Try me…Test me…Taste me. When an exotic stranger, Vianne Rocher, arrives
in the French village of Lansquenet and opens a chocolate boutique directly
opposite the church, Father Reynaud identifies her as a serious danger to his
flock – especially as it is the beginning of Lent, the traditional season of
self-denial. War is declared as the priest denounces the newcomer's wares as
instruments of murder. Suddenly Vianne's shop-cum-cafe means that there is
somewhere for secrets to be whispered, grievances to be aired, dreams to be
tested. But Vianne's plans for an Easter Chocolate Festival divide the whole
community in a conflict that escalates into a ‘Church not Chocolate’ battle.
As mouths water in anticipation, can the solemnity of the Church compare with
the pagan passion of a chocolate eclair? For the first time, here is a novel in
which chocolate enjoys its true importance, emerging as a moral issue, as an
agent of transformation – as well as a pleasure bordering on obsession. Rich,
clever and mischievous, this is a triumphant read.
Accolades
Winner of Whitaker Gold Book Award 2001.Shortlisted for Whitbread Book of
the Year Award Novel Category 1999.Shortlisted for Whitbread Prize
(Novel) 1999.
Author Biography
Joanne Harris is the author of the Whitbread-shortlisted Chocolat (made into
a major film starring Juliette Binoche), Blackberry Wine, Five Quarters of the
Orange, Coastliners, Holy Fools, Jigs & Reels, Sleep Pale Sister, Gentlemen
& Players and, with Fran Warde, The French Kitchen: A Cookbook and The
French Market: More Recipes from a French Kitchen. She lives in Huddersfield,
Yorkshire, with her husband and daughter.