num_pages: 320
description: When the exotic stranger Vianne Rocher arrives in the old French village of Lansquenet and opens a chocolate boutique called “La Celeste Praline” directly across the square from the church, Father Reynaud identifies her as a serious danger to his flock. It is the beginning of Lent: the traditional season of self-denial. The priest says she’ll be out of business by Easter.To make matters worse, Vianne does not go to church and has a penchant for superstition. Like her mother, she can read Tarot cards. But she begins to win over customers with her smiles, her intuition for everyone’s favourites, and her delightful confections. Her shop provides a place, too, for secrets to be whispered, grievances aired. She begins to shake up the rigid morality of the community. Vianne’s plans for an Easter Chocolate Festival divide the whole community. Can the solemnity of the Church compare with the pagan passion of a chocolate éclair?For the first time, here is a novel in which chocolate enjoys its true importance, emerging as an agent of transformation. Rich, clever, and mischievous, reminiscent of a folk tale or fable, this is a triumphant read with a memorable character at its heart.
language: English
title: Chocolat
titlecomplete: Chocolat (Chocolat, #1)
characters: Caro Clairmont, Francis Reynaud, Vianne Rocher, Josephine Bonnet, Luc Clairmont, Anouk Rocher, Armande Voizin, Roux, Guillaume Duplessis, Paul-Marie Muscat
genres: Chick Lit, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Food, Adult, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Magical Realism, France
ratings_count: 123972
places: Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, France
series: Chocolat
awards: awardedAt: 915177600000
name: Whitbread Award
category: Novel, awardedAt: 946713600000
name: Creative Freedom Award, awardedAt: 978336000000
name: Whittaker Gold Award
publisher: Black Swan