The reviewer found 'Like Water for Chocolate' to be a disappointing read despite its engaging opening. They criticized the novel's portrayal of family dysfunction and its lack of genuine feminist themes, finding the characters weak and the plot bizarre. The food descriptions, meant to be a highlight, were off-putting due to their association with negative emotions.
The reviewer was initially drawn in by the novel's enticing opening, which promised a mix of magic, love, and female empowerment. However, as the story progressed, they found the portrayal of family dysfunction to be ghastly and surprising, especially given the cultural context. The reviewer was particularly critical of the novel's attempt to present itself as a feminist text, arguing that the characters and their actions did not support this claim. The food descriptions, which were meant to be a highlight, were instead off-putting due to their association with negative emotions and the characters' suppressed feelings. The middle chapters of the book were the most enjoyable, as they featured a more reasonable and caring character in Dr. John Brown. However, the ending was seen as bizarre and unsatisfying, with a time-skip bait-and-switch that left the reviewer underwhelmed. Overall, the reviewer found the novel to be a disappointing read that did not live up to its initial promise.
Quick quotes
The trouble with crying over an onion is that once the chopping gets you started and the tears begin to well up, the next thing you know you just can’t stop.
I’ve never needed a man for anything; all by myself, I’ve done all right with my ranch and my daughters. Men aren’t that important in this life, Father.
Tita was beginning to wonder if the feeling of peace and security that John gave her wasn’t true love, and not the agitation and anxiety she felt when she was with Pedro.