love', and Isabel Allende's `Aphrodite' and many others. In fact many of my favourite books fall into what has now become a genre in its own right.

`Like Water for Chocolate' may have lost some of it's uniqueness over the years but much of its magic and power is still there - even for a reader that's become much more jaded over the years. Well worth a read.



This is a wonderful book, 25 Sep 2006
This book is a must for anyone interested in Hispanic literature. It combines a beautiful, troubled love story with hispanic symbolism and imagery to create a wonderful novel of forbidden love, hidden attraction and mexican traditions and recipes. Look out for the fabulously evil Mama Elena ('I warn you sir, I have very good aim, and a very bad temper'!), the delightfully rebellious Gertudis with her explosive sexual frustration and the incredibly lovely and understanding John. This novel contains a host of incredibly different supporting characters, who all revolve around the virtous Tita, and her emotionally expressive recipes. This book made me want to jump up, cook a mexican 'mole' and dance with revolutionaries. it's great. Buy it. Now.

Overrated, 16 Sep 2006
I don't know why everyone's got so worked up about this book. Hopefully it's just the translation, but the writing was bludgeoningly pedestrian. The plot was hugely derivative (you'll pretty much be able to write the thing yourself after reading the first chapter) and I was afraid to sneeze while reading it in case all the characters blew over. While we're on the subject, the basic premise put me off almost from the outset: would this guy really drop everything and marry the love of his life's sister based on about one disapproving sentence from her mother? And the author seemed to take a rather unsettling pleasure in punishing the poor people who happen to get in the protagonists' way. I have to admit that it wasn't wholly without merit; some of the magic realism was fun, but felt rather forced at times.

A magical fantasy, 07 Jul 2006
This book takes you somewhere quite magical. For any one who enjoys food this is a must. I read it about 15 years ago and again when I managed to get my own copy recently and it was as good the second time around as I remember it being.

Simple and Powerful, 04 Jan 2007
Having reread `Like Water for Chocolate' after approximately 10 years, I got curious as to what else Laura Esquivel had written and came up with this. WOW!
This is very different to `Like Water for Chocolate', and although this story is much simpler (essentially a love story about the lives of an ordinary couple) it is just as powerful and touching - if not more so.
Definitely recommended.


I don't usually review books..., 13 Jan 2006
...but having read the rather negative review I felt compelled to. This is a wonderful story beautifully written. It is rather short, which makes it perfect for reading over and over again, which I do particularly when I am thoughtfully mulling over the complications of my own love life specifically, or when considering the absurd ways we as human beings conduct ourselves in relationship more generally! For me this book is an old friend.

disappointing after "Like water for Chocolate", 23 Jan 2004
I bought this because I enjoyed the mystical romance Like Water for Chocolate, but this didn't quite hit the same spot. It is a fairly short novel and as such I felt it was a little lightweight. Not a terrible book, but not very satisfying either.

Romance on the philosophical side., 20 Sep 2003
I read this book in only 3 short sessions and was so drawn in by the charachters and how "LOVE" was portrayed. That was 5 months ago and I haven't stopped recommending this book yet!

The storey follows the life of Don Jublio, who has the gift of commumication. From words, he could hear true message behind it all and so would often dabble in the lives of others as a diplomat on matters of love, bringing people back together.
As he lies on his death bed we learn how his loving relationship with his wife was destroyed and how his daughter tries to reconcile them both before it is too late.

I often read paragraphs 2 or 3 times, to think about the meaning of what was written or to enjoy the poeticness of the words. Here is one example.
'Love is a verb. One demonstrates one's love through one's actions. And a person can only feel loved when someone else shows their love with kisses, hugs, caresses and gifts. A lover will always promote the physical and emotional well-being of the person he loves.'
Esquivel continues with examples of the above.
'So we see that the verb to love can be conjugated in two ways. By hugging and kissing, or by supplying material goods'

It's a great read, which stirs up a wide range of emotions inside you.

Pure Escapism, 18 Dec 2002
This book is fantastic. It takes you on a journey through the life of Lluvia's father, Jubilo.The reader can absorb every emotion and feeling conveyed in the book. From its magical themes to its hard reality, it truly is an outstanding book, written by a extremely talented author. Magical realism at its best.

Worst book ever, 24 Jul 2007
I am sorry to say that this book is one of the worst I have ever read. It's an appalling story between Malinalli and Cortes, (apart from giving good explanation and description of what the spanish did on mexican land and how they sacked everything that was of value to them) the story itself it's abismal. I paided £15.99 from this book and I am sorry to say it wasn't worth it.

I loved it... you must read it., 20 Jul 2008
I loved this book and couldn't put down, I had to follow the book by reading the rest of Esquivel's novels.



Worst book ever, 24 Jul 2007
I am sorry to say that this book is one of the worst I have ever read. It's an appalling story between Malinalli and Cortes, (apart from giving good explanation and description of what the spanish did on mexican land and how they sacked everything that was of value to them) the story itself it's abismal. I paided £15.99 from this book and I am sorry to say it wasn't worth it.

Simple and Powerful, 04 Jan 2007
Having reread `Like Water for Chocolate' after approximately 10 years, I got curious as to what else Laura Esquivel had written and came up with this. WOW!
This is very different to `Like Water for Chocolate', and although this story is much simpler (essentially a love story about the lives of an ordinary couple) it is just as powerful and touching - if not more so.
Definitely recommended.


I don't usually review books..., 13 Jan 2006
...but having read the rather negative review I felt compelled to. This is a wonderful story beautifully written. It is rather short, which makes it perfect for reading over and over again, which I do particularly when I am thoughtfully mulling over the complications of my own love life specifically, or when considering the absurd ways we as human beings conduct ourselves in relationship more generally! For me this book is an old friend.

disappointing after "Like water for Chocolate", 23 Jan 2004
I bought this because I enjoyed the mystical romance Like Water for Chocolate, but this didn't quite hit the same spot. It is a fairly short novel and as such I felt it was a little lightweight. Not a terrible book, but not very satisfying either.

Romance on the philosophical side., 20 Sep 2003
I read this book in only 3 short sessions and was so drawn in by the charachters and how "LOVE" was portrayed. That was 5 months ago and I haven't stopped recommending this book yet!

The storey follows the life of Don Jublio, who has the gift of commumication. From words, he could hear true message behind it all and so would often dabble in the lives of others as a diplomat on matters of love, bringing people back together.
As he lies on his death bed we learn how his loving relationship with his wife was destroyed and how his daughter tries to reconcile them both before it is too late.

I often read paragraphs 2 or 3 times, to think about the meaning of what was written or to enjoy the poeticness of the words. Here is one example.
'Love is a verb. One demonstrates one's love through one's actions. And a person can only feel loved when someone else shows their love with kisses, hugs, caresses and gifts. A lover will always promote the physical and emotional well-being of the person he loves.'
Esquivel continues with examples of the above.
'So we see that the verb to love can be conjugated in two ways. By hugging and kissing, or by supplying material goods'

It's a great read, which stirs up a wide range of emotions inside you.

Pure Escapism, 18 Dec 2002
This book is fantastic. It takes you on a journey through the life of Lluvia's father, Jubilo.The reader can absorb every emotion and feeling conveyed in the book. From its magical themes to its hard reality, it truly is an outstanding book, written by a extremely talented author. Magical realism at its best.

Simple and Powerful, 04 Jan 2007
Having reread `Like Water for Chocolate' after approximately 10 years, I got curious as to what else Laura Esquivel had written and came up with this. WOW!
This is very different to `Like Water for Chocolate', and although this story is much simpler (essentially a love story about the lives of an ordinary couple) it is just as powerful and touching - if not more so.
Definitely recommended.


I don't usually review books..., 13 Jan 2006
...but having read the rather negative review I felt compelled to. This is a wonderful story beautifully written. It is rather short, which makes it perfect for reading over and over again, which I do particularly when I am thoughtfully mulling over the complications of my own love life specifically, or when considering the absurd ways we as human beings conduct ourselves in relationship more generally! For me this book is an old friend.

disappointing after "Like water for Chocolate", 23 Jan 2004
I bought this because I enjoyed the mystical romance Like Water for Chocolate, but this didn't quite hit the same spot. It is a fairly short novel and as such I felt it was a little lightweight. Not a terrible book, but not very satisfying either.

Romance on the philosophical side., 20 Sep 2003
I read this book in only 3 short sessions and was so drawn in by the charachters and how "LOVE" was portrayed. That was 5 months ago and I haven't stopped recommending this book yet!

The storey follows the life of Don Jublio, who has the gift of commumication. From words, he could hear true message behind it all and so would often dabble in the lives of others as a diplomat on matters of love, bringing people back together.
As he lies on his death bed we learn how his loving relationship with his wife was destroyed and how his daughter tries to reconcile them both before it is too late.

