Chocolat: A Novel (A Vianne Rocher Novel)

Chocolat - by Joanne Harris Here is a book filled with magic and smells and tastes that had me craving chocolate and sweets the entire time I was reading it! Chocolat is the story of an unmarried woman, Vianne Rocher, her 6-year-old daughter Anouk, and their impact on a small French town called Lansquenet. Lansquenet is a very Catholic place, and the townspeople (parishioners) are very structured in the way they lead their lives. Church on Sunday, abstinence during Lent - only a handful dares to disobey these traditions. Vianne comes to town with a mission - to show these people how to live and love and enjoy life to the fullest. Enter Pere Reynaud. He's the head of the local church, the shepherd for his sheep of followers. He hides behind the cloth and believes that what he preaches is for the good of the church and in the name of God. However, a lot of hate and prejudice underlies what he preaches in the chapel. He instantly sees Vianne as the enemy (her being unmarried has Reynaud labeling her from the start). Vianne, with her instincts and sixth sense, sees all this, and decides to help the town overcome Reynaud's unhealthy grip on their lives. She soon opens up a chocolate shop in the middle of Lent, shocking the townspeople and Reynaud especially, but soon she wins many of the townspeople over. We are introduced to many interesting characters, all of whom become Vianne's friends and supporters, including Roux, a rough-looking vagrant gypsy, and Armande an older woman with the spirit of a younger one. The book heads towards a climax with the announcement of a Chocolate festival at Easter. At first the town splits into factions, and the reader is left to guess who will win - Pere Reynaud, or Vianne Rocher. Told in the viewpoints of two narrators, Vianne and Pere Reynaud, the reader learns slowly of Pere's darkest secrets and Vianne's deepest fears. Pere's narration is told as he "speaks" to an older priest and apparent confidante, confiding in him his doubts and sinful feelings, revealing secrets that are probably left untold. Through Vianne's narration, we learn of her past and the reasons why she fears Pere Reynaud so much. I highly recommend Chocolat for its imagery and beautiful writing. I consider it light reading despite some of its heavier themes, but all in all, a great summer read.

I throughly enjoyed reading this addictive chocolate story about a mysterious woman and her young daughter who arrive in a small French town on the tail end of a carnival, turning the town and the people in it completely upside down. There's a little bit of magic, a hint of witchcraft, some riverboat gypsies, and a large dose of humanity! The book is different from the movie version. It's better, although I enjoyed the movie as well. However, there's a lot more secrets and deception hidden in the shadows of this quaint little Christian town than first meets the eye. While the story may appear to be about good and evil, outsiders and towns folk, sinners and saints, it's first and foremost a story about how people are more alike than different. Everyone has a story behind their mask, hidden pain we don't see, if only we can open our eyes and see each other with understanding. Plus an author who can make your tastebuds yearn for a mouthful of chocolate from her tantilzing descriptions, has definitely done her job!! Within this chocolate covered story lies a deeper message about being judgmental and forgiveness. How even the most seemingly righteous among us, still suffer from past imperfections. It's a story about loving one another for who we are, letting go of the past, excepting that people make mistakes, children grow up, and loved ones pass away. Its a beautiful message about facing your fears, discovering who you are, and finding where you belong. It's a story about celebrating life! Read it with a piece of your favorite decadent chocolate for some heartfelt moments of kindness and brotherly love!! "I sell dreams, small comforts, sweet harmless temptations." —Joanne Harris, Chocolat "There is a kind of sorcery in all cooking; in the choosing of ingredients, the process of mixing, grating, melting, infusing and flavoring the recipes." —Joanne Harris, Chocolat "I don't think there is such a thing as a good or bad Christian. ... Only good or bad people." —Joanne Harris, Chocolat "Life is what you celebrate. All of it. Even it's end." —Joanne Harris, Chocolat

I don't even know why I'm bothering to review this book when my comments will only add to the symphony of praise here! I first saw the movie before learning there was a book; now I love both. Chocolat is especially fascinating because it treads a fine border between magic and the mundane. In Harry Potter, there, too, is a boundary between "magic" and "normal," but the boundary is much more distinct. You're either a "muggle" or you're not. In Lord of the Rings, the whole world is, well, another world; although it may share similarities to our world, it is still Middle Earth--not OUR Earth. Chocolat is set in our world; Vianne, her daughter, and the people she meets in the quaint French village are relatively 'normal' people in that they don't use magic wands, fight with epic swords, cross parallel universes, or what have you. Yet even so, there is something magical about the way Vianne creates her chocolate and, in the process, affects the lives of everyone in the village. Although the story mentions "magical" artifacts like tarot cards, it never really asserts what should be believed or what is real/magical and what isn't. You're left wondering, does Vianne really have some supernatural powers that allow her to, say, divine the desires of others? To read her future in the cards? Or is it more the nearly-supernatural power of great intuition? Are you born with magic, or can you learn to acquire it through a more open-minded, insightful perspective on life? This is what I love about the book most--not to mention Joanne Harris's writing voice makes the story a delight to read and easily a page-turner. Chocolat makes you look for the everyday magic in your own life, and we could all use a little magic...

