Like Water For Chocolate by Laura Esquivel explains the role of women in northern Mexico at the turn of the 19th century. The novel takes place in northern Mexico, on a family ranch where many family traditions continue. Additionally, the novel describes some of the typical dishes prepared and holidays celebrated in Mexican culture during this time. However, the novel primarily focuses on the role of women in Mexican society of that era. The novel goes beyond explaining the role of women and also explains what happened in the Mexican family. Throughout the novel, readers learn about the role of mothers, the conflict between personal desires and traditions, and the typical foods, celebrations, and family traditions that were important to a Mexican family. she is writing a novel. History is often written about its culture. Laura Esquivel, novelist, teacher and screenwriter, was born in Mexico City, Mexico. Laura Esquivel is the third of four children in a middle-class family. Laura Esquivel's biography from "The Biography Channel website" states that "Laura Esquivel often explores the relationship between men and women in Mexico in her work." This is evident in the way Esquivel describes the traditional roles of men and women in Mexico. that her background played a big role in her work (“Laura Esquivel”). Laura Esquivel's novels are still loved and cherished today because of her "creative flair and style in her work" ("Laura Esquivel"). Laura Esquivel found her inspiration for her novel in her personal experience and her time spent in the kitchen. In "Developing World Literature for Students" there is a look section...... middle of article...... Luis Alberto Vargas. np: Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2005., 2005. Tri-County Tech College Catalog. Internet. February 27, 2014.Mujica, Barbara. "'Like water to chocolate' (book review)." Americas 45.4 (July-August 1993): 60. Rpt. in Developing Country Literature for Students: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Developing Country Literature. Ed. Elizabeth Bellalouna, Michael L. LaBlanc and Ira Mark Milne. Flight. 2. Detroit: Gale Group, 2000. Information Resource Center. Internet. February 5, 2014. Salisbury, Joyce E. and Andrew E Kersten. “Epoches / 20th century Latin America / Family life in 20th century Latin America.” Daily life throughout history. ABC-CLIO, 2014. Web. February 5, 2014. Standish, Peter, Steven M. Bell. “Social life, leisure and food”. Culture and customs of Mexico. Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood, 2004. ABC-CLIO eBook Collection. Internet. February 5 2014.