I often read paragraphs 2 or 3 times, to think about the meaning of what was written or to enjoy the poeticness of the words. Here is one example.
'Love is a verb. One demonstrates one's love through one's actions. And a person can only feel loved when someone else shows their love with kisses, hugs, caresses and gifts. A lover will always promote the physical and emotional well-being of the person he loves.'
Esquivel continues with examples of the above.
'So we see that the verb to love can be conjugated in two ways. By hugging and kissing, or by supplying material goods'

It's a great read, which stirs up a wide range of emotions inside you.

Pure Escapism, 18 Dec 2002
This book is fantastic. It takes you on a journey through the life of Lluvia's father, Jubilo.The reader can absorb every emotion and feeling conveyed in the book. From its magical themes to its hard reality, it truly is an outstanding book, written by a extremely talented author. Magical realism at its best.

Simple and Powerful, 04 Jan 2007
Having reread `Like Water for Chocolate' after approximately 10 years, I got curious as to what else Laura Esquivel had written and came up with this. WOW!
This is very different to `Like Water for Chocolate', and although this story is much simpler (essentially a love story about the lives of an ordinary couple) it is just as powerful and touching - if not more so.
Definitely recommended.


I don't usually review books..., 13 Jan 2006
...but having read the rather negative review I felt compelled to. This is a wonderful story beautifully written. It is rather short, which makes it perfect for reading over and over again, which I do particularly when I am thoughtfully mulling over the complications of my own love life specifically, or when considering the absurd ways we as human beings conduct ourselves in relationship more generally! For me this book is an old friend.

disappointing after "Like water for Chocolate", 23 Jan 2004
I bought this because I enjoyed the mystical romance Like Water for Chocolate, but this didn't quite hit the same spot. It is a fairly short novel and as such I felt it was a little lightweight. Not a terrible book, but not very satisfying either.

Romance on the philosophical side., 20 Sep 2003
I read this book in only 3 short sessions and was so drawn in by the charachters and how "LOVE" was portrayed. That was 5 months ago and I haven't stopped recommending this book yet!

The storey follows the life of Don Jublio, who has the gift of commumication. From words, he could hear true message behind it all and so would often dabble in the lives of others as a diplomat on matters of love, bringing people back together.
As he lies on his death bed we learn how his loving relationship with his wife was destroyed and how his daughter tries to reconcile them both before it is too late.

I often read paragraphs 2 or 3 times, to think about the meaning of what was written or to enjoy the poeticness of the words. Here is one example.
'Love is a verb. One demonstrates one's love through one's actions. And a person can only feel loved when someone else shows their love with kisses, hugs, caresses and gifts. A lover will always promote the physical and emotional well-being of the person he loves.'
Esquivel continues with examples of the above.
'So we see that the verb to love can be conjugated in two ways. By hugging and kissing, or by supplying material goods'

It's a great read, which stirs up a wide range of emotions inside you.

Pure Escapism, 18 Dec 2002
This book is fantastic. It takes you on a journey through the life of Lluvia's father, Jubilo.The reader can absorb every emotion and feeling conveyed in the book. From its magical themes to its hard reality, it truly is an outstanding book, written by a extremely talented author. Magical realism at its best.

Like water for chocolate, 01 Oct 2008
My favourite book! The passion and ever lasting love shared between Pedro and Tita truly is magical!!

Still a wonderful read, 04 Jan 2007
I'd first read `Like Water for Chocolate' about 10 years ago and had found it simply amazing. Then again, it had been the my first contact with a book so unique ... the first novel to talk about the "magical" power of food, a combination which is now much more common thanks to writers and books like Joanne Harris' wonderful `Chocolat', Lily Prior's `La Cucina', Anthony Capella's `Food of Love', and Isabel Allende's `Aphrodite' and many others. In fact many of my favourite books fall into what has now become a genre in its own right.

`Like Water for Chocolate' may have lost some of it's uniqueness over the years but much of its magic and power is still there - even for a reader that's become much more jaded over the years. Well worth a read.



This is a wonderful book, 25 Sep 2006
This book is a must for anyone interested in Hispanic literature. It combines a beautiful, troubled love story with hispanic symbolism and imagery to create a wonderful novel of forbidden love, hidden attraction and mexican traditions and recipes. Look out for the fabulously evil Mama Elena ('I warn you sir, I have very good aim, and a very bad temper'!), the delightfully rebellious Gertudis with her explosive sexual frustration and the incredibly lovely and understanding John. This novel contains a host of incredibly different supporting characters, who all revolve around the virtous Tita, and her emotionally expressive recipes. This book made me want to jump up, cook a mexican 'mole' and dance with revolutionaries. it's great. Buy it. Now.

