Chocolat
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Amazon.co.uk Review
I hear our M'sieur le Curé already has it in for you ... Does he know you're a witch?Lansquenet-sous-Tannes--"a blip on the fast road between Toulouse and Bourdeaux"--and new home to Vianne Rocher, her six-year-old daughter Anouk, and Anouk's "imaginary" rabbit, Pantoufle. They arrive "on the wind of the carnival", and, a couple of days later, Vianne opens a luxuriant chocolate shop. "La Céleste Praline" bubbles over with the most tempting of confections, topped with an irresistible selection of rich, smooth chocolate drinks. It's Lent, the shop is opposite the church (which Vianne and Anouk don't attend) it's open on Sundays and Francis Reynaud, the austere parish priest with the "measuring, feline look" is not exactly happy.
As one by one the villagers sidle into the shop to sample Vianne's concoctions, we learn of their characters and secrets, their loves and desires, their troubles and hopes. Sad, polite Guillame and his dying dog. Shoplifting, beaten Joséphine Muscat. And Armande Voizin, still vigorous and perceptive in her 80s, who can see Pantoufle, and recognises Vianne for who she really is.
But Reynaud has his power base. And when Vianne advertises a Grand Festival of Chocolate to start on Easter Sunday, it's all-out war. War between church and chocolate.
Read clearly and precisely by Samantha Bond--whose voice is almost choclatey enough for Vianne--and Gareth Armstrong -- who sounds marginally too rich for Reynaud--this is an elegant adaptation of an utterly delicious novel, the denouement of which brings a new, literal meaning to the phrase "a sticky end", and which proves, indisputably, that soft centres are best. --Lisa Gee
Review
'An addictive read haunting,obsessive, and just a little nutty, like a freshly made praline.' -- Elisabeth Luard, author of Family Life 'A celebration of pleasure, of love, of tolerance.' -- Observer 'Samantha Bond is perfectly cast as Vianne: her voice is smooth and luxurious. But Gareth Armstrong steals the show as the priest who turns increasingly to his faith and in so doing loses touch with reality.' -- Observer
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A delicious, indulgent read,
By
This review is from: Chocolat (Paperback)
In this novel Harris captures a certain magic that compels you to read on and discover the secrets within. Set in a small French village, Chocolat tells the tale of Vianne Rocher- a pagan, single mother who sets up a chocolate shop in a mainly god-fearing town on the eve of the Christian celebration of Lent. As the novel unfolds and the townsfolk one-by-one give in to the allure of Vianne's famous chocolates and drinks we hear their life stories and really get a clear image of their character and hidden selves. Showing the struggle between religion and ingulging your desires this is a truly captivating read.
The characters all seem to have a true-to-life element about them and are completely believable. The only dissapointing part of this book for me was the end which was a little too abrupt for my liking. It is well worth a read, but save it for when you have a large space of time free as it will completely enthrall you in all it's twists and turns.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Original and captivating,
By A Customer
This review is from: Chocolat (Paperback)
The great originality of this novel lies in its narrative. I had never read a story in which two characters strongly opposing each other,like Vianne Rocher and M.Le Cure, have the power to hold the narration, giving us the opportunity to judge both unbiasedly within the light of their own consciousness.The character-building is fantastic and I loved Armande. She is witty, magic and her bitter-sweetness(not only of her strong liking for chocolate) captivates us. I was enchanted by the hearty birthday party banquet prepared for her. If you read this book you know what I mean.My only criticism is that of the mystery about M.Le Cure,which Viane is to find out is A bit in the air. It has left me frustrated as the plot-building was intriguing but dies down in the end. Too open-ended in my opinion,maybe.However, I strongly recommend it. You wont want to put this book down if this type of reading is your cup of tea, or chocolate. Full of simple messages like _ the little things you do in life are ,or can be, magic when enjoyable_ makes this book a must-read!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautifully descriptive,
By suepumff@btopenworld.com (England) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Chocolat (Paperback)
I thoroughly enjoyed this. It was beautifully written, giving an accurate description of french village life. You could almost taste the chocolates yourself and felt you knew the characters. I have read 'Blackberry Wine' and 'Five Quarters of the Orange' and am looking forward to 'Coastliners'. Joanne Harris has taken me into France again after many holidays there, including the food and wine!
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