Reviews

Chocolat by Joanne Harris

missyjohnson's review against another edition

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2.0

probably would really give a 2.5 stars. either this was a little disjointed or I was distracted while reading. I know that Vianne's life was disjointed so maybe J. Harris accomplished what she was trying to convey

alghesny's review against another edition

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2.0

I see how it would make a good movie, but 3 stars seem too generous. Characters felt flat and two dimensional. Plot felt forced at times and clumsy at others, but delightful and atmospheric nevertheless.

meganbyrne14's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

tashaseegmiller's review against another edition

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5.0

This is a charming book, merging complicated issues of religion, acceptance, abuse, racism, and love in a small French town and surrounding a new chocolate shop. Harris tackles topics that need to be discussed, that feel heavy on their own, and yet it's totally accessible because Vianne is charmingly, lovingly accessible. Highly recommend.

bungadinding's review against another edition

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3.0

awalnya memikat banget. sayangnya makin ke belakang makin kurang sreg sama plotnya, pendirian dan pemikiran tokoh2nya... jadi terpaksa 3 bintang saja u_u

raedanni's review against another edition

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4.0

I have to start out by saying that this book has some of the most incredible characters that I've ever read about. Vianne is just awe inspiring both as a character in a book to follow and just simply as a person in her own right. I have officially found a new idol in her. The book was fascinating for me mainly for the many amazing characters. I felt like I truly became friends with these characters and I was completely invested in their lives. I also found the religious subjects extremely thought provoking and incredibly true to life (at least in my own experience). The only huge problem that I really had was that I felt like the ending happened way too quickly and that it just was not wrapped up as well as it should have been. I realize that there are sequels but I personally do not feel the need to read these (I adore this book as a stand alone) and I just wish that I had gotten just a slight bit more closure with the side characters of the novel.

erindoublee's review against another edition

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5.0

This book was a great read for me, but this type of book is the genre I love. Chocolat was about Vianne’s coming into herself, fighting wit the constant need to run (flee, fly with the wind). She has ran her whole life and yearns to stop running, and in the meantime she inspires those around her with her spirit, love, candor, frankness, and her freeing spirit. She gives the advice she needs herself. I loved this novel.

midwifereading's review against another edition

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5.0

From the very first word of the very first line, I was captivated. This book is art. It is poetry disguised as prose. It is beautiful.

And I loved it.

Its cadence was rhythmic and flowing--whatever that means. I have a hard time writing about it, because I can only think of it in adjectives. Lilting. Moody. Exotic. Flavorful. Rich. Decadent. Red. Alive. Romantic. Complex. Melancholy. Joyful. Gritty. Sweet.

That said, I can't say I agree that the only thing worth living for is one's happiness, but the disparity between stiff, legalistic, possessive religion and living, connected, messy and worthwhile relationship is clear and correct. No, not correct. Right.

It's all about love. Without love, we are nothing. We are despairing, jealous, selfish, and we are single-minded in our quest to demand that all others be as we are.

When we know and understand Love, to its core, we come alive. We are patient, kind, rejoicing in the truth and in the delighting in the pleasure of others. We see, we hear, we feel, and we connect.

Chocolat illustrates it vividly.

I could read this over and over again.

annadixon76's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

klparmley's review against another edition

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4.0

Darker than the movie. I liked it better.