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Chocolat #4
The Strawberry Thief
Vianne Rocher has settled down. Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, the place that once rejected her, has finally become her home. With Rosette, her 'special' child, she runs her chocolate shop in the square, talks to her friends on the river, is part of the community. Even Reynaud, the priest, has become a friend.
But when old Narcisse, the florist, dies, leaving a parcel of land to Rosette and a written confession to Reynaud, the life of the sleepy village is once more thrown into disarray.
The arrival of Narcisse's relatives, the departure of an old friend and the opening of a mysterious new shop in the place of the florist's across the square - one that mirrors the chocolaterie, and has a strange appeal of its own - all seem to herald some kind of change: a confrontation, a turbulence - even, perhaps, a murder...
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2019
1347 people are currently reading
7359 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Harris
116 books6,315 followersJoanne Harris is also known as Joanne M. Harris
Joanne Harris is an Anglo-French author, whose books include fourteen novels, two cookbooks and many short stories. Her work is extremely diverse, covering aspects of magic realism, suspense, historical fiction, mythology and fantasy. She has also written a DR WHO novella for the BBC, has scripted guest episodes for the game ZOMBIES, RUN!, and is currently engaged in a number of musical theatre projects as well as developing an original drama for television.
In 2000, her 1999 novel CHOCOLAT was adapted to the screen, starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. She is an honorary Fellow of St Catharine's College, Cambridge, and in 2022 was awarded an OBE by the Queen.
Her hobbies are listed in Who's Who as 'mooching, lounging, strutting, strumming, priest-baiting and quiet subversion'. She also spends too much time on Twitter; plays flute and bass guitar in a band first formed when she was 16; and works from a shed in her garden at her home in Yorkshire.
Joanne Harris is an Anglo-French author, whose books include fourteen novels, two cookbooks and many short stories. Her work is extremely diverse, covering aspects of magic realism, suspense, historical fiction, mythology and fantasy. She has also written a DR WHO novella for the BBC, has scripted guest episodes for the game ZOMBIES, RUN!, and is currently engaged in a number of musical theatre projects as well as developing an original drama for television.
In 2000, her 1999 novel CHOCOLAT was adapted to the screen, starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. She is an honorary Fellow of St Catharine's College, Cambridge, and in 2022 was awarded an OBE by the Queen.
Her hobbies are listed in Who's Who as 'mooching, lounging, strutting, strumming, priest-baiting and quiet subversion'. She also spends too much time on Twitter; plays flute and bass guitar in a band first formed when she was 16; and works from a shed in her garden at her home in Yorkshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 995 reviews
March 6, 2019
Joanne Harris takes the reader back to Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, and the now accepted chocolatier, Vianne Rocher, continuing to practice her own brand of chocolate magic. How things have changed, even Francis Reynaud, the priest, once her fiercest critic is now a friend. Vianne has lost her summer child, Anouk, to Paris and the man she has fallen in love with. She finds some comfort that her winter child, the special Rosette will never leave her. Rosette doesn't attend school, does not speak, has a companion that only few can see, Bam, the monkey, and has a special gift for art and drawing. Snow makes an unexpected appearance, and the winds of change are blowing, heralding death, unstoppable chaos and a confrontation between different forms of powerful magic, that of chocolate and ink. Vianne has a desperate sense of foreboding, the tarot cards, Death, The Fool and The Tower, promise a future that is to test and challenge her.
The death of Narcisse, the florist, triggers conflict and the entry of a newcomer with no feet taking over his shop premises. The mysterious Morgane and her reception by the village carries uncanny echoes of Vianne's experiences on first settling in the village. Whilst many do not get Rosette and belittle her, Narcisse becomes close to the child after catching her stealing strawberries. He bequeaths his wood to Rosette, the strawberry thief, to be held in trust for her until she is of age. Whilst Rosette is overjoyed, Narcisse's daughter is less than happy, looking for ways to challenge the bequest. Narcisse had rejected the church and was not fond of Reynaud, but he leaves behind a confession for Reynaud that tells of his heartbreaking background and history, particularly his close relationship with his beloved sister, Mimi, afflicted with seizures. Reynaud carries a heavy burden of guilt from his actions as a child that had such tragic outcomes, events he has never dared to speak of, which he is certain will see him roundly condemned by all. He is afraid that Narcisse knew of his secret. Morgane appears to wield a power over the community and Rosette that makes Vianne so afraid that she will do anything to make her leave.
Joanne Harris is a remarkably beguiling storyteller, infusing dark fairytales in the narrative, of Rosette, the snow child, with her own magic, her 'accidents', and her ability to influence the winds. She focuses on human insecurities, frailties and fears, of a casting of magic that disturbs the natural order of things and how natural forces will inexorably topple such unnaturalness. The magic of ink takes hold of a village and community, giving them what they need rather than what they want, including the mark of Cain, and with it comes the inevitable changes that life brings. This is a beautifully written and immersive read, and it is such a pleasure to return to this village and all its diverse characters, even the unlikeable ones! If you are drawn to the whimsical, the bewitching, and glorious storytelling, then this is a novel for you. Highly recommended! Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
The death of Narcisse, the florist, triggers conflict and the entry of a newcomer with no feet taking over his shop premises. The mysterious Morgane and her reception by the village carries uncanny echoes of Vianne's experiences on first settling in the village. Whilst many do not get Rosette and belittle her, Narcisse becomes close to the child after catching her stealing strawberries. He bequeaths his wood to Rosette, the strawberry thief, to be held in trust for her until she is of age. Whilst Rosette is overjoyed, Narcisse's daughter is less than happy, looking for ways to challenge the bequest. Narcisse had rejected the church and was not fond of Reynaud, but he leaves behind a confession for Reynaud that tells of his heartbreaking background and history, particularly his close relationship with his beloved sister, Mimi, afflicted with seizures. Reynaud carries a heavy burden of guilt from his actions as a child that had such tragic outcomes, events he has never dared to speak of, which he is certain will see him roundly condemned by all. He is afraid that Narcisse knew of his secret. Morgane appears to wield a power over the community and Rosette that makes Vianne so afraid that she will do anything to make her leave.
Joanne Harris is a remarkably beguiling storyteller, infusing dark fairytales in the narrative, of Rosette, the snow child, with her own magic, her 'accidents', and her ability to influence the winds. She focuses on human insecurities, frailties and fears, of a casting of magic that disturbs the natural order of things and how natural forces will inexorably topple such unnaturalness. The magic of ink takes hold of a village and community, giving them what they need rather than what they want, including the mark of Cain, and with it comes the inevitable changes that life brings. This is a beautifully written and immersive read, and it is such a pleasure to return to this village and all its diverse characters, even the unlikeable ones! If you are drawn to the whimsical, the bewitching, and glorious storytelling, then this is a novel for you. Highly recommended! Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
September 1, 2021
It has been a very long time coming, but this is apparently the final book in the Chocolat series. It is a beautiful book, right from that gorgeous cover, through the perfectly written text, to the totally satisfying ending.
