A review by charlote_1347
Chocolat by Joanne Harris

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.