Review; Chocolat by Joanne Harris
With Foodie Read Challenge in mind, I ended up reading Chocolat by Joanne Harris and now comes my review of the novel.
Description From Goodreads
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.
" 'I believe that being happy is the only important thing', I told him at last.
Happiness. Simple as a glass of chocolate or tortuous as the heart. Bitter. Sweet. Alive."
My Thoughts On The Book
Chocolat is a really sweet and heartwarming book and it touches upon several themes, like tolerance, letting go/moving on and classism. The "bad" thing about it, is that there is a fair chance you might end up craving chocolate while reading it.
By the way, here's a trailer for the movie adaption.
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