Reviews

Chocolat by Joanne Harris

charlote_1347's review against another edition

4.0

Before I start the real review, I feel it's only fair to say that I read most of this novel alongside 'Pamela', and I devoted most of my attention to the latter. Not to say that was right or fair of me of course, but it is what it is. 'Chocolat' was a visceral read. A beautifully written one. Some of the language employed by Harris left me salivating (and I'm not the biggest fan of chocolate). Her writing style is something to be admired certainly, and I don't recall having come across its like before. I am eager to try some of her other work, if only for more of her imagery. A review I read of this novel before I started it described the work (loosely) as an interpretation of the tug-of-war between the Church and temptation/sin/decadence, but allowed that it explores much deeper themes of childhood loss, innocence and free will. One hundred per cent, I agree. I admired the way Harris allowed her characters the power to change their lives, but only of their own volition. She did not, like some authors, impose her will on the book at all. It felt organic and honest, free to pursue its own purpose and impose its own morals on the reader. The only reason I did not grant this novel five stars, and it is a superficial and personal reason, is because it didn't have that spark of romance and passion that I look for and yearn for in everything I read. I didn't get excited about the characters and their relationships. I was awed, saddened, angered and impressed with their hopes, dreams, temptations and sacrifices but I never dived into the book, desperate to turn its pages. If a book doesn't draw that reaction from me, I can't in good conscience give it the highest rating, even if I can find no other fault with it.

shimmery's review against another edition

4.0

I really like Joanne Harris’s writing style, I do wish I hadn’t seen the film first as the story in that does stick very closely to the book but it was enjoyable to read all the same and I’d be interested to read the other books in the series.

havenokay's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted reflective slow-paced

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

2.5

amyableamy's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

jgresh's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

ladygodivas's review against another edition

4.0

what a great read! i was reading this book at the same time as the hunchback of notre dame and was surprised at how many similarities there were.
it's amazing how food was described by the author. the writing was smooth as hot chocolate.
i have not seen the film but i will soon.
i'll be adding this to my list of comfort reads.

kellygoesgeocaching's review against another edition

4.0

Lovely is the best word I can find for Chocolat. It was an easy read and had subtle changes in the plot to that of the movie which were, I think, nicer. I especially enjoyed the ending of the book more than the movie.

mena_bh's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

rightingale's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

susandelgado's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25