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

INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • Earthy, magical, and utterly charming, this tale of family life in turn-of-the-century Mexico blends poignant romance, bittersweet wit, and delicious recipes.

This 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, using cooking to express herself and sharing recipes with readers along the way.

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Published Oct 1, 1995

256 pages

Average rating: 7.09

209 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Annie.S
May 17, 2025
8/10 stars
I loved the family drama and dynamics of this story. A great insight into generational trauma and legacy.
LeyendoConLaLatina
Jun 28, 2025
9/10 stars
A classic novel for Mexican literature - I feel like many of us have had the chance to read this book. The magical realism genre isn’t always my first choice, but Esquivel’s writing captures the reader quickly. A story of revolution not only in the country, but inside the De La Garza home. From familial roles and traditions clashing with the times changing to the love story told with food, this book is a favorite of mine. If you have watched the movie or the series adaptations, I highly recommend you read the original book.
Roxanne_Debris
Apr 28, 2025
5/10 stars
SPOILER One of the characters farts herself to death and that was my favorite part
IsaZarur
Jan 14, 2025
10/10 stars
I re-read this book every couple of years. I finished this read in one sitting I couldn’t put it down.
Danicha
Jul 04, 2024
9/10 stars
Loved the cookbook metaphors and how they were intertwined with the story! The story is very well written (I read it in Spanish) and it’s highly engaging! I read it cover to cover in a week! I was not a fan of the ending, but I enjoyed the story anyway.

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