Considering the fact that these books were written over nearly two decades I am amazed that I am still so familiar with all the characters. Starting the Strawberry Thief I did not have to refer back to earlier books to know who everyone was and how they related to each other. They were all like long term friends who only get together occasionally - a sure sign that this author knows how to create characters who come alive on the page. Characters we care about and want to see happy. I must admit I was holding my breath towards the end for fear that Vianne was going to lose everyone.
Having said all that, it would be equally okay to read The Strawberry Thief as a stand alone. If you enjoy a well written story with a touch of magic then this is a book for you.
Considering the fact that these books were written over nearly two decades I am amazed that I am still so familiar with all the characters. Starting the Strawberry Thief I did not have to refer back to earlier books to know who everyone was and how they related to each other. They were all like long term friends who only get together occasionally - a sure sign that this author knows how to create characters who come alive on the page. Characters we care about and want to see happy. I must admit I was holding my breath towards the end for fear that Vianne was going to lose everyone.
Having said all that, it would be equally okay to read The Strawberry Thief as a stand alone. If you enjoy a well written story with a touch of magic then this is a book for you.
May 25, 2020
*SPOILERS!* As much as I wanted to love the final instalment of Chocolat, The Strawberry Thief simply lacked the magic that it’s predecessors had, and if I’m honest I was left wishing that Joanne Harris had ended the saga with Peaches for Monsieur Le Cure.
On the whole the story feels incredibly rushed. I found the plot messy, it has three main storylines: Narcisse’s confession, Rosettes coming of age and the arrival of Morgane Dubois in Lansquenet. However, none of these prove to be particularly strong or compelling.
One of my main issues with The Strawberry Thief is that I don’t think it does our most beloved characters justice, primarily Vianne, Roux and Anouk. I didn’t like how Anouk is omitted from the story apart from her brief appearance in the final few pages. After being such an integral part of the previous three books she suddenly becomes absent and is only mentioned when she’s the object of Vianne’s incessantly annoying pining. Roux, who spent four years building a floating Chocolaterie for Vianne, who found out he had a daughter almost five years after her birth but immediately stepped up to the plate as a father, who has been shown to be wholly committed, reliable, trustworthy and loyal for the past two books, is presented as uncharacteristically inconsistent and blasé throughout Strawberries. Vianne has lost herself and found herself more times than I can count and this time round it was just plain boring. Instead of being the strong, charming, shining Vianne we all fell in love with in Chocolat, she is self-pitying, manipulative, weak, paranoid, judgemental and insecure, eventually becoming the self-righteous “Black Man” she always feared, piously chasing the quirky newcomer out of town. It is almost as though she reverts back to the drab Vianne of The Lollipop Shoes, but this time her sparkle never returns.
Another thing I didn’t like about the book is Vianne and Roux’s relationship, or lack of it. After spending so long intricately developing Vianne and Roux’s beautiful love story, after all the hardships and obstacles they conquered in Lollipop Shoes, the doubts and secrets they overcame in Peaches, I find it totally bizarre that Harris presents their relationship in such a casual and nonchalant way throughout Strawberries. Vianne describing Roux as “more than a friend but not quite a partner,” is so undermining and makes absolutely no sense seeing as they’d previously been living as a family unit on the house boat in Paris. There is none of the soulmate connection we’ve seen before, and they come across as indifferent towards eachother. The few interactions the pair have in this book are very strange; for example when Roux comes to the Chocolaterie to show Vianne his new ouroboros tattoo, they suddenly “break up” out of absolutely nowhere, Roux then announces he’s going away and just a few days later he “comes back” to Vianne even though his boat has been moored on the Tannes the entire time and he never actually left.
Although she is initially presented as a key part of the story, in the end there is literally no point to Morgane. She has so many intriguing surface qualities but we never find out her backstory, she’s never given any kind of depth as a character, and it’s unclear WHAT she actually is. She appears overnight, tattoos half the town, Vianne dislikes her for no apparent reason other than the paranoia that she might be Zozie 2.0 (which Morgane never really shows any hint of being) and then she disappears in the space of a few hours never to be heard from again. I found her sudden departure a real shame, as she seemed to be a positive influence on Rosette and I would have loved to have known more about her.
With all of that being said, I found that Reynaud was The Strawberry Thief’s one redeeming quality. I absolutely loved the Curé in this book, and I was delighted that he finally got his long awaited absolution. He pretty much completed his character arc and did a full turn around, becoming a much better person for it. It was lovely to see his humanity and he was by far my favourite character in The Strawberry Thief. I was a little sad that so much emphasis was put on his feelings for Joséphine (and her reciprocated feelings for him in Peaches) but nothing ever came of it.
In true Chocolat style, the ending was nothing short of beautiful, but it was so brief and felt incredibly thrown together. As the grand finale for 16 years worth of these complex characters lives it didn’t live up to expectation, instead leaving some loose ends and some very quickly tied up ones. It is very much an “and they all lived happily ever after,” which is undeniably lovely and absolutely fine, but I just wanted more for the end of such a special, magical series.
On the whole the story feels incredibly rushed. I found the plot messy, it has three main storylines: Narcisse’s confession, Rosettes coming of age and the arrival of Morgane Dubois in Lansquenet. However, none of these prove to be particularly strong or compelling.
One of my main issues with The Strawberry Thief is that I don’t think it does our most beloved characters justice, primarily Vianne, Roux and Anouk. I didn’t like how Anouk is omitted from the story apart from her brief appearance in the final few pages. After being such an integral part of the previous three books she suddenly becomes absent and is only mentioned when she’s the object of Vianne’s incessantly annoying pining. Roux, who spent four years building a floating Chocolaterie for Vianne, who found out he had a daughter almost five years after her birth but immediately stepped up to the plate as a father, who has been shown to be wholly committed, reliable, trustworthy and loyal for the past two books, is presented as uncharacteristically inconsistent and blasé throughout Strawberries. Vianne has lost herself and found herself more times than I can count and this time round it was just plain boring. Instead of being the strong, charming, shining Vianne we all fell in love with in Chocolat, she is self-pitying, manipulative, weak, paranoid, judgemental and insecure, eventually becoming the self-righteous “Black Man” she always feared, piously chasing the quirky newcomer out of town. It is almost as though she reverts back to the drab Vianne of The Lollipop Shoes, but this time her sparkle never returns.