Chocolat is speaking straight to my inner rebel, often going toe to toe with the establishment? The main character, a free-spirited woman with magical qualities, Vivian Rocher, opens up a chocolate boutique right across from a church, because what's Lent without a little temptation? The Priest is not happy and starts a 'Church not Chocolate' campaign, which is just a fancy way of saying 'we're not getting our way.' The story has humor, insight and a whole lot of kindred spirits, making me want to eat more chocolate, because, priorities

"Chocolat" is one of those books I read after seeing the movie several years ago. As such, I knew the general premise of the story and major characters, but there were a few twists and of course more detail in the book. This story hints at, but never really explains several things like the changing wind, whether Vianne is a witch, why she must always be moving, etc. All of these elements come up in the story, but the reader is left to decide what it all means in relationship to Vianne, her past, her present, and her future. One part of the story is Vianne, and her dead mother's, fight against the church, which is portrayed as "The Black Man". I think it is unfortunate that both of them seem to be constantly running into bad, hypocritical Christian examples, which seems to forever shut them off from any good a church might do. While I don't agree with Vianne's life choices, I can understand her motivations. I don't recall a time frame for the book, but it seemed to be fairly modern due to the use of radios, mention of electric mixers, houseboats with engines, etc.; however, those elements seemed a bit out-of-place compared to the closed-minded nature of the people and priest Vianne encountered. It seemed like the story would have worked better for me if it were set in a bygone era when folks weren't as receptive to an unwed mother. Overall, I enjoyed the book, and my mouth was watering as the author described so many yummy chocolate treats! It was a fun story that bogged down at times in the middle, but a worthwhile read.

When I was a little girl, my mother took me to Brussels. Before then, I had only known factory made American chocolate and while a Hershey bar is good in a pinch, for halloween, or to reminisce, it's really not...chocolate. In Brussels, I was introduced to chocolate. Real chocolate. The kind that is broken down and made by hand from scratch and love - and, not just love of serving people but love of chocolate. Every morsel of chocolate I devoured was a sensation; life changing. And, I was hooked. I caught myself wanting to spend more time in the kitchen with Vianne, wanting to learn her secrets to chocolate. Many people don't realize how beautiful and emotional chocolate is until they have experienced fine chocolates; chocolates that have been made by hand, not a machine. This book does a great job at describing the complete satiety that comes from good, hand made chocolate. The comfort, the fulfillment, the happiness, and gratification that comes from chocolate. It's all there, in this book...ready to be devoured! The characters are well developed and the storyline is well done. I don't find that the chapters jump around too much - although I did have to catch myself a couple times when I realized I was reading as the priest. I really enjoyed this book. The descriptions of chocolates will make your mouth water and will make you set out on an excursion to find fine chocolates...or maybe that was just me?

I enjoyed the movie so took a chance the book would be as good. So happy I did! I secured my bicycle for the train ride home (late train so it is stuffed so I hang my bike up and sit on my Panniers)and settled to see if the book Chocolat is as good as the movie. I train my ears to buzz me at the Rainier Station (gives me time to close the Kindle, pack the bike before my stop). So I hear "next stop Rainier...." So I look up and see a huge cop entering and I now have THREE COPS surrounding me --- all I could think of was (poor guys) I actually raised both hands in the air and said "it's OK, it's just a Kindle" The biggest one asked if I had a ticket (why do I have to be technical?) I said "will no" the other 2 move closer "I have a pass" and I then need to remove my gloves, remove my over coat to unzip the pocket with the card in it. Beep all is good. 3 sets of eyes @@ I leaned over and asked the guy next to me how long the guards were standing there. He said when the 1st guard came around and saw me 'hiding' he called for the 2nd guard and then asked twice. When I continued to ignore them (duh like in READING) they waited for the 3rd guard. He then asked me what book I was reading because it must be good. In short -- yes the book is as good as the movie!

I am looking at a Penquin Books edition which has a different cover than the one illustrated (and more connected to the story). Having visited the French Village of Lansquenet in the author's later novel, "Blackberry Wine," I decided to step back in time to her first novel, also set in Lansquenet. The novel covers a relatively short time period, from Shrove Tuesday to Easter. A stranger has arrived in town while a local parade is in progress on this last day before Lent (OK, so the heathens in the US call it Fat Tuesday). She gives her name as Vianne Rocher and is accompanied by her daughter, Anouk, and her daughter's invisible rabbit Pantoufle, who some people can sometimes see. Vianne decides to stay, at least for a while, and turns an abandoned bakery into a chocolat shop, La Celeste Praline. She opens during lent, tempting people with gourmet selections, and has an unusual knack for knowing what individuals like as their favorites. She also has some other special magic. Vianne immediately finds herself in contention with Francis Reynaud, cure of the parish. They both have secrets in their pasts that they keep hidden. She views Reynaud as the Black Man, and he views her as an evil influence on the village. An assortment of local characters are introduced. Some become allies of Vianne, and some align themselves with Reynaud. And there are the "gypsies," people who live on houseboats on the river and move about from town to town. Vianne has the ability to win over people's minds with chocolat, but there are evil influences at work. The white hats win in the end, and the village is left a somewhat different place. Vianne, who grew up with her mother as a wanderer from town to town and country to country, considers moving on to another town. This is a well written novel, alternating chapters between Vianne and the curate Reynaud. The chocolat can, perhaps, be viewed as white magic opposing the dark side represented by Reynaud.

