Rating: 
Summary: It Just Didn't Ring True
Review: I found the characters and especially the setting in this book just did not ring true. As a resisdent of a small French village in the Luberon, I think Harris's book seems far more English than French. My advice to her would be to stick to writing what she knows...England!
Rating:
Summary: IT'S A SHAME
Review: It's a shame when a bad book like this earns undeserved praise and attention and other, better-written books are virtually ignored. The basic idea of Chocolat (good versus evil) is always interesting, even if a bit overdone, but Harris's execution of that idea leaves more than a little to be desired. Vianne Rocher, a mysterious new arrival in the small southwestern French village of Lansquenet, is far to vague to be "good," and Father Reynaud, the village priest, and the author's representation of evil, is really only a tormented soul, one to pity rather than hate. The battle between Vianne and Reynaud is completely lacking in tension and momentum and the story soon becomes nothing more than an extensive exercise in extreme boredom. The other characters are just as poorly developed and actually come off as cliches. Armande, who could have been delightful, under the guidance of a more talented author, was reduced by Harris to a caricature of an elderly, stubborn, persnickety old woman, used to getting her own way. While she could have been lovable, had she said, "Whee," one more time, even I would have felt like punching her in the face, eighty-one years old notwithstanding. The character of Josephine was so overly-melodramatic she was nothing more than silly and earned my contempt rather than my pity. Much of the book is vague. The author seems to delight in being coy with us and coyness in the service of plot or characterization is never good. Another thing that I found jarring was the fact that Harris constantly switched from present to past tense with no rhyme or reason. Other, better and more experienced writers, make a choice, so should Harris. It could only serve to improve her prose and she does need to improve it. Harris leads us on a merry goose chase, making us believe there will be a huge, climactic showdown between the Church, as personified by Reynaud, and a pagan Festival of Chocolate, as personified by Vianne. However, all this buildup only leads to one huge letdown, as Reynaud simply caves in and the chocolate festival is barely mentioned. Finally, as a 100% Frenchwoman, myself, with a home in a small French village, I found the scenes of French village life to be 95% inaccurate. I got absolutely no sense of "Frenchness" from this book at all and found it totally lacking in atmosphere. It is a shame this book made it past an editor, much less to publication. Chocolat will leave a bitter taste in my mouth for the short time I care to remember it.
Rating: 
Summary: What an huge difference we all can make......
Review: This beautifully written book shows that however ordinary our lives may seem, we all make an huge difference in those around us. A simple theme of kindness and compassion winning over disdain and and selfpity is beautifully told as the mouth watering aroma of chocolate seems to spill from the pages. This is a definate "must read" and "read again"!
Rating: 
Summary: I wanted to love this novel but...
Review: I found this book simplistic, naive, and heavy-handed. It would have been better with more complex and ambiguous characters.
Rating: 
Summary: A Sweet Treat
Review: I don't think it would be possible to speak about this luscious morsel of a book without breaking into confectionary prose. I found the dual narrative of the agitated and judgmental Reynaud and the tranquil and accepting Vianne both effective and delicious and the author's ability to evoke the smells and textures of the chocolate shop mouthwatering. Despite its fairy tale quality, Chocolat is very much grounded with themes -- confronting personal demons, living in an unaccepting society, the consequences of unpopular choices -- that affect us all. I'm pleased that Ms. Harris's next novel is to include the same supporting cast of villagers. While many are peripheral to the main plot, the author has developed their characters so well that I'm glad I'll have the chance to learn more about them --and satisfy my senses at the same time!
Rating:
Summary: Savoured in One Sitting
Review: A book that was an absolute delight and one which I admit I devoured in a single sitting...much as I could the confectionry forming the base for the book. It was wonderful to see the small village and its people without the "tourist guide" feeling to it. I allowed you to forget you the place and concentrate on the rich characters and their well developed conflicts and experiences.Human experience and a commentry on life tied together in a rich warm chocolate web. One thing...Give us more. I would love to see more of this village and the people.
Rating:
Summary: What a delightful book!
Review: When I bought this book last month, Lent had just begun and I found it was the perfect time to read this lovely little book!The story takes place between Ash Wednesday and Easter and delightfully portrays true kindness and charity by using the symbolism surrounding the sweetness and comfort of chocolate. The local priest and his "groupies" distrust the new young woman who has come to their sleepy town and opened the small, warm, inviting chocolate shop just acros from his church. Chocolate represents for them decadence and evil - where for the townsfolk, it opens their eyes to lifes' joy they have been missing. As Easter - and a Chocolate Festival - approach, the "penitent" feel they must stop the festival - but we find that the forty days of Lent have taught this little town the true meanings of Christianity. Wonderfully seen from two points of view - one accepting and open, the other skeptical and closed-minded, the books' characters blossom as they stop in at the little chocolate shop. It's a story of winter turning to spring, of distrust turning to trust, of good triumphing over evil - and of chocolate delights so well-described you can taste them!
Rating:
Summary: I Loved It!
Review: This book is excellent! I read it on a flight back from Europe, and it had me captivated. The story takes place in a charming French village, quiet and boring until a stranger come to town and opens a colorful chocolaterie. The incredible descriptions of her confections will have your mouth watering! I highly recommend this book if you enjoyed "Like Water for Chocolate" and the films "Eat, Drink, Man, Woman" and "Simply Irresistible".
Rating:
Summary: Delicious!
Review: An absolutely delicious book! I savored every page! Harris' gifts of description and insight into human motivation make this one of the most delightful books I have read in a long time. I loved the characters and wish she would give us more of Vianne and Anouk!
Rating:
Summary: Elegantly Delicious
Review: Chocolat should be an award winner! I loved the entire book, even the ending where she left you hanging. I am hoping to see more about Vianne Rocher in the future! The book is delightful and there are many twists and turns you don't expect. The lively Vianne will keep you on your toes and you'll fall in love with Anouk, Armande, and Luc. Happy Reading!
|