Another thing I didn’t like about the book is Vianne and Roux’s relationship, or lack of it. After spending so long intricately developing Vianne and Roux’s beautiful love story, after all the hardships and obstacles they conquered in Lollipop Shoes, the doubts and secrets they overcame in Peaches, I find it totally bizarre that Harris presents their relationship in such a casual and nonchalant way throughout Strawberries. Vianne describing Roux as “more than a friend but not quite a partner,” is so undermining and makes absolutely no sense seeing as they’d previously been living as a family unit on the house boat in Paris. There is none of the soulmate connection we’ve seen before, and they come across as indifferent towards eachother. The few interactions the pair have in this book are very strange; for example when Roux comes to the Chocolaterie to show Vianne his new ouroboros tattoo, they suddenly “break up” out of absolutely nowhere, Roux then announces he’s going away and just a few days later he “comes back” to Vianne even though his boat has been moored on the Tannes the entire time and he never actually left.
Although she is initially presented as a key part of the story, in the end there is literally no point to Morgane. She has so many intriguing surface qualities but we never find out her backstory, she’s never given any kind of depth as a character, and it’s unclear WHAT she actually is. She appears overnight, tattoos half the town, Vianne dislikes her for no apparent reason other than the paranoia that she might be Zozie 2.0 (which Morgane never really shows any hint of being) and then she disappears in the space of a few hours never to be heard from again. I found her sudden departure a real shame, as she seemed to be a positive influence on Rosette and I would have loved to have known more about her.
With all of that being said, I found that Reynaud was The Strawberry Thief’s one redeeming quality. I absolutely loved the Curé in this book, and I was delighted that he finally got his long awaited absolution. He pretty much completed his character arc and did a full turn around, becoming a much better person for it. It was lovely to see his humanity and he was by far my favourite character in The Strawberry Thief. I was a little sad that so much emphasis was put on his feelings for Joséphine (and her reciprocated feelings for him in Peaches) but nothing ever came of it.
In true Chocolat style, the ending was nothing short of beautiful, but it was so brief and felt incredibly thrown together. As the grand finale for 16 years worth of these complex characters lives it didn’t live up to expectation, instead leaving some loose ends and some very quickly tied up ones. It is very much an “and they all lived happily ever after,” which is undeniably lovely and absolutely fine, but I just wanted more for the end of such a special, magical series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2019
Nope.
There's a literary Holocaust-fatigue doing the rounds lately, and for me personally, there's a radical feminist-fatigue thrown in. Oprah got me into it, and Hillary Clinton got me out of it. With a bang. I thank her for it....BIG TIME.
And after reading so many non-fictional books lately, I just couldn't settle in with this blueprint for a political cult going haywire on unsuspecting readers. It's a wonderful thrill for a groupie. It's a bore for independent operators like yours truly.
So thank you, but no thank you. By the way....bite me. That's just how it is.
There's a literary Holocaust-fatigue doing the rounds lately, and for me personally, there's a radical feminist-fatigue thrown in. Oprah got me into it, and Hillary Clinton got me out of it. With a bang. I thank her for it....BIG TIME.
And after reading so many non-fictional books lately, I just couldn't settle in with this blueprint for a political cult going haywire on unsuspecting readers. It's a wonderful thrill for a groupie. It's a bore for independent operators like yours truly.
So thank you, but no thank you. By the way....bite me. That's just how it is.
March 18, 2019
https://lynns-books.com/2019/03/18/th...
Once upon a time there was a book that thought it was a regular story, it wrapped itself up in strangeness and fantasy and grew into a remarkable tale, a fairytale to enchant readers.
The Strawberry Thief was a fantastic read. I absolutely loved it in fact I didn’t want it to finish and I can say, that to those of you looking at this as No.4 in a series and thinking there’s a lot of catching up, well, I can tell you that you don’t have to have read the previous three books – although of course I would recommend them. I think there would be no problem at all in reading this as a standalone and I heartily recommend this book. It’s just beautiful. Do yourself a favour and read it.
What can I say. Picking this book up just felt right. Comfortable and comforting. Gorgeous writing, evocative and mysterious. In fact a story with a mystery at its core surrounded by a heady mix of magic and motherhood – and chocolate. Don’t forget the chocolate.
As I write this I can genuinely say that I am full of emotion. The writing in this book was just intoxicating and I could frankly read this again, right now.
Vianne Rocher is a mother with two daughters. One has flown the nest finding love and is living in Paris. The other, Rosette, is still to find her voice.
Vianne now seems to have an almost comfortable life in Lansquenet-sous-Tannes. She has finally found acceptance and her chocolaterie is popular with the locals. But things are afoot. Her ‘special’ daughter, Rosette, has been left a piece of land, following the death of the local florist Narcisse. Narcisse had developed a soft spot for Rosette and left her is little forest, where the wild strawberries grow. Of course, as you may imagine this causes uproar. Narcisse’s daughter is outraged, naturally expecting to be bequeathed the full estate she is convinced that something is hidden in the forest and determined to get her hands on the piece of land come what may. On top of this, it seems that Narcisse has left a confession, a compelling story that that has been left in the care of Reynaud, the village priest. And then, to top it all, the old florist shop has a new tenant – and it seems that this new tenant is going to cause as big a stir as Vianne herself did when she opened a chocolate shop on Lent.
I won’t talk further about the plot. It manages to twist and turn in the most delicious fashion. On the face of it this appears to be a mystery. Was Narcisse hiding something in his strawberry forest, why did he leave the land to Rosette and what is contained in that tantalising confession. Two stories running parallel and both rife with the tension lent to them by the way in which the confession keeps switching hands in the most unexpected fashion. Then we have the mystery of Rosette and her missing voice, her invisible friend and her ‘shadow’ voice. Then, the newcomer. The people of the village are simply bewitched by her. Vianne needs to fight magic with magic – both of them have a way of knowing what a person needs but maybe this village is too small for two such larger than life personalities.
The other thing, there is an absolutely beautiful poignancy here. Underlying the magic and mystery is a tantalising story of letting go, of having difficult choices, of being a mother, raising a child with love and care but then acknowledging that your child is now an adult and must be allowed to fly the nest and choose a path.
To be honest, I’m going to keep this review fairly short – which is absolutely not a reflection on the novel in any way – I adored this book. I loved it in fact – and it’s turned me into a big ball of emotion and greed. I can’t in fact say it any clearer than this. Buy this book, read it and then come and tell me what you think. I finished this story with tears in my eyes. I was happy-sad. Happy to read such a good book that just overwhelmed me and sad because it was all over and I wanted more. Ooh, the book hangover! Would I recommend this book – oh yes, without a doubt.
