By Laura Esquivel
From the moment Júbilo Chi is born with a smile on his face, he connects with people. Growing up to be a telegraph operator in 1940s Mexico, he senses what is in people's hearts before they do. He hooks people up.
Sadly, the wires are crossed between Júbilo and his wife, and the two separate for mysterious reason amid much anguish. The telegraph has given way to the Internet and Júbilo is on his deathbed by the time the couple's daughter Lluvia sets out to solve the riddle.
The sensuousness of Esquivel's writing in the popular novel Like Water for Chocolate has dried up this time. Using little dialogue, she relies awkwardly on description, leaving Swift as Desire feeling a bit parched. (Crown, $22)
Bottom Line: Fuzzy connection
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