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raedanni's review
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
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
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.
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
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
cinnamon_and_rye's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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
4.75
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
This book reminds me of [b:The Mistress of Spices|94669|The Mistress of Spices|Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1488839181s/94669.jpg|25128285] (which, in turn, reminded me of Laura Esquivel's [b:Like Water for Chocolate|89477|Like Water for Chocolate|Laura Esquivel|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1361177544s/89477.jpg|1172473].
Viane is so calm in the face of other's pettiness, so confident. And yet, haunted by her late mother's fears, and still running from "the Black Man." Reynaud is so damnably, arrogantly righteous. And yet I derive no happiness or satisfaction from his end.
Just a delicious book.
Viane is so calm in the face of other's pettiness, so confident. And yet, haunted by her late mother's fears, and still running from "the Black Man." Reynaud is so damnably, arrogantly righteous. And yet I derive no happiness or satisfaction from his end.
Just a delicious book.
wildes_efeu's review against another edition
3.0
Ich kannte den Film vor dem Buch und bin deswegen mit den Filmerwartung an dieses Buch gegangen. Aber wie so oft ist die Geschichte in einigen Einzelheiten verändert worden, sodass die Geschichte sich als Film verkauft.
Ich habe dieses Buch trotzdem geliebt und die Zeit mit ihm genossen. Ich kann es jedem Träumer ans Herz legen es zu lesen <3
Ich habe dieses Buch trotzdem geliebt und die Zeit mit ihm genossen. Ich kann es jedem Träumer ans Herz legen es zu lesen <3
paperbacklyds's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
wishfulfillment's review against another edition
3.0
I feel like this book had a lot of elements I enjoy, but the author didn't seem to execute them to their fullest potential. I felt like I was reading the shallow version of what I actually wanted to read. That being said, I still enjoyed the elements I got to see. I cared about the characters, I thought the antagonist brought significant entertainment and thought-provocation. I especially enjoyed any moments where there were deeper meanings to the narrative. But I did end up feeling disappointed throughout and by the end.