Overrated, 16 Sep 2006
I don't know why everyone's got so worked up about this book. Hopefully it's just the translation, but the writing was bludgeoningly pedestrian. The plot was hugely derivative (you'll pretty much be able to write the thing yourself after reading the first chapter) and I was afraid to sneeze while reading it in case all the characters blew over. While we're on the subject, the basic premise put me off almost from the outset: would this guy really drop everything and marry the love of his life's sister based on about one disapproving sentence from her mother? And the author seemed to take a rather unsettling pleasure in punishing the poor people who happen to get in the protagonists' way. I have to admit that it wasn't wholly without merit; some of the magic realism was fun, but felt rather forced at times.

A magical fantasy, 07 Jul 2006
This book takes you somewhere quite magical. For any one who enjoys food this is a must. I read it about 15 years ago and again when I managed to get my own copy recently and it was as good the second time around as I remember it being.

Simple and Powerful, 04 Jan 2007
Having reread `Like Water for Chocolate' after approximately 10 years, I got curious as to what else Laura Esquivel had written and came up with this. WOW!
This is very different to `Like Water for Chocolate', and although this story is much simpler (essentially a love story about the lives of an ordinary couple) it is just as powerful and touching - if not more so.
Definitely recommended.


I don't usually review books..., 13 Jan 2006
...but having read the rather negative review I felt compelled to. This is a wonderful story beautifully written. It is rather short, which makes it perfect for reading over and over again, which I do particularly when I am thoughtfully mulling over the complications of my own love life specifically, or when considering the absurd ways we as human beings conduct ourselves in relationship more generally! For me this book is an old friend.

disappointing after "Like water for Chocolate", 23 Jan 2004
I bought this because I enjoyed the mystical romance Like Water for Chocolate, but this didn't quite hit the same spot. It is a fairly short novel and as such I felt it was a little lightweight. Not a terrible book, but not very satisfying either.

Romance on the philosophical side., 20 Sep 2003
I read this book in only 3 short sessions and was so drawn in by the charachters and how "LOVE" was portrayed. That was 5 months ago and I haven't stopped recommending this book yet!

The storey follows the life of Don Jublio, who has the gift of commumication. From words, he could hear true message behind it all and so would often dabble in the lives of others as a diplomat on matters of love, bringing people back together.
As he lies on his death bed we learn how his loving relationship with his wife was destroyed and how his daughter tries to reconcile them both before it is too late.

I often read paragraphs 2 or 3 times, to think about the meaning of what was written or to enjoy the poeticness of the words. Here is one example.
'Love is a verb. One demonstrates one's love through one's actions. And a person can only feel loved when someone else shows their love with kisses, hugs, caresses and gifts. A lover will always promote the physical and emotional well-being of the person he loves.'
Esquivel continues with examples of the above.
'So we see that the verb to love can be conjugated in two ways. By hugging and kissing, or by supplying material goods'

It's a great read, which stirs up a wide range of emotions inside you.

Pure Escapism, 18 Dec 2002
This book is fantastic. It takes you on a journey through the life of Lluvia's father, Jubilo.The reader can absorb every emotion and feeling conveyed in the book. From its magical themes to its hard reality, it truly is an outstanding book, written by a extremely talented author. Magical realism at its best.

Worst book ever, 24 Jul 2007
I am sorry to say that this book is one of the worst I have ever read. It's an appalling story between Malinalli and Cortes, (apart from giving good explanation and description of what the spanish did on mexican land and how they sacked everything that was of value to them) the story itself it's abismal. I paided £15.99 from this book and I am sorry to say it wasn't worth it.

I loved it... you must read it., 20 Jul 2008
I loved this book and couldn't put down, I had to follow the book by reading the rest of Esquivel's novels.



Worst book ever, 24 Jul 2007
I am sorry to say that this book is one of the worst I have ever read. It's an appalling story between Malinalli and Cortes, (apart from giving good explanation and description of what the spanish did on mexican land and how they sacked everything that was of value to them) the story itself it's abismal. I paided £15.99 from this book and I am sorry to say it wasn't worth it.

Simple and Powerful, 04 Jan 2007
Having reread `Like Water for Chocolate' after approximately 10 years, I got curious as to what else Laura Esquivel had written and came up with this. WOW!
This is very different to `Like Water for Chocolate', and although this story is much simpler (essentially a love story about the lives of an ordinary couple) it is just as powerful and touching - if not more so.
Definitely recommended.


