Like Water For Chocolate

AnaMarie Mehmel

Professor Benander

World Literature II

21 February 2011

Laura Esquivel’s Like Water for Chocolate was interesting. I liked reading it even though some parts, like the ending, were slightly weird. Nacha, the cook, was my favorite because she was so loving and nurturing, like my own mother. I liked Gertrudis as well because she left the restricting home to do want she wanted. This rings a cord in me because it reminds me of myself. I left my friends, family, and the only home I had ever known to do what I wanted; which was to come to Ohio to go to UC. The recipes were also a wonderful touch to the story; however, what they did to people was really unbelievable and sometimes gross. Like the wedding scene where everyone who eats part of the wedding cake starts vomiting. That was so gross that when I read it I almost vomited myself. Also the scene where Gerturdis runs away with Juan was unbelievable. That was so weird and intense. Mama Elena was a character I did not like because I hated how she treated people. She was a mean, cruel, lonely woman. She took out all her pent up frustration out on those around her instead of finding some other outlet for her anger. She made Tita’s life miserable. I do not understand how a mother could treat her daughter so horribly. After reading this book I am so grateful to my mother for treating me with unconditional love. Love is very important. I am so glad that Pedro and Tita got to be with each other. They suffered so much because of external forces. They way they were together was wrong seeing as Pedro was married to Tita’s sister, but as it has been said “love conquers all.” I must admit, though, that at first I wanted Tita to go with John, but after later reflection I realized Tita could never have been truly happy without the love of her life. No one should ever have to endure the pain that Tita and Pedro did.