~Atalantaexcellent book , okay movie This was an enchanting tale of a mother daughter duo that was able to come into a quaint French town and transform many of the village people. This story was enticing because it showed realistic community struggles during the Lenten season which affected all the people. The details of each bonbon created are irresistable and you must have a supply of chocolate at hand while reading. Harris did a wonderful job with the portrayal of Vianne, a mother who was able to help all who came to her shop, not just to buy chocolates. This novel is all inclusive from stories of the river gypsies and the Catholic Church to the problems with sin and temptation. Chocolat is an easy read yet there are a number of characters that are well developed and have major parts throughout the entire novel. I would recommend the movie but not until you have read the book. However, there are many differences and the movie portrays the main characters in a different light.
Slowly, things in the town begin to change. Josephine Muscat leaves her abusive spouse. Guillaume comes out of his shell. The "river people" find a home and a friend in Vianne, Josephine, and Armande Voizin, the town's oldest resident. All these changes occur under the sensitive watch of Vianne.
I loved the beautiful descriptions of the town. The townfolk were richly drawn and complex. Even the villian, Reynaud, was given an opportunity to narrate and reveal the origins of his fears--making him a multi-dimensional character instead of simply the "Black Man". And I loved the idea of chocolate as a type of magical elixir (I've always known that it was!).
This is the second book I've read by Joanne Harris, the first being "Five Quarters of the Orange". Both were excellent, but "Chocolat" is softer, sweeter, while still tackling serious subjects in a generous and kind-hearted manner. This is a beautiful tale of penance and redemption, of the foolishness of self-deprivation, and about chocolate as the root of all good. Highly recommended.