I received a copy, through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
Once upon a time there was a book that thought it was a regular story, it wrapped itself up in strangeness and fantasy and grew into a remarkable tale, a fairytale to enchant readers.
The Strawberry Thief was a fantastic read. I absolutely loved it in fact I didn’t want it to finish and I can say, that to those of you looking at this as No.4 in a series and thinking there’s a lot of catching up, well, I can tell you that you don’t have to have read the previous three books – although of course I would recommend them. I think there would be no problem at all in reading this as a standalone and I heartily recommend this book. It’s just beautiful. Do yourself a favour and read it.
What can I say. Picking this book up just felt right. Comfortable and comforting. Gorgeous writing, evocative and mysterious. In fact a story with a mystery at its core surrounded by a heady mix of magic and motherhood – and chocolate. Don’t forget the chocolate.
As I write this I can genuinely say that I am full of emotion. The writing in this book was just intoxicating and I could frankly read this again, right now.
Vianne Rocher is a mother with two daughters. One has flown the nest finding love and is living in Paris. The other, Rosette, is still to find her voice.
Vianne now seems to have an almost comfortable life in Lansquenet-sous-Tannes. She has finally found acceptance and her chocolaterie is popular with the locals. But things are afoot. Her ‘special’ daughter, Rosette, has been left a piece of land, following the death of the local florist Narcisse. Narcisse had developed a soft spot for Rosette and left her is little forest, where the wild strawberries grow. Of course, as you may imagine this causes uproar. Narcisse’s daughter is outraged, naturally expecting to be bequeathed the full estate she is convinced that something is hidden in the forest and determined to get her hands on the piece of land come what may. On top of this, it seems that Narcisse has left a confession, a compelling story that that has been left in the care of Reynaud, the village priest. And then, to top it all, the old florist shop has a new tenant – and it seems that this new tenant is going to cause as big a stir as Vianne herself did when she opened a chocolate shop on Lent.
I won’t talk further about the plot. It manages to twist and turn in the most delicious fashion. On the face of it this appears to be a mystery. Was Narcisse hiding something in his strawberry forest, why did he leave the land to Rosette and what is contained in that tantalising confession. Two stories running parallel and both rife with the tension lent to them by the way in which the confession keeps switching hands in the most unexpected fashion. Then we have the mystery of Rosette and her missing voice, her invisible friend and her ‘shadow’ voice. Then, the newcomer. The people of the village are simply bewitched by her. Vianne needs to fight magic with magic – both of them have a way of knowing what a person needs but maybe this village is too small for two such larger than life personalities.
The other thing, there is an absolutely beautiful poignancy here. Underlying the magic and mystery is a tantalising story of letting go, of having difficult choices, of being a mother, raising a child with love and care but then acknowledging that your child is now an adult and must be allowed to fly the nest and choose a path.
To be honest, I’m going to keep this review fairly short – which is absolutely not a reflection on the novel in any way – I adored this book. I loved it in fact – and it’s turned me into a big ball of emotion and greed. I can’t in fact say it any clearer than this. Buy this book, read it and then come and tell me what you think. I finished this story with tears in my eyes. I was happy-sad. Happy to read such a good book that just overwhelmed me and sad because it was all over and I wanted more. Ooh, the book hangover! Would I recommend this book – oh yes, without a doubt.
I received a copy, through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
November 25, 2020
Nov 24, 11am ~~ Review asap.
Nov 24, 1115pm ~~ This 2019 book is the fourth that features the characters from 1999's Chocolat. I have just read the books in order one right after the other, and I must say that after Chocolat, this was my favorite.
In book number three, we all returned to the French village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, where our story first began. We are still there for this tale, and we are even thinking of it as home. Home is not a word Vianne Rocher has really ever let herself use before, but winds change, don't they.
Actually Vianne is not really the major character here, although she does eventually discover things about herself that she needed all four books to learn. Or at least to believe. She pretended to know them many times but here I think she finally accepts the power of the wind and the lessons it has for her.
But Vianne is not the only person facing her destiny. Father Reynaud has struggled for years with doubts, insecurities and guilt. Will he be able to face them down now?
The most unexpected person driving our story is Narcisse the florist. He passed through the chocolate shop in other books, but here he takes over in an unusual way, setting events in motion and affecting more lives than he might have thought about when he wrote the will that left a parcel of land to sixteen year-old Rosette.
And who is Rosette? Well, I'm sorry, but you will have to read the books to meet her. I think you will like her. I thought she was wonderful and I loved how she became the woman she was supposed to be. She was actually braver than her mother ever thought about being.
Ms Harris wrote these four books with anywhere from five to eight years between each one. I do not know if she plans to write any more with these characters, but she has given herself a window with the decisions Vianne's daughter Anouk makes for herself in the final chapters. Maybe in a few years we will see how life turns out for her? After all, she also knows about chocolate. But she has her own recipes for preparing it.
Nov 24, 1115pm ~~ This 2019 book is the fourth that features the characters from 1999's Chocolat. I have just read the books in order one right after the other, and I must say that after Chocolat, this was my favorite.
In book number three, we all returned to the French village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, where our story first began. We are still there for this tale, and we are even thinking of it as home. Home is not a word Vianne Rocher has really ever let herself use before, but winds change, don't they.
Actually Vianne is not really the major character here, although she does eventually discover things about herself that she needed all four books to learn. Or at least to believe. She pretended to know them many times but here I think she finally accepts the power of the wind and the lessons it has for her.
But Vianne is not the only person facing her destiny. Father Reynaud has struggled for years with doubts, insecurities and guilt. Will he be able to face them down now?
The most unexpected person driving our story is Narcisse the florist. He passed through the chocolate shop in other books, but here he takes over in an unusual way, setting events in motion and affecting more lives than he might have thought about when he wrote the will that left a parcel of land to sixteen year-old Rosette.
And who is Rosette? Well, I'm sorry, but you will have to read the books to meet her. I think you will like her. I thought she was wonderful and I loved how she became the woman she was supposed to be. She was actually braver than her mother ever thought about being.
Ms Harris wrote these four books with anywhere from five to eight years between each one. I do not know if she plans to write any more with these characters, but she has given herself a window with the decisions Vianne's daughter Anouk makes for herself in the final chapters. Maybe in a few years we will see how life turns out for her? After all, she also knows about chocolate. But she has her own recipes for preparing it.
