logo

64 pages 2 hours read

Chocolat

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Joanne Harris

Chocolat

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

306

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, France • 1990s

Topic
Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Chocolat by Joanne Harris, set in a small French village, follows Vianne, a single mother, who opens a chocolate shop despite resistance from the local priest, Francis Reynaud. As Vianne's magical chocolates begin to transform the lives of the villagers, tensions with Reynaud escalate, ultimately leading to a confrontation between the two. The novel includes prejudices toward itinerant communities, offensive language toward Romani people, fatphobia, and domestic violence.

Fantastical

Emotional

Romantic

Heartwarming

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.2

131,274 ratings

72%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Reviews for Joanne Harris's Chocolat highlight its enchanting and sensuous prose, praising the rich depiction of a small French village and its colorful characters. The story skillfully blends magic and reality, enticing readers with its charm and depth. However, some critics find the plot predictable and the portrayal of the antagonists somewhat one-dimensional. Overall, it's deemed a captivating and evocative read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Chocolat?

Readers who relish Chocolat by Joanne Harris typically enjoy character-driven, atmospheric tales infused with magical realism and culinary delights. Fans of Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel and Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman will find similar enchantment and charm. They often appreciate nuanced explorations of community dynamics and human relationships in picturesque settings.

4.2

131,274 ratings

72%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Vianne Rocher

The protagonist with a unique love for chocolate, who opens a chocolaterie in a small village. She is known for her bright clothing and kind nature, welcoming everyone to her shop.

The village priest who is characterized by his distrust of outsiders and self-denial. He serves as the primary antagonist to Vianne.

Though deceased, she remains a significant presence in Vianne's life. Known for her adventurous spirit and belief in magic, she influences Vianne's worldview and struggles.

The comatose former priest of the village and a father figure to Reynaud, representing the lingering influence of Catholicism.

An independent older woman living in informal housing, she has a witch-like persona and values agency and community. She forms connections across generations in the village.

Vianne’s spirited six-year-old daughter, who shares her mother’s penchant for magic and imagination. Pantoufle is Anouk’s imaginary rabbit friend.

A village woman who breaks away from her abusive husband with the support of Vianne, finding new strength and independence.

A timid older man with a deep bond to his dying dog, Charly. Through his relationship with Charly, he connects with the community.

A Romani man from the traveling community, known for his cooking abilities and reluctance to engage with villagers due to their prejudices.

Caro is a church-going community leader known for her commitment to social conservatism. Georges is her husband, involved in business affairs in the village.

Josephine’s abusive husband, who runs a café in the village and harbors prejudice against the traveling community.

Caro’s son and Armande's grandson, who navigates relationships between his family's conservative lifestyle and his grandmother's more liberal approach.

Joline is the local schoolteacher and a member of Caro’s clique, while Jeannot embodies childhood joy and innocence.

A local farmer focused on his work, who is supportive of the Romani community and the village newcomers.

Members of the traveling community moored on houseboats, friends of Roux, who share a collective lifestyle despite diverse backgrounds.

Book Details
Pages

306

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, France • 1990s

Topic
Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.