4/24/08

Between the Covers

Free spirits indulge in "Chocolat"

by Mary Burns

Chocolat

By Joanne Harris

($12.95, Penguin)

  

French for “chocolate,” the magical Chocolat opens in a small village in France. Vianne has been traveling from place to place with her daughter, as her own mother had done with her, never settling down. They have arrived in the village just in time for the traveling carnival, with all the townspeople in attendance. The two wanderers decide to stay.

Vianne takes a lease on the former bakery and they move into the living quarters above. She opens a chocolate shop, seeking renewal in this place.

From the church across the square the priest watches the villagers as they enter and leave her shop of temptations. He, too, is tempted, and senses the changes she will bring about, as she seems to know what sweet will coax each patron to find their own happiness. When she prepares a grand chocolate festival for Easter Sunday, he sees her as arousing the baser passions of the town. He would like to cast her out of town as a witch although, in fact, she is merely a chocolatier.

Joanne Harris’ new book, The Girl with no Shadow, will be available soon. To fully appreciate the wonderful sequel, first experience the enchantment of Chocolat.