July 27, 2019
Joanne Harris is an enchantress with words. She never fails to enchant me and whenever I finish her wonderful books it is with a deep sign of regret that the book is finished but also with satisfaction that for several hours I have been immersed in a magical world. This is the fourth book in the Chocolat series and every bit as good as it’s predecessors. Some of the characters are old friends who make you feel like you’re donning a favourite pair of old comfortable shoes - perhaps lollipop shoes??!! (I know, I know. Zozie wore those so definitely not friendly shoes!) There are some new characters who whilst not all likeable they help to create a story where a lot of issues from previous books are resolved. For example, we learn much more about Reynaud and the truth of his story. I can’t help liking him as I think he’s ultimately honest and there is kindness in him.
The story centres around the death of Narcisse who leaves most of his property to his odious daughter Michele Montour but a patch of wood to Rosette, Vainne’s daughter. Rosette is the strawberry thief in the story although this image also appears in the tattoo parlour of Margane Dubois. Narcisse leaves a file to Reynaud which tells the story of his life. That is fascinating although not always an easy story. There’s the usual magic here too, Vianne, the wind, Rosette and Margane in their own unique ways contribute to this. As well as the story of Narcisse another theme is Vianne’s unease which is summed up by this quote ‘Sometimes children fly away. We do what we can to keep them’. Rosette makes a number of life changing discoveries as does Vianne which revealed that she need not be afraid of her girls moving on and that all the upheaval in the story characterised by the wind was caused by Vianne herself. The book finished on a lovely optimistic note. I really hope there’s a 5th in this series as I’d love to see what happens to Rosette and to Anouk and Jean Loup in the future as well as where Vianne’s story goes now she has released her girls into the world.
A wonderful book, beautifully written and full of wisdom, magic and love.
The story centres around the death of Narcisse who leaves most of his property to his odious daughter Michele Montour but a patch of wood to Rosette, Vainne’s daughter. Rosette is the strawberry thief in the story although this image also appears in the tattoo parlour of Margane Dubois. Narcisse leaves a file to Reynaud which tells the story of his life. That is fascinating although not always an easy story. There’s the usual magic here too, Vianne, the wind, Rosette and Margane in their own unique ways contribute to this. As well as the story of Narcisse another theme is Vianne’s unease which is summed up by this quote ‘Sometimes children fly away. We do what we can to keep them’. Rosette makes a number of life changing discoveries as does Vianne which revealed that she need not be afraid of her girls moving on and that all the upheaval in the story characterised by the wind was caused by Vianne herself. The book finished on a lovely optimistic note. I really hope there’s a 5th in this series as I’d love to see what happens to Rosette and to Anouk and Jean Loup in the future as well as where Vianne’s story goes now she has released her girls into the world.
A wonderful book, beautifully written and full of wisdom, magic and love.
February 5, 2020
Quem já me ouviu falar sobre a autora, sabe que não sou particularmente fã da escrita dela, no entanto, gosto muito da história (ou histórias) de Vianne Rocher e das suas meninas. Mas este livro...adorei cada uma das palavras! Há algo de esperançoso nestas páginas, algo de crescimento, daquele que dói. "Crescer dói..." são palavras que andam sempre comigo, que ouvi algumas vezes, mas que repito muitas mais do que alguma vez me foram ditas.
Este livro é sobre família, sobre perdas inevitáveis, sobre culpa, redenção. Sobre encontramos a nossa voz, sobre aprendermos a abrir mão, porque há coisas que não são nossas para as prendermos junto a nós. Há uma sensação de mercúrio nesta história; quanto mais tentamos agarrar, mais ele se escapa por entre os nossos dedos.
Gosto de Vianne, gosto da sua magia, de ter a capacidade de ver o que as pessoas têm de melhor, quando elas próprias não sabem que o têm dentro de si. Mas Rosette é uma personagem sem dúvida especial, com um compasso muito próprio. Talvez eu sempre me vá sentir atraída pelas pessoas que são postas de parte, ou olhadas de lado. Talvez seja isso que me faz gostar tanto destas personagens, porque essas são as pessoas que me despertam na vida real... Não são casos especiais, são pessoas especiais. Enfim, já estou a divagar...
Este é, definitivamente, o livro que mais prazer me deu ler nesta série!
Este livro é sobre família, sobre perdas inevitáveis, sobre culpa, redenção. Sobre encontramos a nossa voz, sobre aprendermos a abrir mão, porque há coisas que não são nossas para as prendermos junto a nós. Há uma sensação de mercúrio nesta história; quanto mais tentamos agarrar, mais ele se escapa por entre os nossos dedos.
Gosto de Vianne, gosto da sua magia, de ter a capacidade de ver o que as pessoas têm de melhor, quando elas próprias não sabem que o têm dentro de si. Mas Rosette é uma personagem sem dúvida especial, com um compasso muito próprio. Talvez eu sempre me vá sentir atraída pelas pessoas que são postas de parte, ou olhadas de lado. Talvez seja isso que me faz gostar tanto destas personagens, porque essas são as pessoas que me despertam na vida real... Não são casos especiais, são pessoas especiais. Enfim, já estou a divagar...
Este é, definitivamente, o livro que mais prazer me deu ler nesta série!
July 8, 2024
Rosette Rocher hears the calling of the Hurakan wind even more keenly than her mother Vianne does. Now sixteen with marigold coloured hair, her friend and elderly neighbour Narcisse has passed away and left her the wild wood next to his florist shop. Knowing that his Strawberry Thief would always treasure it, as it is a special place. Still preferring to sign rather than to talk, Rosette is slowly finding her voice.
Her mother Vianne is fearing the mysterious tattooist Morgane Dubois who has rented the shop across the road from her chocolatière. Now happily settled in the village where she was once an outsider, Vianne is worried
that the past and wind will catch her, and that she is about to lose those she loves.
Francis Reynaud, the village Priest has his own demons to confront. Reading Narcisse's written confession of an immense tragedy and secret, he too feels the need to make a confession of his own.
Among the whirlwind of thoughts and feelings, there is a lot of magic. From the beauty of food, with many more wonderful chocolate creations throughout the pages. The hug of a freshly brewed cup of hot chocolate, made with fresh vanilla, cardamom and chilli. The fluid artwork from Rosette's pencils that are filled with life and colour. Morgane's needle filled with ink ready to tell a story on skin. And of course there are wild strawberries. To eat, to draw and be the shrine to the memory of someone very special.
I have just finished reading this and am feeling quite emotional. Joanne Harris has beautifully and deftly brought the Chocolat series to a heartfelt conclusion. It's simply the perfect ending.
Who or what is truly yours will always return. Fear and guilt will hold you back more than any other emotion. And perhaps you have to lose something in order to be able to start anew.
"Love me. Feed me. Free me - And all of the chocolates were smiling."
