Laura Esquivel

Best known for her book 'Like Water for Chocolate', Laura Esquivel’s writing celebrates the intersection of emotion, food, and transformation. Her work invites readers to rediscover the sacredness of everyday life and the creative power within.

Laura Esquivel is one of the most renowned Mexican writers worldwide. Her work has transcended borders by combining literature, history, gastronomy, and cultural identity in stories that have been translated into more than 40 languages, leaving a profound mark on contemporary literature.

Alongside her literary career, Laura Esquivel has played an active role in Mexico’s cultural and political life. Between 2008 and 2011, she served as Director General of Culture in Coyoacán, promoting various artistic and community initiatives. In 2015, she was part of the first group of legislators elected by the National Regeneration Movement (Morena), pushing forward projects in support of culture and education. Later, between 2022 and 2024, she served as Mexico’s Ambassador to Brazil, strengthening cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades for both her literary and cinematographic work as well as her contribution to culture. In 2010, she was awarded the Pablo Neruda Order of Artistic and Cultural Merit by the Government of Chile for her outstanding contribution to Latin American culture. Among the most recent distinctions is an Honorary Doctorate awarded by the University of St Andrews. Likewise, in September 2024, the Government of Brazil conferred upon her the National Order of the Southern Cross (Blue Grade), in recognition of her influence in literature and her role in the international promotion of Latin American identity.

Her commitment to literature, history, and activism has made her one of the most influential voices in contemporary Mexican culture. Her work, beyond the page, has served as a tool for social transformation, inspiring generations of readers to explore their own roots.