Chocolat (novel)

JoanneHarris Chocolat

Chocolat
Author	Joanne Harris
Language	English
Publisher	Doubleday
ISBN	978-0-385-40939-2
Pages	320

Chocolat is a novel by Joanne Harris that was first published in 1999. The story is set in the small French village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes and revolves around the arrival of Vianne Rocher, a woman who opens a chocolaterie during Lent, a time of fasting and self-denial in the Christian calendar.

Plot Summary

The novel begins with Vianne Rocher and her young daughter, Anouk, arriving in Lansquenet-sous-Tannes. Vianne opens a chocolaterie, La Céleste Praline, which quickly becomes a focal point for the village. Her confections seem to have almost magical properties, bringing comfort and joy to the villagers.

However, Vianne's presence and her shop are met with resistance from the local priest, Father Reynaud, who views her as a threat to the town's moral fabric. The novel explores themes of tolerance, community, and the conflict between tradition and change.

Characters

• Vianne Rocher: The protagonist, a free-spirited woman with a talent for making chocolate.
• Anouk Rocher: Vianne's imaginative young daughter.
• Father Reynaud: The village priest who opposes Vianne's chocolaterie.
• Armande Voizin: An elderly woman who becomes one of Vianne's closest friends.
• Josephine Muscat: A woman who finds the courage to leave her abusive husband with Vianne's help.
• Roux: A river gypsy who becomes Vianne's love interest.

Themes

• Conflict between Tradition and Change: The novel explores the tension between the conservative values of the village and the new ideas brought by Vianne.
• Tolerance and Acceptance: It highlights the importance of accepting differences and embracing diversity.
• Community and Isolation: The story examines how individuals can feel isolated within a community and the ways in which they can find connection.

Adaptations

The novel was adapted into a successful film in 2000, directed by Lasse Hallström and starring Juliette Binoche, Judi Dench, and Johnny Depp. The film received several Academy Award nominations.

Related Pages

• Joanne Harris
• Lent
• Chocolaterie
• Fiction
• Doubleday (publisher)