I am sad to leave all the wonderful characters from each of these books and Lansquenet-sous-Tannes behind. It's so hard to fathom that these books were written over the space of twenty years, as it just seems like just yesterday that Vianne Rocher first graced these pages.
Adieu Vianne, Anouk & Rosette. Pantoufle & Bam.
Roux. Mysterious Roux... Josephine & Pilou. Reynaud. Guillaume. Armande. Narcisse. Maya & Oma. Zozie. Morgane.
I will miss you all. Even the characters I didn't particularly like.
Milles tendresses 🍓
Her mother Vianne is fearing the mysterious tattooist Morgane Dubois who has rented the shop across the road from her chocolatière. Now happily settled in the village where she was once an outsider, Vianne is worried
that the past and wind will catch her, and that she is about to lose those she loves.
Francis Reynaud, the village Priest has his own demons to confront. Reading Narcisse's written confession of an immense tragedy and secret, he too feels the need to make a confession of his own.
Among the whirlwind of thoughts and feelings, there is a lot of magic. From the beauty of food, with many more wonderful chocolate creations throughout the pages. The hug of a freshly brewed cup of hot chocolate, made with fresh vanilla, cardamom and chilli. The fluid artwork from Rosette's pencils that are filled with life and colour. Morgane's needle filled with ink ready to tell a story on skin. And of course there are wild strawberries. To eat, to draw and be the shrine to the memory of someone very special.
I have just finished reading this and am feeling quite emotional. Joanne Harris has beautifully and deftly brought the Chocolat series to a heartfelt conclusion. It's simply the perfect ending.
Who or what is truly yours will always return. Fear and guilt will hold you back more than any other emotion. And perhaps you have to lose something in order to be able to start anew.
"Love me. Feed me. Free me - And all of the chocolates were smiling."
I am sad to leave all the wonderful characters from each of these books and Lansquenet-sous-Tannes behind. It's so hard to fathom that these books were written over the space of twenty years, as it just seems like just yesterday that Vianne Rocher first graced these pages.
Adieu Vianne, Anouk & Rosette. Pantoufle & Bam.
Roux. Mysterious Roux... Josephine & Pilou. Reynaud. Guillaume. Armande. Narcisse. Maya & Oma. Zozie. Morgane.
I will miss you all. Even the characters I didn't particularly like.
Milles tendresses 🍓
September 24, 2019
Joanne Harris foi das primeiras autoras que li e adorei, ainda em tenra idade. Comecei pelo Chocolate, segui por todos os seus outros clássicos. Mais tarde adorei reencontrar essas personagens em Sapatos de Rebuçado e O Aroma das Especiarias. Julgo ter entendido que este volume encerra o mundo de Vianne Rocher, com certeza a chocolateira mais famosa do universo literário.
Senti a narrativa mais fraca, a entrar um bocadinho por aquele campo do espremer uma fórmula ao máximo. Como se a autora não estivesse tão inspirada como nos restantes volumes, apesar de se ler bem, porque me é território confortável. Vianne Rocher cede o protagonismo à sua filha de 16 anos, Rosette, e a M. le Curé, o Père Reynaud. Sem dúvida que as complexidades deste homem de Deus, atormentado pela própria natureza falível, dão substância à melhor personagem (pelo menos à minha favorita) criada pela autora neste universo de uma aldeia francesa à beira-rio, na qual aportam os barcos dos ciganos, onde há uma comunidade muçulmana (Les Marauds) e onde colidem o mundo tradicional das beatas e dos hipócritas com as minorias que despertam a mesquinhez nessas almas cristãs.
Adoro a temática dos livros da autora, que giram sempre em torno da diferença; do ser-se diferente e do aceitar-se o diferente. Neste volume, Rosette é a personagem diferente. Tem um discurso próprio (Bam!) pontilhado dos seus limites de discurso (terá uma doença que a arrasta para tiques nervosos?). Traz alguma pureza à narrativa. É a sua voz, mas também a de Vianne, a de Reynaud e os relatos na primeira pessoa de Narcisse, o antigo florista que morre e que deixa o seu bosque de carvalhos e morangos silvestres à curiosa Rosette que instiga a ação deste último tomo da série. É que os habitantes de Lansquenet-sous-Tannes não compreendem o porquê de um homem inescrutável ter deixado um bosque de valor precioso a uma criança com limitações, e a justificação que oferece ao executor do seu testamento, bem como a nova ocupante da sua loja de flores desocupada, diante da porta da Chocolaterie vão desenterrar os segredos de outro habitante da pequena povoação.
O interessante é a premissa de que ninguém é o que parece, combinada com a mestria da autora em criar universos mágicos, místicos, plenos de superstição e de maravilha, em que o chocolate, os desenhos, a arte em geral, o fogo nas fogueiras dos ciganos, os amuletos islâmicos, as tradições maias, se tornam formas de praticar feitiçaria e de pôr o vento a nosso favor, ou contra os nossos inimigos.
Ocorre-me uma questão interessante sobre a obra da autora: os homens costumam ser personagens voláteis, pouco confiáveis, que vêm e vão com o vento, egoístas. As mulheres têm-nos como adereços temporários. O amor nunca se sobrepõe à razão e, quando o faz, é para desgraça da mulher (recordo-me de algumas das suas mulheres, desgraçadas por homens ignóbeis). Que significa isto? Gostaria de perguntar à autora se é de algum modo feminista, e se conhece homens de integridade inabalável.
Despeço-me com saudade, e um dia regresso com o Hurakan a Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, para reencontrar todos estes amigos de longa data.
Senti a narrativa mais fraca, a entrar um bocadinho por aquele campo do espremer uma fórmula ao máximo. Como se a autora não estivesse tão inspirada como nos restantes volumes, apesar de se ler bem, porque me é território confortável. Vianne Rocher cede o protagonismo à sua filha de 16 anos, Rosette, e a M. le Curé, o Père Reynaud. Sem dúvida que as complexidades deste homem de Deus, atormentado pela própria natureza falível, dão substância à melhor personagem (pelo menos à minha favorita) criada pela autora neste universo de uma aldeia francesa à beira-rio, na qual aportam os barcos dos ciganos, onde há uma comunidade muçulmana (Les Marauds) e onde colidem o mundo tradicional das beatas e dos hipócritas com as minorias que despertam a mesquinhez nessas almas cristãs.
