Chocolat and Chocolate Bonbons

Who knew that one bite of chocolate could create so much magic?  Vianne Rocher and her daughter Anouk know this to be true.  That’s why she opens up her chocolate shop/café in the small sleepy town called Lansquenet. These two seem to come out of nowhere and no one knows where they are from but the people can not help but be intrigued by these two.  Especially when they bring chocolate into their lives.  So, what kind of excitement can you expect?  Here is the scoop…from Joanne Harris’ “Chocolat.”

mmmm…chocolat

The Story

A magical tale about a free-spirited, nomadic single mother who has the incredible gift of bringing joy and happiness to those who taste one of her tantalizing chocolates.  We see her arrive with her young daughter Anouk to a small town where nothing seems to happen and everything is quiet.  This is how Father Reynaud likes it and has every intention of keeping it that way. As soon as he sees this exotic stranger, the “good” father sees her as an instant threat. 

She has the gall to open up a chocolate shop right across the street from the church just in time for lent (a sacred time in which people must deny themselves of certain pleasures).  An instantaneous enemy to everything he stands for, Reynaud swears that he will drive this chocolate-creating witch out of town.  Little does he know that it is not going to be easy.

Slowly, but surely Vianne starts winning over the people’s love with her kindness, open-mindedness, and vivacious energy.  Not to mention, the magic of her chocolates unleashes the normally strait-laced town folk’s inhibitions and happiness.  Suffice to say, she is an absolute delight.  The war between the church and chocolate is at hand but who will win in the end?  One must read the book to find out.

My Review

I love a story where there is magic in my favourite food; chocolate.  This book is no exception and is a must read for sure.  The characters of this story are amazing.  Vianne is such a compassionate, empathic character who brings a lot of happiness not only by making them the most fabulous chocolates that they ever had but by actually listening to their problems like any friend would.  She lives the life of a gypsy artist but truly all she wants is a place where she and her daughter can belong.  

Unfortunately, thanks to Father Reynaud who is clearly the villain of the piece is hellbent on getting rid of Vianne.  He is certainly a complex character.  Sure, he has proven to be a cold, manipulative sort of person but at times he shows a concern for other people and does not want anyone to be badly hurt.

 The storyline of this book is absolutely wonderful.  I really enjoyed reading about how certain chocolates are aphrodisiacs or that hot chocolate is a comforter as well as a confidence booster.  Just reading this and learning about what certain chocolates do makes you want to put them to the test and see if it is true.  I can’t say if it is or not but I am sure not sorry for taking this on culinary adventure. 

This book tends to read like a fairytale with its beautiful imagery and writing to match.  The descriptions of the French countryside, events leading up to Easter, and the interactions between the characters make you believe that you are witnessing everything that is going on.  A must read for sure.

 The only bad thing about this book is that it had to end.  They all do but this one just feels like it hurts just a bit.  Oh well, it just means we have to read more of Joanne Harris’ books.

Which is which? Oh! Who cares? Gimme!

The Pairings

Nothing says, “Chocolat” better than chocolate bonbons.  Each one is unique and unexpected just like this book.  I am not talking about any old box of chocolates that you get at the grocery store but at your own local chocolate shop that specializes in it.  When you pick up a box from there you get a flavourful surprise and a bite of magic.  They are made with love, just live Vianne’s.  What could be better than pairing a book about chocolate with chocolate?

There is no wine with this because chocolate needs no accompaniment. 

The Rating/Final Thoughts

10/10

Any book that has magic based on kindness, love, and chocolate is a surefire 10/10 for me.  Who knew that the best cure for boredom, low self-esteem, and general sadness is the best treat in the world?  I guess that means I will keep nibbling on bonbons and reading books.  I mean I always did but now I have a good excuse.  And so do the rest of us! 

Perfect springtime pairing!