No comments about Law of Love.

No comments about English recording: MALINCHE, unabridged, 6 CDs.

No comments about Das zärtliche Alphabet des Don Jubilo. 4 CDs..

No comments about Like Water for Chocolate (An Abridged Production)[5-CD Set].

5 comments about Malinche (Spanish Edition).

1. Pienso que no es lo mismo leer el libro a que te lo cuenten.... Las narraciones son claras, pero pasar 5 horas sentado escuchando una historia, no es agradable.
   
   Mejor comprense el libro!



2. Novel about the unforgetable true person, "La Malinche" (Malintzin or Dona Marina, given by the Spanish conquerors), Hernando Cortes' Indian interpreter. La Malinche is often spoken of as a traitor, but also a victim of her most unusual times, the Spanish Conquista of Mexico.
   
   Ms. Esquivel's prose approaches lyrical, but is evocative of this La Malinche's pivotal role in history.
   
   This novel is in Spanish. Ms. Esquivel also wrote the popular "Como Aqua Para Chocolate".



3. Great Buy!! the book was in PERFECT conditions and the price was soooo cheap!!! Shipping was also supper fast!!!! THNX THNX aloot!!! =] peace.



4. Like several others, I really enjoyed "Like Water For Chocolate." I was looking forward to another book by Laura Esquivel, and this story seemed interesting - I knew nothing about the character of Malinche.
   
   Malinche (or Dona Marina as she also known) was a slave who became a translator for Hernan Cortez during his conquest of Mexico and the Aztecs. It is believed she betrayed her own people because of this, and she has become villanized. This book is supposed to protray another version of her, a bit more understanding of why she did what she did.
   
   There isn't much really known about Malinche, other than legend, so Ms. Esquivel could have taken a lot of poetic license. In some ways, I believe she did, but I don't feel she went far enough to develop the characters. I never really knew who Malinche was. I was not familar with her culture or the system of the society in which she lived. Perhaps, because Laura Esquivel writes to a mostly Mexican audience, she believes people already have that background? But I'm not Mexican, and I don't have the background. I got the Spanish were evil and bloodthirsty - but were ALL of them like that? It also seems the Aztecs were the same way. So, everyone, everywhere was filled with bloodlust?
   
   Laura Esquivel goes into a LOT of detail about the religious culture of whatever background Malinche was. The reader is constantly bombarded with the Native names (which are difficult to pronounce - I tried!), and going on and on and on and on and on - ad nauseum - about the snake goddess and the overall god and this god and that goddess. If I wanted to read a book about Native American religions of Mexico, I would have borrowed a book from the library, or enrolled in a class! It seems this is the main focus of the book, and not the story of Malinche!
   
   Unlike the flowing language and magic realism of "Like Water For Chocolate," this book struggles to find itself and it never quite does. It is dull and tedious and shallow. Perhaps it reads better in Spanish? Well, in English it is such a disappointment.



5. Laura Esquivel is not your ordinary writer of mundane stories as clearly witnessed in her previous work. 'Malinche' was interpreted from Spanish and tells the saga of a young native girl. Always Esquivel brings a brilliant and unusual blend of point-of-view, story & magic. In this ambitious and creatively crafted book, the historical facts she offers in an at-times-chronologically-defiant story line is fascinating and brings to vivid life the historical figures, culture & climate of the 1500's Yucatan Mexico. I feel sorry that one reviewer didn't even give this powerful character and worthy story a chance to be understood before quitting after page 50 and then giving a bad review.
   
   I admit the long Mexican names slowed down the flow of reading for me initially but once I got past this, the story was so captivating that upon reading the last sentence, I immediately started it all over again and appreciated it even more this second time. One other thing to understand is that there is a very spiritual aspect to the main character, Malinalli. For me, that is what is so sparkling in the book. Esquivel is one of those rare & gifted writers who brings to life a contemplative woman who is deeply connected to the Elements, the Sun, Corn, a Horse and all of nature. The descriptions of the powerful relationship and the conversations she has with her wise blind grandmother I read and re-read. If the reader is not aligned to a mystical way of perceiving life, it may not appeal. I did appreciate, too, how much of the mysterious history of that period was brought to life for me so that I gained new understanding of those tumultuous times.
   
