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.

I read the book after I'd seen the film based on the book, and was soon to realise it was very much based on the book. I really like the film, but there's so much more to the book! There are layers in the book hardly mentioned in the film. The book is also set in present day, while the film seems to be set in a not too distant past.

This was a lovely and enjoyable read!

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Handed over to a French CouchSurfer and fellow bookcrossing member when I hosted him.

Enjoy!

Thank you :-)

Picked this up at Oslo S a few days ago. And looking forward reading it.

On a table outside the factory who produces snowballs (according to my dictionary). We call it kokosboller in Norwegian.
52 Towns in 52 Weeks Challenge 2010.