Chocolat by Joanne Harris

[andave_ya]

Has anyone read this book? I'm sure the girls have seen the movie starring Johnny Depp, but it's based on the book. I found it to be an especially moving work and I hope that it lasts throughout the years. It tells basically the same story as the movie, though Reynaud is not the count but the actual rector. The book alternates between Vianne and Reynaud's viewpoints, with Reynaud hinting at some nasty happening between the former rector and his mother. Very powerful, written in a sort of a wistful vein. It also chronicles Vianne's struggle between the desire to move where the wind takes her and putting forth roots in order to give Anouk a proper upbringing.

I began reading Gentlemen and Players by Joanne Harris but I dropped off because it didn't have the same haunting quality as Chocolat. I don't know about her other works but if you haven't read it, do! It's a worthy read.

[Idril]

I read this quite awhile ago and I remember quite enjoying it. I was a little disappointed in the movie because they took the easy route and gave them a happy ending but I guess that's not such a big surprise. I have read a few other Joanne Harris books and most of them are light, fluffy chick lit but there was one other one that I really liked, in fact I liked it better than Chocolat, it was Five Quarters of the Orange. You could give that one a try, it's definitely a cut above the rest of her novels.

[andave_ya]

on my reading list. Thanks for the suggestion, and I'm glad you liked the book.

[thelastmelon]

I've almost finished reading Chocolat by Joanne Harris. I am actually surprised I haven't read it sooner, since I've read Gentlemen and Players, Five Quarters of the Orange, Holy Fools and Coastliners before. I am actually very fond of her writing, and the way she tells the reader about the people in these small places/towns and I get very fascinated by them. The nature, intrigues, personal lives.. The books are all very different, but they are special in their own way. And so is Chocolat. It's one of the best, without a doubt.

[amalia1985]

I like Joanne Harris. The themes she chooses are vivid and interesting. I didn't like the movie, although Juliet Binoche is one of my favorite actress, but the book was fascinating and beautifully written.

[thelastmelon]

I actually did like the movie, and I like the book as well. The movie is a bit different from the book though, maybe to suite and satisfy the viewers more, I don't know. But I love all the books I've read by her, and the books captures me. :thumbs_up

[andave_ya]

Hi!

I loved the way she spoke of following the wind. What do you think?

[thelastmelon]

Yes, same here. The little song she always sang for Anouk at night was very describing and you can feel how she longed to actually follow the wind, but still stayed.

[andave_ya]

Vla bon vent, vla jolie vent?....

Do you know what it means? I don't know any French but it seems like there's such a longing in it.

[thelastmelon]

I read the book in Swedish and the song was translated into Swedish as well.
So if I translate the song, the best I can, the song goes:

"It's blowing pleasantly, it's blowing nice,
the friend is calling in the wind."

Something like that. It's a sweet and longing song.
And something interesting, do you think it sounds longing just because it is in
French or why does it seem longing to you?

[stately,plump]

I read "Chocolat" and enjoyed it (you're right very different from the movie) and stopped there as far as the author was concerned. After reading this thread, tho, I may have to pick up some of her other novels...

[andave_ya]

I've only read Chocolat, but yeah, it's thoroughly enjoyable.

melon, thank you! It seemed longing to me because...you'll think I'm crazy...but because of the cadence of it. That doesn't mean that I got the cadence right, but for me the only way to read it rhythmically was slow and steady. Also probably influenced by the tone of the book.

What do you think of Armande? I really liked her, saucy, naughty lady.

And I loved the names Harris uses -- Vianne, Anouk, Armande, Josephine, Blanche, Caro (who was a thoroughly annoying, simpering creature).

[ampoule]

Loved it! I'm reading Five Quarters right now.

[thelastmelon]

What do you think of Armande? I really liked her, saucy, naughty lady.

And I loved the names Harris uses -- Vianne, Anouk, Armande, Josephine, Blanche, Caro (who was a thoroughly annoying, simpering creature).

Yeah, I really liked Armande as well. A woman who knew how to live life,
and didn't accept the rules and laws just because church said she should. An independent lady, for sure! :)

Do you think Joanne Harris chose the names and had a purpose with the names, like.. Josephine being a beautiful name,
for a beautiful woman, and Caro, well.. not quite the same. Or do you think she chose them at random?

[amalia1985]

Armande is someone I would be so happy to meet! I think, you are right,melon, I believe that the names weren't used accidentally, but there is a certain purpose for their use. You stated in an excellent way with your examples. Think about the name "Vianne", it has an aura, hasn't it?