   It is now among my favorite inspirational books and some day, if I am ever ill or impaired I will request some kind person to read me this book aloud. Thank you, Ms. Esquivel for another of your inspired works!

5 comments about Swift as Desire: A Novel.

1. Swift As Desire is the story of an intense love relationship between Don Jubilo and Lucha. Jubilo is born with a very special talent in which he is able to hear what people are thinking and feeling. This special talent bases the entire story. Jubilo finds the woman of his dreams, Lucha, when he is 15 and she is 13. They fall in love immediately and eventually marry. They suffer through many hardships mainly because Lucha cannot live with their lack of money since she is so used to living amongst wealth. Jubilo feels that money is never at all important in finding happiness. Jubilo uses his special talent to become a telegraph operator. While trying to help a friend out, Jubilo cheated someone out by using his talent in a bet. He won, and since he used his talent in a bad way, he lost his special ways. This is hard for him, but he makes it through. He and his wife are very much in love and nothing else matters when they are with eachother, which is what makes their relationship so strong.
   Lucha's boss begins to put a burden in their relationship. Jubilo feels very uncomfortable with how he treats Lucha and how he admires her. Eventually Don Pedro (Lucha's Boss) causes some problems.
   Throughout the novel, Laura Esquivel switches back and forth between Jubilo's daughter's perspective in the present and back to Jubilo's life in the past. The entire time, the author leaves readers wondering what tragic event happened in Jubilo and Lucha's life that caused them to split up in the future.
   Towards the beginnning of this book, I wasn't very interested because all Laura Esquivel talked about was the lovey relationship between Jubilo and Lucha. In the middle I really started to like the book. I loved how there was a huge mystery about what tragic event changed everything in their lives. Laura Esquivel keeps the writing very interesting and keeps readers on the edges of their seats, wanting to read more.
   This novel is very similar to Like Water For Chocolate because both stories contain aspects of magical realism. They have a good amount of history on Mexican culture which I thought was very interesting.
   Also, in Swift As Desire, the author shows her liking of philosophy and nature through Don Jubilo's character. He is very philosophical and every chapter starts out with how he currently feels and what nature aspects are forming his feelings.
   Swift As Desire is an excellent book that everyone should read. On a scale from 1 to 10 I would rate in an 8.



2. This review refers to the Unabridged audio cassette edition of "Swift As Desire" by Laura Esquivel...
   
   So... after reading "Like Water For Chocolate", also by Ms. Esquivel, and reading some of the other reviews here, I didn't figure that this was going to be anywhere near as great as LWFC had been. But the truth is, I loved this charming,sentimental,sometimes witty, sometimes sad, emotional story. I could not wait to get to it every day. If my phone or doorbell rang, I paused it right where it was, so as not to miss a second of the wonderful reading given by Ellizabeth Pena.I wanted more when it ended and left me with a lump in my throat
   
   Jubilo, was a special human being. He had a way with words. He worked as an all important telegraph operator, long before E-mail was available. He kept people, loved ones, and businesses abreast of all situations. He seemed to have a magical way of being in tuned with the earth's messages even apart from the telegraph. He was a lover of life. Of the gifts nature provided, and the gifts he was able to give back to his wife, his family and the world.It is his story from boyhood to his dieing day, that Ms. Esquivel delights us with. How this very special man, now blind, made communication an art,hearing things as imperceptible as the movement of a grain of sand,how he loved so deeply, and how he played the hand life dealt him, whether it be great triumphs, or huge losses.
   
   Ms Esquivel gives us magical moments with real characters, and a good taste of Mexican and Mayan traditons and heritage.The story of family,the feeling of "Not knowing what you really have, until it is gone", will take you by surprise, and linger deliciously. Elizabeth Pena's("Lone Star") reading is not only delightfully enthusiastic, but lends a great deal of authenticity to the read. She manages to find the distinguishable traits in each, to bring them to life. To feel their joys and pain.
   