Adoro a temática dos livros da autora, que giram sempre em torno da diferença; do ser-se diferente e do aceitar-se o diferente. Neste volume, Rosette é a personagem diferente. Tem um discurso próprio (Bam!) pontilhado dos seus limites de discurso (terá uma doença que a arrasta para tiques nervosos?). Traz alguma pureza à narrativa. É a sua voz, mas também a de Vianne, a de Reynaud e os relatos na primeira pessoa de Narcisse, o antigo florista que morre e que deixa o seu bosque de carvalhos e morangos silvestres à curiosa Rosette que instiga a ação deste último tomo da série. É que os habitantes de Lansquenet-sous-Tannes não compreendem o porquê de um homem inescrutável ter deixado um bosque de valor precioso a uma criança com limitações, e a justificação que oferece ao executor do seu testamento, bem como a nova ocupante da sua loja de flores desocupada, diante da porta da Chocolaterie vão desenterrar os segredos de outro habitante da pequena povoação.
O interessante é a premissa de que ninguém é o que parece, combinada com a mestria da autora em criar universos mágicos, místicos, plenos de superstição e de maravilha, em que o chocolate, os desenhos, a arte em geral, o fogo nas fogueiras dos ciganos, os amuletos islâmicos, as tradições maias, se tornam formas de praticar feitiçaria e de pôr o vento a nosso favor, ou contra os nossos inimigos.
Ocorre-me uma questão interessante sobre a obra da autora: os homens costumam ser personagens voláteis, pouco confiáveis, que vêm e vão com o vento, egoístas. As mulheres têm-nos como adereços temporários. O amor nunca se sobrepõe à razão e, quando o faz, é para desgraça da mulher (recordo-me de algumas das suas mulheres, desgraçadas por homens ignóbeis). Que significa isto? Gostaria de perguntar à autora se é de algum modo feminista, e se conhece homens de integridade inabalável.
Despeço-me com saudade, e um dia regresso com o Hurakan a Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, para reencontrar todos estes amigos de longa data.
November 30, 2019
9 de 10*
Já me perguntaram, mais do que uma vez, se pudesse viajar até ao local onde se passa a acção de um livro (real ou fictício), qual escolheria? Não tenho dúvidas, Lansquenet-sous-Tannes seria a minha escolha. Adoraria conhecer esta localidade e os seus habitantes. Adoraria sentir o cheiro da loja de Vianne e comer um dos seus deliciosos bombons!
Comentário completo em:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
Já me perguntaram, mais do que uma vez, se pudesse viajar até ao local onde se passa a acção de um livro (real ou fictício), qual escolheria? Não tenho dúvidas, Lansquenet-sous-Tannes seria a minha escolha. Adoraria conhecer esta localidade e os seus habitantes. Adoraria sentir o cheiro da loja de Vianne e comer um dos seus deliciosos bombons!
Comentário completo em:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
April 4, 2019
Many ardent fans of Harris's have been awaiting a new novel from her for quite some time and what a spellbinding read it is. We return to Lansquenet-sous-Tannes to visit protagonist Vianne who has eventually settled in the area. The writing is lyrical and mesmerising and you can't seem to put it down come hell or high water, even when there are chores you need to tend to. The descriptions of the chocolate-making process and the local scenery are beautiful and so vivid you can smell, see, taste and hear the surroundings. The character development is superb as ever, with Harris using folklore and legend to infuse her story with an enchanted magic that is rare and special.
Despite being the fourth long-awaited novel in the Chocolat series it is certainly not essential to have read its predecessors in order to enjoy it, as there is plenty of background provided to ensure new readers are filled in. You are pulled into a world so rich in beauty and emotion that tearing yourself away is simply not an option; this is a story with multiple threads masterfully woven together by a storyteller of unimaginable ability. It's an altogether charming tale with a surprising gothic tinge to it. The slow unravelling of village secrets keeps the reader engaged and the ending was a very poignant and emotional conclusion to a brilliant series.
This is a bewitching read that will appeal to long-term Chocolat fans, dark fairytale aficionados and lovers of beautifully told whimsical stories.
Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
Despite being the fourth long-awaited novel in the Chocolat series it is certainly not essential to have read its predecessors in order to enjoy it, as there is plenty of background provided to ensure new readers are filled in. You are pulled into a world so rich in beauty and emotion that tearing yourself away is simply not an option; this is a story with multiple threads masterfully woven together by a storyteller of unimaginable ability. It's an altogether charming tale with a surprising gothic tinge to it. The slow unravelling of village secrets keeps the reader engaged and the ending was a very poignant and emotional conclusion to a brilliant series.
This is a bewitching read that will appeal to long-term Chocolat fans, dark fairytale aficionados and lovers of beautifully told whimsical stories.
Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
May 19, 2019
Леко изсмукана от пръстите, но уютна и приятна за четене история. Не съм убедена, че приключенията на героите от "Шоколад" трябва да бъдат мултиплицирани безкрайно, защото всяка следваща книга е малко по-слаба от предишната. И все пак "Крадецът на ягоди" ме намери в много подходящ момент, дойде ми като обуването на чифт разтъпкани, удобни пантофи след дълъг работен ден - не особено вълнуващо, но познато и отпускащо сетивата преживяване.
June 9, 2019
I was really looking forward to The Strawberry Thief. I’ve read the other books in the series and love rural France, but this book wasn’t to my taste. I found it slow, and almost self-conscious, as if Harris knew what she was supposed to produce, so ground out the story in a formulaic way. I found it lacking in charm when compared to her previous books.
April 14, 2019
Visit the locations in the novel
What more is there to love than a book by the wonderful writer Joanne Harris, Chocolat and Strawberries! Take all three ingredients, add a dash of Harris magic and you have the wonderful new novel The Strawberry Thief. It's always a treat to revisit a magical place found in a book, even if fictional. Lansquenet-sous-Tannes sounds so real and in a way, I believe it is - it's so well brought to life, evoked in flavour and tastes, that you will honestly feel you are there.
It's a lovely feeling wandering back into Vianne's world. Things have changed! There's not the hostility she found in Chocolat (maybe all that sweetness and chocolate has mellowed them all) but the olde worlde charm is even more heartwarming. There's wild strawberries throughout the novel as a theme and one shop even has it on their wallpaper. Not only that - if sniffing the pages of the book is not enough for you, and you can't get enough strawberries and chocolate to eat as you read, there's now a perfume to accompany it and make the reading experience even more magical!
Vianne's chocolate shop is still as delectable as ever and chocolate fans will rejoice at living and working in the shop again. with one daughter off in Paris, Rosette is the daughter with special abilities such as the way in which she sees the aura of those who live in the village. She has speech problems but she can communicate with feelings, emotions and in many more spiritual ways. Then there's the priest Reynaud - he's totally different and it was a pleasure to meet him again and get to know the person behind the shell. He now finds himself in the middle of the chaos when Vianne is left the land, the florist's family believe should have been theirs. Is the peace of this village now threatened?
