"Pierced by the Sun" by Laura Esquivel is a radiant journey that blends humor, mysticism, and social commentary. Esquivel, renowned for "Like Water for Chocolate," weaves a captivating tale set against the vibrant backdrop of Mexico City. The protagonist, Lupita, is a force to be reckoned with—a feisty lawyer entangled in a web of crime and corruption.

Esquivel's narrative prowess shines through, capturing the essence of Lupita's tumultuous life with vivid prose and a dash of magical realism. The sun, a recurring motif, becomes both a metaphor and a character, piercing through the complexities of Lupita's world.

The author skillfully tackles serious issues, injecting them with wit and charm. Esquivel's unique blend of social critique and whimsy creates a narrative that resonates long after the final page.

"Pierced by the Sun" is a literary escapade that tackles societal challenges with a wink and a nod. Esquivel's storytelling is as warm as a sunbeam, inviting readers to bask in the brilliance of her narrative. This book is a testament to Esquivel's mastery of storytelling and her ability to illuminate even the darkest corners with the light of her words.

I couldn't keep myself interested in this. I also think that perhaps her work just didnt translate well to english. I love Like Water For Chocolate, but I just didn't like this one

I was so curious to read Laura Esquivel's novel, but this one didn't hold my interest. The tone of the novel, the main chracter, everything was just horrible. I don't recommend this one.

I have the utmost respect for Laura Esquivel, which is why I've kept this book for so long. I have gone back to it several times, but I just don't enjoy it. I don't find Lupita to be very likable. A greater problem I think is the translation. Some of the sentences seem overly simple, with cliched idioms, that I can't believe Esquivel wrote in the original. See for example this description of Lupita's introduction to alcohol: "From that day on she turned to alcohol every time she needed to feel brave. Three drinks were enough to make her feel like the happiest, most sensual woman. She felt like number one!" And this: "Lupita--for the first time in years--felt appreciated by the man sitting in front of her. It made her feel great."

I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by Laura Esquivel, as I loved Like Water for Chocolate. Unfortunately, I bailed on the book, and I don't review books that I haven't finished, so I can't publish a full review on my blog, Read This Book Y'all, but I will tease it on my social media accounts on Litsy (@readthisbookyall), Twitter (@readthisyall), Instagram, and Facebook (ReadThisBookYall). Thank you!