   This edition is an unabridged reading. It has some very descriptive scenes of love making, so it is probably not one you will want to play on your stereo with children about. There are 4 two-sided cassettes, with a total running time of about 6 hours.A tray with a slot for each tape, keeps them in order(may be helpful to vision impaired readers). The sound quality is very good. Sometimes, the reviews for all editions of a book are lumped together, so if it is this audio edition that you are interested in the ISBN is 0375419780. Below the picture of the couple kissing on the cover art, there is a green band that says..Read By Elizabeth Pena - Unabridged.
   
   It is a story dedicated to the Author's own father, and after the read, you may feel the need to call your's or at least leave you with thoughts of the special gifts he gave to you.
   Enjoy....Laurie
   
   more romance audio books:
   Notorious [Audiobook] by Janet Dailey [Unabridged]
   The Shipping News
   Echoes (Danielle Steel)



3. 
   Having reread `Like Water for Chocolate' after approximately 10 years, I got curious as to what else Laura Esquivel had written and came up with this. WOW!
   This is very different to `Like Water for Chocolate', and although this story is much simpler (essentially a love story about the lives of an ordinary couple) it is just as powerful and touching - if not more so.
   Definitely recommended.



4. Her use of language is like listening to your favorite music. It's passionate, exalted,electric and emotional. You can feel the power of love in her words. Lots of use of magical realism. I got the enchantment and magic of "everyday life". It's earthy,sensual and sparkles off the page.



5. 
   This is a magical, heartwarming, fun book. The language is a delight to read.

5 comments about Like Water for Chocolate.

1. The story "Like Water For Chocolate" is an adoring story rich in culture and history that truly portrays the Mexican revolution as well as Tita's class struggle in society and at home. Her gender in those difficult times already represents oppression and a secure future but in the hands of the Male counterpart. The story is vivid and classy with a very humble approach to it that truly captures the story of a young women in her quest to letting out emotions through food. The book itself is written in a semi-perfect form because nothing is perfect , unlike the bible-that is a complete lie. The writing style is so rich in metaphorical details that the first time your eyes catch glance of the verses you always seem to miss something.
   An instant classic from its publication!
   Great book! , Great buy!
   -Andree



2. Although being the cheapskate that I am, i borrowed the book from the library, despite that the book is worth the price that is presented. It kept me entertained, and although im not a type of person for soap operas this book was awesome. It also taught me a grip of recipes and life lessons. The conflicts presented in this story are very elementary and complex at the same time.
   If you like the idea of love and drama, this book is perfect for you then. Honestly I didn't expect to like this book, but in the end the story taught me a lot.
   The story is about a girl who lives by a family tradition that ties Tita( the main character) to her mother until the day the mother dies. So marriage is far out of the question for her. Unfortunately for Tita she is in love and on the verg of getting married, but the mother steps into play.
   Sounds good already huh? Trust me there is way more going on...read it to find out.



3. This review may contain spoilers.
   
   In the beginning of this story, our dear little Tita and Pedro have fallen in love. Her mother denies Pedro's marriage proposal and, instead, gives him the hand of Tita's elder sister. Pedro reassures Tita that he still loves her, and that's why he married her sister. Later on, Tita has the chance for true love when the doctor nurses her back to health after a tragic blow to her psyche, but instead rushes to Pedro's arms when the good doctor's back is turned. When nothing else is standing in their way, Pedro and Tita still choose not to marry, taunting the doctor for over a decade, showing the reader that they are nothing but lustful thrill-seekers. Their conclusion was, in my eyes, completely justified.
   
   FURTHERMORE, I always use MILK with my chocolate. Water makes it taste bland - a good superlative for this book.



4. Part fractured fairy tale, part sensuous love story. Complete with recipes.Some recipes just sound decadent like the sausage dumpling rolls.Others just sound odd, such as the oxtail soup. the quail in the walnut and rose petal sauce sound interesting,but Where would you find quail and rose water is my only question.



5. I first became aware of Like Water for Chocolate when the movie became a selection on my cable company's free movie menu. The description of the movie seemed interesting and I watched it, even though it was Spanish with English subtitles.
   
