Story/ summary
Vianne Rocher is an independent women with a touch of magic about her. She and her daughter arrive in a new town, Lansquenet-sous-Tannes from a nomadic life, and somehow Vianne begins to leave her impression on this new place. Opening a chocolate shop, she provides herself not only with a purpose here, but also a way to connect with the people. The priest, Reynaud, dislikes this threat to his power over his people and sets about in an attempt to expose her moral corruption. The story plays out as Vianne earns the respect of the people around, challenging their existing ideas of community, love and happiness.
Review
I loved the focus on the leading female in this book. The exploration of a maternal bond is beautiful, and the way in which Vianne is presented as independent and strong-minded, but not in a way so as to appear confrontational is really significant. I found the seemingly innocent symbol of the chocolates such a lovely and engaging way to explore themes of human emotion which many other books often play around with too much, forgetting the real meanings behind them. Somehow it even illustrates darker storylines without it becoming unpleasant – they work more to make you consider things differently. This is a book which is both comforting to read and thought provoking.
Verdict
**** (is anything perfect?)
Most memorable quote
‘I could do with a bit more excess. From now on I’m going to be immoderate – and volatile – I shall enjoy loud music and lurid poetry. I shall be rampant.’
If you liked this book, you might also like…
The Trouble with Sheep and Goats by Joanna Cannon – both books are very different, but there is a very similar simplicity in their explorations of human emotion and relationships.
Review by Maisie, Nottingham Girls' High School