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.
Top reviews
-
Chocolat (3 of 20 competition)
This book is just delicious and beautifully written. The story of a mother and daughter trying to make a new life for themselves in a small French town. In order for them to be accepted into the community, Vianne and Anouk must overcome resentment and prejudice from the locals. A story of love, friendship and denial, with a sprinkling of magic and of course, lots of chocolate.
Review by Alison Kwiatkowska on 14:04, 04 Apr 2008
Do you agree?
(Agreements: 0, Disagreements: 0)
What's your view?
Write a review for Chocolat
- ISBN
9780552998482
- Published
- March 2nd 2000 by Transworld Publishers Ltd
- Category
- Modern Fiction
- Number of pages
- 336
- County of origin
- UNITED KINGDOM
- Dimensions
- 198 x 129
See more products with these tags: