You Definately Cannot Judge a Book by Its Cover!

I must admit that I was skeptical when we had to read Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquirel. It is difficult for me to be able to sit comfortable with a book that HAS to be read for a class because it can be a bit tedious. Boy was I wrong with book! I feel that I can identify myself with different aspects throughout the story. Tita, has many responsibilities that she has to attain to around the home because of tradition. In many Latin families, that is something that happens very often even until now. From learning how to cook to keeping up with necessary chores around the home, there's always something for a girl or woman of the house to do. While reading this book, I find myself many times feeling helpless for Tita, an example is Mama Elena always pushing her around like a slave rather than treating her like a daughter. I really felt Tita's frustration of seeing her one and only love everyday married with her sister Rosaura. What is even more hurtful, is that the reasons of her sufferings were caused by the person who gave her life - her mother. Even more frustrating was that every moment that Tita was able to share a glimpse, a touch or just a second near Pedro, Mama Elena always knew of it. Mama Elena always had a way of sensing if they were up to something. Every time this occurred, in the back of my mind, I just had a feeling that there was a definite reason why Mama Elena was always around making sure that Tita wasn't up to anything with Pedro. The obvious reason is that she knew that Tita and Pedro were in love with each other regardless of the marriage with Rosaura and that encounters between them could be dangerous. But in fact this was foreshadowing to something that was revealed later on. We come to find out after Mama Elena dies that she had a forbidden love once and she came very close to leaving her husband for this love. There is a saying in my country (or should I say, my mother's country) "Un ladrón piensa que todos son ladrónes", which translates to " A thief thinks that everyone else is a thief". This quote came to mind because Mama Elena knew of her own mischievousness during her youth when she was madly in love. She knew how dangerous love can be and how it can drive you to do sinful, unthinkable things, therefore she could not leave Tita alone for one second with Pedro.

Tita leaving the ranch was the best decision she could have made. Her rebellious actions I think, deep down made her mother realize that her daughters (including Gertrudis) were not at all like her - weak, instead they stood up for what they wanted. Even though Mama Elena was obviously furious with her actions, a mother could never truly disown their child. In addition, she had to realize that even though Tita did what she wanted, at the same time she fulfilled her promise (or should I say duty) to be by her mother's side until the day she died. After Mama Elena's death, Tita was sad but relieved because now she could live her life, or so she thought, because with the leave of her mother came the return of her sister Rosaura and Pedro. There is trouble with this return because Tita is engaged to the village doctor John Brown. Tita very much respects John for everything he has done for her but deep down is unsure if what she feels is love, but she will not allow the passion that she feels for Pedro take over! Or so I thought --- the chapter (month) of August finished with Pedro and Tita having an encounter in the dark storeroom that ends with her losing her virginity! Of course the professor had us read until this part to keep us in suspense. Sorry Professor McCormick, but I think I might just have to read a little bit ahead because this book has taken over my curiosity. Until next month everyone!
:-)