Even before it was adapted into the Oscar-nominated film starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp, Joanne Harris’ New York Times bestselling novel Chocolat entranced readers with its mix of hedonism, whimsy, and, of course, chocolate.In tiny Lansquenet, where nothing much has changed in a hundred years, beautiful newcomer Vianne Rocher and her exquisite chocolate shop arrive and instantly begin … shop arrive and instantly begin to play havoc with Lenten vows. Each box of luscious bonbons comes with a free gift: Vianne’s uncanny perception of its buyer’s private discontents and a clever, caring cure for them. Is she a witch? Soon the parish no longer cares, as it abandons itself to temptation, happiness, and a dramatic face-off between Easter solemnity and the pagan gaiety of a chocolate festival. Chocolat’s every page offers a description of chocolate to melt in the mouths of chocoholics, francophiles, armchair gourmets, cookbook readers, and lovers of passion everywhere. It’s a must for anyone who craves an escapist read, and is a bewitching gift for any holiday.
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I have read this book several times. The characters are realistic and believable. One of my favorite books.
charming
Loved the story telling, starting over is not easy and this was a lovely story of someone sharing their strengths to help others.
A classic, fun characters
I loved her description of the characters but sometimes the monologue of the priest were a little too much. I enjoyed the other characters, but the self-righteousness of the priest really got old after pages and pages.
Enjoyed it nice read on a trip
One of my favorite books. This well written story captured me and as I read the last page I sighed with disappointment that I had to leave these characters and their story.
Loved this! Such a great story and, to me, it was an original love story.
I read this book because I liked the movie. I was disappointed when I came to the end, so I guess I should read another of the author’s books.
loved it. fabulous read.
It was a good read.
The author gives the main character the ability to change customer’s lives with her chocolate. Just that idea is great but the character also builds a following with her customers who need her as much as she needs them. Great book, I read it as fast as I could to see what would happen next.
I enjoyed the story.
Greatly detailed and loveable characters. The book is much better than the movie.
Great characters that define what it means to be a good person, a contributing member of the community with empathy for their neighbors.
Loved the magical story, the wonderful setting, and the interesting characters.