Chocolat (novel)

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

JoanneHarris Chocolat
Chocolat
AuthorJoanne Harris
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
GenreFiction
PublisherDoubleday
Publication date
1999
Media typePrint (Hardcover and Paperback)
Pages320
ISBN978-0-385-40939-2

 Parameter error in {{ ISBN}}

Invalid ISBN.


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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

  • 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[edit | edit source]

  • 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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Categories[edit | edit source]

Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD