This prequel to Chocolat is rich in every sense but some how it feels as though it builds to nowhere in particular.
Warn, delicious, poetic and emotionally satisfying, there is a real sens of magic and mystery to this prequel to Chocolat, offering a glimpse of the backstory to Vianne as she prepares to be a mother and is conflicted about whether to follow in her mother’s path or forge her own.
It really is a book for all of the senses – the vividness of the recipes that are described and the way in which they can be connected to memories and feelings (particularly when Vianne discovers more about the world of making chocolate). Emotionally it takes the reader on the journey but it feels as though the story doesn’t really build to anywhere in particular – but in some ways it still fits in with the mysteriousness of Vianne’s story that we are familiar with.
Throughout, it is a story of characters and their varying relationships as Vianne settles inadvertently into the world of Marseille knowing that she pregnant and not knowing where life will take her. It is interesting to see her insights into how she tries to make the world a better place through food and magic but it doesn’t always go according to plan. Her relationship with Louis and trying to find some resolution to his family tragedy as well as getting over the brusqeuness of Emile
It is the descriptions of the places, the food and the characters that shine through the most, with the plot feeling slight. That is not to say that there isn’t something that is still charming in reading the way in which it mall unfolds, but it could have used a stronger sense of purpose and exploration into Vianne’s choices in life. It covers themes of motherhood, relationships and forging our own paths in the world but it could have delved even more deeply into certain character’s backgrounds to create more of an effect.
Yet, it does have to be said that through her writing Joanne Harris returns us to the world of Vianne beautifully. The descriptions and the sense of magic that comes through in terms of the way in which Vianne deals with characters and how she discovers aspects of them is well plotted and uncovered. There is certainly a real charm in the sense of community that she finds herself involved with as she tries to help others in solving their problems.
There is a great poetry and insight into the way in which the story unfolds and Vianne offers a real insight into her background. Yet there is still a sense that more of the character’s background and relationship with her mother yet to be uncovered. Just like the character, the book is withholding something from the reader which can be slightly frustrating.
Vianne is available to buy now.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️