Beyond Mr. Darcy: Romantic Historical Fiction discussion

Earthy, magical, and utterly charming, this tale of family life in turn-of-the-century Mexico became a best-selling phenomenon with its winning blend of poignant romance and bittersweet wit.

The number one bestseller in Mexico and America for almost two years, and subsequently a bestseller around the world, "Like Water For Chocolate" is a romantic, poignant tale, touched with moments of magic, graphic earthiness, bittersweet wit - and recipes.

A sumptuous feast of a novel, it relates the bizarre history of the all-female De La Garza family. Tita, the youngest daughter of the house, has been forbidden to marry, condemned by Mexican tradition to look after her mother until she dies. But Tita falls in love with Pedro, and he is seduced by the magical food she cooks. In desperation, Pedro marries her sister Rosaura so that he can stay close to her. For the next twenty-two years, Tita and Pedro are forced to circle each other in unconsummated passion. Only a freakish chain of tragedies, bad luck and fate finally reunite them against all the odds.

Finished this book a few days ago, I really enjoyed it. I like that it takes place in Mexico, I don't think I have ever read a book from there.

I enjoyed that it was set in Mexico as well. I don't know if I have read anything set in Mexico before though I have read a lot of Latin American fiction. Most of it has been from South America though. I liked the way food played such a big role in the book. I was kind of hoping that Tita would choose Dr. Brown.

I also wish she would have chosen Dr Brown. I don't think Pedro was a good match for her.

I ’m wishing we had more participation the group discussions. I join another group call Bibliobabes and I am the only one commenting on the moderators questions.

ops name of group is Bibliophile Beauties in case you want to check it out

I started this book but just couldn't get in to it. I was surprised to see the my sister, April, rated the book so high since she and I usually have the same taste in books. Maybe I will give it another chance.

Kathi it us a different type of book then I usually read. I rate it high because it was a unique in the use of magic realism. I can understand why you might not like it.

Magical Realism is something people either like or they hate. I enjoy it but I know many who don't. It's not for everything. Hopefully Kathi you will enjoy the other books we have coming up!