Chocolat [Paperback]

Joanne Harris (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 28, 2001

Try me...Test me...Taste me. When an exotic stranger, Vianne Rocher, arrives in the French village of Lansquenet and opens a chocolate boutique directly opposite the church, Father Reynaud identifies her as a serious danger to his flock - especially as it is the beginning of Lent, the traditional season of self-denial. War is declared as the priest denounces the newcomer's wares as instruments of murder. Suddenly, Vianne's shop-cum-cafe means that there is somewhere for secrets to be whispered, grievances to be aired, dreams to be tested. But Vianne's plans for an Easter Chocolate Festival divide the whole community in a conflict that escalates into a 'Church not Chocolate' battle. As mouths water in anticipation, can the solemnity of the Church compare with the pagan passion of a chocolate eclair? For the first time, here is a novel in which chocolate enjoys its true importance, emerging as a moral issue, as an agent of transformation - as well as a pleasure bordering on obsession. Rich, clever and mischievous, this is a triumphant read.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Black Swan; New edition edition (January 28, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0552998931
• ISBN-13: 978-0552998932
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #183,686 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Joanne Harris is the author of the critically acclaimed novels Blackberry Wine and Chocolat, which was nominated for the Whitbread Award, one of Britain's most prestigious literary prizes. Half French and half British, Harris lives in England.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Chocolat is excellent!, March 7, 2004

By 

Emily (Louisiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chocolat (Paperback)

Joanne Harris has written a beautiful novel that grabs the reader from the start. She uses imagery, great detail, and clever dialogue to portray the little French village of Lansquenet and the diverse characters within the village. All of the characters are fully developed and most are dynamic in nature. Through the main character, Vianne Rocher, Joanne teaches the reader the importance of generosity and respect for others. We should also not deny ourselves happiness because of what others may think. I highly recommend this book to all, especially chocolate lovers!

3.0 out of 5 stars Fun Read, September 14, 2011

By 

Regina Lindsey "Regina77004" (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chocolat (Paperback)

Vianne is seeking a different life for her daughter, Anouk, than the one of her own childhood, one in which Vianne and her mother were constantly on the run staying a step ahead of those who viewed their practice in magic as an afront to commuinity norms. Vianne settles into the small Lansquent, France on the day of Carnival, opens a chocolate shop, and does her best to create a normalcy for her daughter without abandoning her values. Unfortunatley, the town priest sees everything about Vianne and her chocolate shop as a direct threat to the community, the church's festivals, and the sacraments. I mean imagine a chocolatier actually making chocolate eggs and bunnies for Easter!

I'm going to apologize upfront here. I'm going to get sappy on you. From an objective point of view this is not a work I would normally enjoy and gush over. However, on so many levels I just connected with the story and Vianne. First, for those of you who follow me on FB you know how much I love to cook. For me the soul of the family can be found in the kitchen. This comes from spending so much time in the kitchen with my mother and grandmother until just a couple of years ago. I loved how Harris used a confectioner as a means to chase away demons, heal wounds, bring people together, and act as an equalizer amont the community. Harris depicts not only the inherited magic Vianne uses to see into the soul of the townspeople, but she compares her skill in the kitchen to magic, "there is a kind of alchemy in the transformation of base chocolate into this wise fool's gold, a layman's magic that even my mother might have relished." (pg 53) . Secondly, I understand how difficult it can be to move into a small town and try to ingratiate yourself into it. Finally, I also just absolutely loved some of the characters, particularly Armande Voizin, an elderly woman with a long memory of the priest's past.

this being said, the themes are superficial and the actions incredibly predictable. I really think it is my own experiences that endears this work to my heart. I may finally understand the concept of a guilty pleasure?