I don't usually review books..., 13 Jan 2006
...but having read the rather negative review I felt compelled to. This is a wonderful story beautifully written. It is rather short, which makes it perfect for reading over and over again, which I do particularly when I am thoughtfully mulling over the complications of my own love life specifically, or when considering the absurd ways we as human beings conduct ourselves in relationship more generally! For me this book is an old friend.

disappointing after "Like water for Chocolate", 23 Jan 2004
I bought this because I enjoyed the mystical romance Like Water for Chocolate, but this didn't quite hit the same spot. It is a fairly short novel and as such I felt it was a little lightweight. Not a terrible book, but not very satisfying either.

Romance on the philosophical side., 20 Sep 2003
I read this book in only 3 short sessions and was so drawn in by the charachters and how "LOVE" was portrayed. That was 5 months ago and I haven't stopped recommending this book yet!

The storey follows the life of Don Jublio, who has the gift of commumication. From words, he could hear true message behind it all and so would often dabble in the lives of others as a diplomat on matters of love, bringing people back together.
As he lies on his death bed we learn how his loving relationship with his wife was destroyed and how his daughter tries to reconcile them both before it is too late.

I often read paragraphs 2 or 3 times, to think about the meaning of what was written or to enjoy the poeticness of the words. Here is one example.
'Love is a verb. One demonstrates one's love through one's actions. And a person can only feel loved when someone else shows their love with kisses, hugs, caresses and gifts. A lover will always promote the physical and emotional well-being of the person he loves.'
Esquivel continues with examples of the above.
'So we see that the verb to love can be conjugated in two ways. By hugging and kissing, or by supplying material goods'

It's a great read, which stirs up a wide range of emotions inside you.

Pure Escapism, 18 Dec 2002
This book is fantastic. It takes you on a journey through the life of Lluvia's father, Jubilo.The reader can absorb every emotion and feeling conveyed in the book. From its magical themes to its hard reality, it truly is an outstanding book, written by a extremely talented author. Magical realism at its best.

Simple and Powerful, 04 Jan 2007
Having reread `Like Water for Chocolate' after approximately 10 years, I got curious as to what else Laura Esquivel had written and came up with this. WOW!
This is very different to `Like Water for Chocolate', and although this story is much simpler (essentially a love story about the lives of an ordinary couple) it is just as powerful and touching - if not more so.
Definitely recommended.


I don't usually review books..., 13 Jan 2006
...but having read the rather negative review I felt compelled to. This is a wonderful story beautifully written. It is rather short, which makes it perfect for reading over and over again, which I do particularly when I am thoughtfully mulling over the complications of my own love life specifically, or when considering the absurd ways we as human beings conduct ourselves in relationship more generally! For me this book is an old friend.

disappointing after "Like water for Chocolate", 23 Jan 2004
I bought this because I enjoyed the mystical romance Like Water for Chocolate, but this didn't quite hit the same spot. It is a fairly short novel and as such I felt it was a little lightweight. Not a terrible book, but not very satisfying either.

Romance on the philosophical side., 20 Sep 2003
I read this book in only 3 short sessions and was so drawn in by the charachters and how "LOVE" was portrayed. That was 5 months ago and I haven't stopped recommending this book yet!

The storey follows the life of Don Jublio, who has the gift of commumication. From words, he could hear true message behind it all and so would often dabble in the lives of others as a diplomat on matters of love, bringing people back together.
As he lies on his death bed we learn how his loving relationship with his wife was destroyed and how his daughter tries to reconcile them both before it is too late.

I often read paragraphs 2 or 3 times, to think about the meaning of what was written or to enjoy the poeticness of the words. Here is one example.
'Love is a verb. One demonstrates one's love through one's actions. And a person can only feel loved when someone else shows their love with kisses, hugs, caresses and gifts. A lover will always promote the physical and emotional well-being of the person he loves.'
Esquivel continues with examples of the above.
'So we see that the verb to love can be conjugated in two ways. By hugging and kissing, or by supplying material goods'

It's a great read, which stirs up a wide range of emotions inside you.

Pure Escapism, 18 Dec 2002
This book is fantastic. It takes you on a journey through the life of Lluvia's father, Jubilo.The reader can absorb every emotion and feeling conveyed in the book. From its magical themes to its hard reality, it truly is an outstanding book, written by a extremely talented author. Magical realism at its best.

Simple and Powerful, 04 Jan 2007
Having reread `Like Water for Chocolate' after approximately 10 years, I got curious as to what else Laura Esquivel had written and came up with this. WOW!
This is very different to `Like Water for Chocolate', and although this story is much simpler (essentially a love story about the lives of an ordinary couple) it is just as powerful and touching - if not more so.
Definitely recommended.


I don't usually review books..., 13 Jan 2006
...but having read the rather negative review I felt compelled to. This is a wonde