knitreadkate 's review for:

The Chocolate Factory by Mary-Lou Stephens

3.75

adventurous lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

---

1920s Tasmania, scandals and the culture of Cadbury's chocolate factory.

Cosy read with a wholesome ending.

I almost quit the book at 50 pages in. I found it so boring, overly descriptive and every thought or detail overly explained. It was a slow burn for the first 150 pages and felt like words on a page. 

I'm glad I stuck it out, after the slow start, the plot kicked off and the read was more enjoyable, immersive and I was invested in the characters.

Be warned, very slow start but I think it's worth it.

The Sarah character bugged me. She reminded me of Donna from the TV show SUITS. How can she possible know everything?

I feel let down with the other Bourneville women who journeyed across to Tasmania. I think there could have been more with Ida, Lizzie, Margaret and Esme. I felt like there could have been more character development.

I did love the wholesome ending.

I t was eye opening to learn so much about the Cadbury culture, Quakerism and the societal values and culture compared to life today.