Thursday, April 3, 2008

“Chocolat”

If you want some light reading, I recommend "Chocolat" by Joanne Harris. It's a truly delightful read plus its description of the various types of chocolates makes even a non chocolate lover drool. Its line up of characters is endearing and real. They come with just a touch of rebelliousness, lightly sprinkled on. It's really about people discovering their true selves and having the courage to be themselves.

Vianne Rocher’s sensual pralines set to melt the village’s strait-laced ways, bringing on an awakening. Her almost psychic knack for knowing her customers’ deepest secrets and their private discontents; makes her a suspect for a witch. Witch or not, she unlocks their potential, freeing them from the shackles of conventions and prejudices.

Twinkling with magical dust, this fable like story is a charming tale imbued with a wicked sense of humour. A fiercely independent octogenarian ends her estrangement with her grandson, with the help of Vianne. The mousy wife finally got her courage to leave her abusive husband and start a new life.

Anouk, Vianne’s spunky child is believably adorable and street smart. Just as free-spirited as her mother, they’re also fearless in the face of opposition. She later befriends the much shunned river gypsies and stood her ground despite threats.

The local priest sees her chocolate shop as an evil temptation for his flock. All these come to a head with the final showdown on Easter Sunday when Vianne organizes a Grand Chocolate Festival. Would chocolate or church wins over the soul of the villagers?

This delightful confection not only drips with gastronomic temptations, its lush landscape instantly transports one to the mesmerizing laid-back charm of France.

This is one magical chocolate of a gem, save the calories. Do make sure you savour its quirky sorcery.