Chocolat by Joanne Harris (Book Review)

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Already a best seller, this French fairytale of a story will have your tastebuds itching to have some 'Chocolat', while you read along with Vianne and the tests and trials she encounters as she starts her new life in a very traditional and religious village.

Travelling is Vianne's oxygen and Lansquenet-Sous-Tannes is her and her daughter, Anouk's, next stop. Having a passion for food, she opens a chocolateire and uses her unique creativity to conjure up recipes that are too mouth watering to read without enjoying a mug of hot chocolate. Most people would find this exciting, however the author (Joanne Harris) has introduced religion as one of the main theme's in this story and it shows the values the Catholic community, particularly the priest Reynaud, has against a sweet treat knocking on their doorstep, especially as it is lent. Although they are against change, curiosity takes over and the people of this village want to see what Vianne, as an atheist, has in store at her chocolateire. Perhaps the magic that she holds in knowing what they would like intrigues them "like a fortune teller reading palms". Can Vianne and her mystical ways bring a freer atmosphere to this community, such as planning an 'Easter Chocolate Festival' - on a Sunday - or will Reynaud and his plans get the best of her?

As well as touching on religion, this book features other aspects that people can relate to. For instance we explore the daunting trial of an abusive relationship, between Josephine and Paul-Marie Muscat. And included are the insecurities people face, such as their difference or exclusion and their need for guidance. There are unexpected visitors and Roux and his travellers are shunned by the villagers, and this leads to an unexpected incident. Furthermore, it shows two very different characters can have something in common, Vianne and Reynaud both lust after guidance from her late mother and his worshipper, God. These figures cast a shadow over them, taking hold of their every move, but will they find the courage to break free? We further explore the challenging relationships of another family, as the old town and its rebellious witch Armande and her uptight, controlling daughter Caroline, forbid Caroline's son, Luc, from seeing his grandmother.

Secrets, whispers and dreams are what you can find in this chocolateire as the community slowly starts to unveil itself. Beautifully and poetically written, you will not want to miss out on this mouth watering, chocolately read!

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