Like Water for Chocolate

            I really enjoyed the novel Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquirel. While listening to my classmates during discussion it seemed that most students could not understand why Tita did not leave her mother’s house to be with Pedro, but I do. I understand how important tradition is to families, even if they are not fair. I felt bad for Tita because of the way here mother treated her, but I understand why she stayed. Tradition is sometimes the only thing a family really has together. Family tradition and honor is something my family takes very seriously and really believes in. The novel to a certain extent clashes with my views of the world because it was written in a different time period. The idea of modesty is still around in today’s society, but not nearly in the same manner as then. I know I was shocked by the modesty blanket that Rosaura used during intimacy with Pedro. The novel is about the good and bad things about Mexican culture. Many believe some of the traditions are ridiculous but its culture. Food and passion play a huge role in Mexican culture. I think incorporating the recipes in each chapter was brilliant. Each recipe was a metaphor for Tita or one of her family members. I also think the title Like Water for Chocolate was brilliant. I totally believe with the metaphor of life needing to boil up a few times. There is a difference between being a live and really living each day to the fullest. I think to live a full life, like Tita did, you must face trials and tribulations. I think Like Water for Chocolate was a great choice for a title. I loved how the novel was female based. I have not read many novels, especially ones involving magical realism, where most characters and the plot were based on a women’s life. I thought that was wonderful! At last, I understand how it is hard for many to understand the novel, but deciphering between the literal and metaphorical takes time, but if you give this novel a true chance and take it as it is you will definitely enjoy it!