Chocolat: A Novel (A Vianne Rocher Novel)

by Joanne Harris

Book Overview

TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY REISSUE OF JOANNE HARRIS' BELOVED BESTSELLER, with new introduction and first chapter from the new Vianne Rocher Novel, The Strawberry Thief (Gollancz April 19) 'A feelgood book... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140282033
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Length: 306 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.8" x 0.6" x 5.1"

Customer Reviews

A delightful step away from the grind and into the art of chocolate

For the people who are passionate about food, family, and the old magics! This is a delightful, provocative start to a velvety series that centers around Vianne Rocher and the relationships in her life. Her advice comes with a nod and a wink wrapped up in ribbons from her chocolaterie. The details of the landscapes, the people, and the methods and means of how the treats are made are just glorious! I could almost smell the cream and the bittersweet chocolate rising from the pages. It's an intriguing story set in the French countryside that whisked me away for a while and I enjoyed it. I hope you will as well.

Wrong format

The one star rating is because I ordered the hardcover and received paperback. I would like what I ordered.

I enjoyed this

Interesting topics and the visuals of the chocolate definitely made me crave some! I enjoyed this book, I found it interesting. It was something a bit different to what I usually read but I had heard this had good reviews so I am glad I purchased it.

Rereading....

Love this story. Even though I know the story I find with age comes a different perspective on things. Have purchased the sequel and Peaches for Father Francis ...

Brimming with passion for life

Joanna Harris creates a rich and vibrant description of a rural French village with all its petty rivalries and traditional, narrow-minded boundaries on thought and behavior. Each of the main characters is hemmed in by these restrictions and must keep certain devils from their past or present lives secreted away so as not to become more of an outsider than they already are and in particular so as not to incite the condemnation of the local parish Priest. Into this scenario comes Mademoiselle Rocher who, despite having her own devils to deal with, brings the promise of freedom embodied in the delights of the chocolate she sells. The characters are inspiring, the descriptions full of life and vigour and the narrative sparkling. The way each of the characters deals with their respective devils makes this a total feel-good novel, but one which is not only enthralling, but also thought-provoking from start to finish.

One of my favorites

This is the perfect fantasy for anyone who's not afraid to be different. Instantly drawn to this story, I found myself getting further and further into the plot while relating more and more with Vianne Rocher and her delightful daughter Anouk. Filled with vivid depictions of a small-town attitude contradicting a world traveler's broadened horizons, one is instantly drawn to Vianne's witty, intelligent, exotic, and ecclectic personality. She is intuitive to the extent of being a witch, yet uses her supernatural gifts for the good of the town (whom for the most part wishes her away at once). Those villagers (whom I just want to hug!) who had the courage to befriend Vianne, find they are not dissappointed. On the contrary, they find a beautiful friendship which they all needed more than anything. Not only does Vianne inspire in her friends and customers of the Chocolaterie a yearning to be different, she gives them the courage to indulge, enjoy life, live a little. Although I expected a romance to develop in this story, it's not what one expects. However, that is by far not its importance. For that, one can go to Blockbuster and watch Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp's romance in the film.A very moving story with an exotic mysticism that will leave you entranced...A must-read!

CHOCOLAT IS TO BE SAVORED

In an accomplished fiction debut, Chocolat, English author Joanne Harris offers an intriguing modern day morality tale laced with a soupcon of sorcery. The combatants in this deliciously different take on the eons old tug-of-war between good and evil are a young woman, the daughter of a self-proclaimed witch, and a platitudinous curate. As she struggles to find her place in the world and he equivocates to protect dusty tradition, they vie for the hearts and loyalties of some 200 French villagers, inhabitants of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, "no more than a blip on the fast road between Toulouse and Bordeaux." Ms. Harris displays an original voice in perfect pitch as she depicts the cowed, affection starved townspeople. Her meticulous character imagery is telling: Francis Reynaud, the guilt-ridden parish cure' with his cold eyes and "the measuring, feline look of one who is uncertain of his territory;" the 81-year-old Armande Voizin "with a smile that worked her apple-doll face into a million wrinkles;" and the venal wife-beater, Muscat, who struts "stiff-legged like a dog scenting a fight." Vianne Rocher and her six-year-old daughter are wanderers. They arrive in Lansquenet on Shrove Tuesday, where their appearance is greeted with veiled curiosity by villagers who "have learned the art of observation without eye contact." Battle lines are drawn when Vianne opens La Celeste Praline, a gaily decorated confectioner's shop on the town square, directly across from the austere St. Jerome's church overseen by Pere Reynaud. It is Lent, the priest has decreed abstinence, deprivation. Yet, Vianne's shop is a "red-and-gold confection," her window a proliferation of truffles, pralines, Venus's nipples, candied fruits, hazelnut clusters, candied rose petals, all there to tempt Reynaud's parishioners. He sees it as a disgrace, a degradation of the faith, and eventually preaches against Vianne from his pulpit. When a band of gypsies moor their colorful houseboats at the village's small harbor, the prelate asks them to leave. Vianne welcomes them, further infuriating Reynaud. Weakened by his self-imposed Lenten fasts, he denies his hunger and watches her shop with "loathing and fascination" as he begins plotting to rid Lansquenet of what he believes is her evil influence. One of Vianne's staunchest allies is a kindred spirit, the elderly Armande, the village's oldest inhabitant who delights in reminding Reynaud "of things best forgotten," and dares to invite the gypsies to remain as her guests. At times fearful of the consequences, Vianne turns to her mother's cards, seeking an answer in augury. Nonetheless, she stands her ground, even making plans for a "Grand Festival Du Chocolat" on Easter Sunday. It would be a celebration with games in the square and a riot of sweets in the shop. But Reynaud sees it as an affront, an excess, he would have "The egg, the hare, still living symbols of the tenacious roots of paganism exposed for what they

A Sweet Treat

I don't think it would be possible to speak about this luscious morsel of a book without breaking into confectionary prose. I found the dual narrative of the agitated and judgmental Reynaud and the tranquil and accepting Vianne both effective and delicious and the author's ability to evoke the smells and textures of the chocolate shop mouthwatering. Despite its fairy tale quality, Chocolat is very much grounded with themes -- confronting personal demons, living in an unaccepting society, the consequences of unpopular choices -- that affect us all. I'm pleased that Ms. Harris's next novel is to include the same supporting cast of villagers. While many are peripheral to the main plot, the author has developed their characters so well that I'm glad I'll have the chance to learn more about them --and satisfy my senses at the same time!

I Loved It!

This book is excellent! I read it on a flight back from Europe, and it had me captivated. The story takes place in a charming French village, quiet and boring until a stranger come to town and opens a colorful chocolaterie. The incredible descriptions of her confections will have your mouth watering! I highly recommend this book if you enjoyed "Like Water for Chocolate" and the films "Eat, Drink, Man, Woman" and "Simply Irresistible".