Produto, prazo e condições de entrega atenderam minha expectativa.

Chocolat is such an entrancing, sensual read. The descriptions of food, Parisian village life and the characters are so richly drawn that you will feel as if you are right there and part of the experience. Vianne Rocher and her daughter Anouk blow into the small village of Lansquenet and promptly set up a chocolatier directly opposite the Church. What's more it is Lent and she opens on a Sunday! Monsier Reynaud, the parish priest, can scarcely believe her audacity. He simply does not understand and believes a quiet word will quickly sort out the issue. But Vianne knows her mind and will not be swayed. Harris alternates the narrative between these two strong-willed protagonists clearly providing us with their starkly contrasting approach to life. Vianne is a vivacious, tolerant, and intuitively loving free-spirit. Reynaud is a guilt ridden, rancorous dogmatic who rules the village, sometimes employing questionable means. And so we are bought to the central premise: what constitutes Christian behaviour? Secondary to this, Harris asks us to question Vianne's `gift'. Does she employ magic to bewitch the townsfolk? Or is the `magic' simply Vianne's generous loving nature that beguiles them (and us), inspiring and supporting change? The book is slow to start but just like the townsfolk entering Vianne's chocolatier, we see the promise and come under the books hypnotic charms. And just one more point - the book is infinitely better than the movie! Enjoy and savour (with a chocolate or two......)!

What a fascinating story of the bewitching Vianne Rocher and her chocolaterie. Reading each chapter felt like tasting a mouthwatering chocolate with names mentioned in the book. Vianne gives us hope that humanity so much needs

Wonderful story, beautifully written. A real treat. Harris's bicultural background makes this into an unforgettable read. Thank goodness there are more!

The wind blew in the direction of the tiny french village of Lansquenent-Sous-Tannes on the 11th February, Shrove Tuesday. The village carnival was in full swing ready for lent. Vianne Rocher and her daughter Anouk (thats what they were calling themselves this time), along with Anouk's imaginary rabbit friend Pantoufle, arrived to join in the celebrations. The village was so small that if you blinked you could miss it. It was located somewhere between Toulouse and Bordeaux. In the heart of the village stood the bright whitewashed building of the village church, Saint Jérôme. The church priest was Father Francis Reynaud. Anouk desperately wanted to stay in the village and Vianne gave in to her demand. She leased the old empty bakery facing the church, which would become `La Céleste Praline' chocolate boutique. Vianne made all the chocolates for her boutique by hand, with a special something added. With the ability to know the desires and secrets of the towns folk and the knowledge of which chocolates would be her customers favourite before they did, some might of called her a witch. Opening a chocolate shop at the start of lent gave Monsieur Reynaud enough evidence to deem Vianne and her daughter evil. He didn't like outsiders coming to his village and especially those that didn't attend church. Reynaud decided that he wanted her gone from his town, in fact he didn't just want her gone but needed her to go. If it meant using underhand tactics to drive her out of the village then so be it, and he had lots of loyal parishioners who would help him. He didn't however expect Vianne to fight back. A fight between good and evil was fought, but which side was evil really standing on? Review Joanne has managed to create a novel that doesn't feel right being placed in one particularly genre. The book is very thought provoking and you not only get to read the battle between Vianne and Reynaud, but also get to feel the tension that is created in the book between Christianity and Paganism. Vianne is a mysterious woman, with an air of magic surrounding her. Her love for others shines right off the page and you get the sense that she is running from something and that she and Anouk move from place to place. She never opens up fully to anyone about who she is and where they have come from. The book is captivating and unique. It draws you right in to the heart of the story and into the tiny French village with its vivid scenery, colours, smells and even the taste of the chocolates that Vianne makes. There are a lot of diverse characters throughout the book, each with their own personal story to tell. The narrative is told from both Vianne and Reynaud's opposing views, which gives you an insight in to each side of their story. Monsieur Reynard is a man of the church, but his actions are anything but holy. He comes across as this bitter, resentful man, stuck in a time warp and not allowing the village to move with the times. He is one character that I really detest. This was the first book by Joanne Harris that I had read and it had me gripped firmly to the pages and truly had me absorbed in every detail of the plot. I could feel Vianne's warmness towards others, even those who opposed her. She is a wonderfully created character, and different from most protagonists. A truly remarkable book that I have had the honour of reading more than once.