The Strawberry Thief

A page or two into this book and the reader is once again transported into the world of Vianne Rocher and her friends and family living in the French village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes. Joanne Harris wrote Chocolat, the first book in this series, twenty years ago and The Strawberry Thief is the fourth book in the Chocolat series.

Anouk has returned to Paris to be with her boyfriend, Jean-Loup, leaving her mother and sister, Rosette, in Lansquenet-sous-Tannes. Life in the village is much as we have remembered it in previous books and then Narcisse, the florist, dies. Narcisse's daughter and son-in-law are horrified to learn that although Narcisse has left them his shop, house and farm he has left the small wood to his special young friend, Rosette. Narcisse appointed Reynard, the priest, executor of his will and also bequeaths a folder containing his life story to the priest. The equilibrium of the village is also disturbed by the arrival of Morgane who takes possession of the former florist shop to establish a tattoo parlour - not something that one would expect to find in Lansquet-sous- Tannes.

This time the story is unveiled in three voices - that of Vianne, Rosette and Reynard. Rosette is now sixteen and begins to look for some independence as she questions why she is considered different from other young people her age. Vianne is concerned that she may lose Rosette and Reynard is haunted by past events in his life. The thread of magic, often propelled by the wind, weaves throughout the pages as does the gradual understanding of past events with their effects on the present.

The Strawberry Thief is a book that I really enjoyed reading, one where I was sorry when I reached the final page.

Peaches for Monsieur le Cure

When Vianne Rocher received a letter from Armande, her friend who died eight years previously, she decided to take her two daughters back to Lansquenet-sous-Tannes for a short holiday in order to carry out Armande's wishes. Arriving at Lansquenet-sous-Tannes Vianne discovered many changes including the (temporary replacement) of Francis Reynard as priest and an influx of immigrants from Tunisia now living in the village.

As most of the original inhabitants of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes have been renowned for their non-acceptance of change it is no surprise that there are obvious pockets of friction. Vianne encounters power groups within the church as well as well as power struggles within the Muslim community not to mention tensions between the old timers in the village and the newcomers.

The power of the sharing of food continues to be a theme in the third book in the Chocolat series by Joanne Harris. Chololate is, of course, prominent but in this story Armand's peach tree holds a special place. The first book in the series was set during Lent and Easter, the second during Advent and Christmas while this book is set during the month of Ramadan and consequently there is an emphasis on the feasting that takes place each evening in the Muslim section of the village.

The story told through two voices - that of Vianne and Francis Reynard - gradually unveils the causes for the disturbances and sometimes violence occurring in the community. Vianne though gradually discovers people on both sides who are disturbed by what is happening in Lansquenet-sous-Tannes and attempts are made to improve communication and understanding. However the greatest hope for the village lies with the children who find a common cause and work and play together away from adult interference. Vianne is also forced to evaluate why she has returned to Lansquenet-sous-Tannes examining her lifestyle on the move.

This continuation of the story of Vianne Rocher and her family poses many questions about religion, especially when followed by groups of people who follow what they believe to the letter without regard to the effects on individuals and the community. Parts of the story are dark but at the end the reader is left with the feeling that trust, hope and understanding my have come to the village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes.

In the United States this book was published with the title, Peaches for Father Francis.

The Lollipop Shoes

Another tale of chocolate and magic by Joanne Harris. The action of the first book in this series, Chocolat, was set during Lent leading to Easter. In this book the story takes place between Halloween and Christmas.

It is more than four years since we left Vianne Rocher and her daughter, Anouk, at the village of  Lansquenet-sous-Tannes where Vianne had a chocolate shop. They have now moved to Paris where Vianne (now using the name Yanne) has established another chocolaterie at Montmartre. Living with them is Rosette, Vianne's younger daughter who is about to turn four. Vianne has decided to leave the world of magic and witchcraft behind as she attempts to fit in and lead an 'ordinary' life. However this is proving to be difficult as her two daughters have 'accidents, proving that they too have magical abilities.

The lollipop shoes refers to shoes favoured by Zozie de l 'Alba, a major character in this book. Zozie, a collector of identities, decides to befriend Vianne and her young family when she realises that the powers that Vianne is obviously trying to hide may be useful to her. Vianne initially appreciates Zozie's assistance and ideas as she tries to establish her chocolate business but she soon realises that something sinister is about to occur. Vianne is particularly concerned about the relationship developing between Zozie and Anouk.

Three people tell this story - Vianne (Yanne), Anouk (Annie) and Zozie. It is very much a tale of relationships. It is also a tale of the use (or non use) of magic for good or evil. As in Chocolat the reader meets a variety of characters from the local community who frequent the shop. As well as protecting her family from Zozie, Vianne must also decide what lifestyle she really wants to live and who she wants to live it with.

The Lollipop Shoes, a darker tale than the first book, Chocolat, with a greater emphasis on the use of magic, folklore and fable, is a compelling continuation of the story of Vianne and her family.

This book was published in the United States under the title - The girl with no shadow.

Joanne Harris - The Lollipop Shoes.

The little book of chocolat

This cookery book by Joanne Harris and Fran Warde contains 50 recipes celebrating chocolate.

In 1999 Joanne Harris published Chocolat, a book about Vianne Rocher and her chocolate shop and cafe in a French village. Since then Joanne Harris has written three sequels to the original novel. It is not possible to read Chocolat without feeling the need to consume an excellent piece of chocolate, a piece of rich chocolate cake or drink a delicious cup of rich hot chocolate. This book, published in 2014 supplies a collection of recipes based on chocolate, including some of the delicacies featured in the book. A must read for any chocoholic.

Chocolat

The novel, Chocolat, by Joanne Harris was first published in 1999 and made an immediate impact as a book and then a film. I read it many years ago but decided to reread it, especially as the fourth book in the series has recently been published.

Vianne Rocher and her six year old daughter, Anouk, arrive in the French village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes during a carnival and decide that this is the place that they should stay. They move into a shop that was a former bakery and re-establish the premises as a choclolate shop/cafe La Celeste Praline Choclaterie Artisanale. Vianne, Anouk and Pantoufle (Anouk's imaginery friend) settle into rooms at the back of the shop.

The redecorated shop with its display of exquisite delights is set to entice the locals but not everyone in this small village welcomes the strangers.

The shop is located across the square from the church and Monsieur Le Cure, Francis Reynaud the priest, totally dispproves of the new arrivals especially as Vianne opens her shop at the beginning of Lent. However many of the locals, particularly Guillaume with his dog, Narcisse and Armande Voizin welcome Vianne and Anouk. It is when Vianne and her friends prepare for a Chocolate Festival to begin on Easter Sunday that divisions with in the village become threatening. The village's dislike of strangers is further demonstrated by the reaction to the arrival of gypsies who moor their barges along the river bank.

The story is told by Vianne and by Francis Reynaud whose chapters gradually reveal the possible reasons for his behaviour. We also learn that Armande knows many of the priest's secrets.

I really enjoyed reading this book and re-entering the world centering around Vianne's chocolate shop. I suspect, however, that it  may not be possible to read this book without having a cup of good hot chocolate or a selection of scrumptious chocolates to sustain you.