   Like Water for Chocolate takes place on a large ranch during the Mexican Revolution (think Pancho Villa) and concerns the life of Tita De La Garza, the youngest daughter of the clan. Due to the shock of hearing that her husband has died, Mama Elena (the matriarch of the De La Garza family) gives birth to Tita prematurely. However, Mama Elena is unable to breastfeed Tita and so she falls under the care of Nacha, the ranch cook, who nourishes her with teas and broths in lieu of milk, and teaches her the lessons of life in a way only the kitchen can.
   
   The fact that Mama Elena is unable to care for her daughter is ironic in that as the youngest daughter, Tita is bound by family tradition to never marry or have children in order for her to take care of her mother until the day Mama Elena dies. Mama Elena firmly believes in her family's traditions and takes a special delight in ensuring that both recipes and the rules of proper society are followed to the letter. She rules her family with an iron fist and frequently abuses her disobedient daughter both verbally and physically.
   
   When Pedro comes to ask for Tita's hand in marriage, Mama Elena refuses citing the harsh family tradition. In order to remain close to Tita, Pedro decides to marry Tita's older sister Rosaura instead. Forbidden from being near the man that she loves, Tita expresses her desires and pleases him in the only way that she can...through her recipes.
   
   The story takes on an almost surreal quality as Tita's thoughts and emotions while preparing meals seem to imbue the food with magic that has a profound effect on the hearts and minds of those who consume her dishes. In one instance, Tita is forced to prepare all the food for her sister's wedding banquet. Mama Elena tells her that she must do this and show no emotion," not one tear." However the wise and sympathetic Nacha allows her to cry, knowing that Tita must release her pain over her lost love. Unfortunately, Tita's tears fall into the cake batter and when the guests take their first bite of the cake they become overwhelmed by the memories and heartaches of their own lost loves. In addition, they also become violently ill leading Mama Elena to believe that Tita put an emetic in the cake to purposefully make everyone sick out of spite. Mama Elena beats Tita so badly that she has to stay in bed for a week to recover.
   
   In another incidence, Pedro gives Tita a bouquet of roses the petals of which she uses to make a sauce for roasted quail. Tita's passion and desire for Pedro pours into the sauce and when it is consumed by her eldest sister Gertrudis she becomes enflamed with passion. So much so that when she attempts to cool her passions in the outdoor shower the water evaporates before it touches her skin, and the wooden shower itself burst into flames. Ultimately, Gertrudis runs naked from the shower and is swept away by a revolutionary drawn by the powerful scent of roses emanating from her.
   
   Throughout the story Mama Elena does everything that she can to keep Tita and Pedro apart. Similar to her own birth, Tita becomes the primary caregiver for her sister's son, Roberto, after her sister is unable to care for him to due to a difficult birth and Rosaura's inability to breastfeed. Sensing that Roberto is drawing Pedro and Tita closer, Mama Elena sends Pedro, Rosaura and Roberto away to live with distant relatives. Unfortunately, Roberto dies and Tita blames Mama Elena.
   
   Tita becomes even more rebellious and locks herself away in the dovecote and refuses to come down or even speak. Mama Elena, believing her daughter has gone insane, arranges for a doctor to come to the ranch and take Tita to a mental hospital. The doctor, John Brown, takes Tita to his own home instead where he allows Tita to heal in her own time and in her own way. During her recovery, Tita is visited by the spirit of Dr. Brown's grandmother, Kikapu, a wise Indian herbalist, who offers her a delicious tea and establishes non-verbal communication with her. It is here that Tita gets her first taste of freedom and finally gets the opportunity to decide for herself what she wants to do with her own life.
   
   Dr. Brown falls in love with Tita and then she must decide if she loves him enough to marry him, if her heart still belongs to Pedro, or if her destiny is to deny herself love all together in order to take care of her mother. Along the way the spirit of both Nacha and Kikapu is there to guide and support her.
   
   As the title states, Like Water for Chocolate includes recipes, romances, and remedies. Each chapter begins with a recipe as Tita expertly prepares the dish in question. Some of the recipes explore the traditions behind the meals. In addition, the healing power of soups, teas, and even barks are discussed and even a little bit of science and medicine is included. At only 256 pages, Like Water for Chocolate is a quick read and can be completed in only a few hours, however it is a story that stays with you long after the last page is read, the book is closed, and returned to the shelf.