Aah but this isn't just a case of Vianne and the villagers. No, there's added tension as there's a newcomer, just like Vianne was all those years ago. Morgane takes over the florist shop but she's not exactly welcome by the others. You might think Vianne would see herself in her...and maybe she does. I got the feeling that somehow Vianne now realises the threat the villagers once saw in her. Morgane is as unique and as quirky as she was, and still is. Thisgave an extra depth to the story and really got under the skin of the ' then and now'.
I really enjoyed this novel as it was like going back in time - it's been twenty whole years since that Chocolat shop opened its doors! You know the fear of going back to a place you've loved and been so happy in and it no living up to expectations and memories? Well, that's not the case here - the village and the surrounding area, the people, the chocolate and the magic in the air is all there welcoming the reader from the very first page to the last.
The world of chocolate creation, the magic and warmth of chocolat (e) , the magical inventions...the aromas, the tastes, that anticipation when you open up a bar of chocolate and sniff it before placing it on your tongue? Recognise that feeling? This book is that and more.
November 28, 2021
The Strawberry Thief – Joanne Harris; 5 stars
And so concludes the beautiful Chocolat series, and in the most perfect beautiful way. You know how often a fourth book in a series will just complete the circle perfectly? This one is told from the point of view of three of our central characters and a fourth for whom, the characters take turns hearing his voice, and reading his confessional story. But what emerges most profoundly in the voice of Rosette, first in the narration of her thoughts and words, and then in her clear found voice. Ultimately, this book and all the books are about parents and children, and the who grow up and somehow find their own way. There is also a piece about healing in there, how does one narrate the choices they made, given the circumstances they have each faced. Ultimately, each of the four voices have to come to terms with what healing looks like for them, and what each of them both can carry and let go. With the everyone coming to the understanding for themselves, that it is “Love that God only Sees.”
The writing is breathtaking. You can taste and smell the chocolate, but also strawberries, the artistry of the writing mirrors the artistry in your mind’s eye of the book, and the way each of us carry our own magic. Magic and love are woven throughout.
And so concludes the beautiful Chocolat series, and in the most perfect beautiful way. You know how often a fourth book in a series will just complete the circle perfectly? This one is told from the point of view of three of our central characters and a fourth for whom, the characters take turns hearing his voice, and reading his confessional story. But what emerges most profoundly in the voice of Rosette, first in the narration of her thoughts and words, and then in her clear found voice. Ultimately, this book and all the books are about parents and children, and the who grow up and somehow find their own way. There is also a piece about healing in there, how does one narrate the choices they made, given the circumstances they have each faced. Ultimately, each of the four voices have to come to terms with what healing looks like for them, and what each of them both can carry and let go. With the everyone coming to the understanding for themselves, that it is “Love that God only Sees.”
The writing is breathtaking. You can taste and smell the chocolate, but also strawberries, the artistry of the writing mirrors the artistry in your mind’s eye of the book, and the way each of us carry our own magic. Magic and love are woven throughout.
September 20, 2023
Nuojauta šįsyk manęs neapgavo - pagaliau ir vėl skaičiau su malonumu, vadinasi, tinkamu laiku ir vietoje papuolė reikiama knyga. Jei kūrinio pradžia pačiai skaitėsi vangokai, bet kuo toliau įvykiai įgavo pagreitį, juos tik spėk sekti, o dar kur skleidėsi paslaptys. Taip, tikrai, tai ketvirtoji "Šokolado" serijos knyga, kuri tik vos vos nusileido pirmajam kūriniui, o ir "Braškių vagyje" buvo "paskanintų puslapių", kuriuose dvelkia karštuoju šokoladu, šokoladiniais saldainiais ir ne tik. Ne tik buvo gera skaityti šį kūrinį, bet kartu likau pamotyvuota, jau ryt ieškosiu karštojo šokolado recepto, kuris artimiausiu metu bus išbandytas.
Vertinu: 4,5⭐️/ iš 5⭐️
Vertinu: 4,5⭐️/ iš 5⭐️
February 12, 2020
Two and a half stars would have been my choice, and two seems a little harsh so three it is, because I did want to keep reading this book despite reservations. I persevered through this loose and fragmented narrative just hoping I would get to know what on earth was going on, which is to be fair all an author has to do to keep you reading. And there was a lot going on, and that’s one of my gripes. Talking of gripes, here they are:
1- The plot. Whose life was it all about. The multi 1st person narrative certainly didn’t help clarify this. Was it about the priest, the little girl, the mother, the new shop owner across the road, is there in fact no main protagonist? And all the sub-plots about the little fat boy, the red haired moody boat one, the daughter in Paris, the bloke who just died, his dad, the selfish new neighbours, even the previously long-dead Priest? And were they sub enough, or were they in fact main characters too? It seemed to be about all of them to be honest; perhaps that’s the point. But that diluted it all for me and weakened the book. Also, they’re all a bit annoying. Even the nice Chocolate shop owner gets a bit irritating as she repeatedly moans on about her kids leaving her, and don’t get me wrong, I was pretty upset when my own kids left home so she did well to annoy me on that one.
2- Did it have a climax, a denouement (getting flowery myself now!) … well I thought it might eventually get to one, especially when the tattoo witch moved in across the road and annoyed our nice chocolate witch, but as it turned out, it didn’t really for me, just a lot of wind blew one night and then it all sort of fizzled out. The priest had a sort of big moment eventually, but then so did the voiceless little ‘windy witch’, and the other daughter came home to have a moment too, and then even the mother may have done, which was sad but then not sad as it turned out. And how about the other witch, and did she do good or bad things, was she an enemy, and did she bewitch the little girl in a nice way or a bad way, not to mention all those tattoos knocking about the village waiting to cause mayhem perhaps; what was the point of them? It all added up to a lot of questions and few answers.
3- The style- Some beautiful passages yes, I agree. But, flowery and a bit repetitive for me. The wind’s always doing something, shimmying and rustling about, and then children, yes we know they are only borrowed and have to be given back, you’ve already said that, and how many different ways do we need ingredients described before you just lose interest? As some have said in other reviews, it seems a little self-conscious, trying too hard, cloying and saccharine. To be fair, Ms Harris may not have been trying too hard, she could just naturally produce rather flowery prose. Fine for me in a poem, but a bit too much in a whole book. It can be beautiful at times to be fair, but like chocolate itself, gets a bit sickening when over-indulged, all a bit unctuous and overdone.
4- So this hefty slab of Magical Realism, while clever, crafted and complex, all becomes a bit indigestible and over-done for me; too many subtle ‘notes’ lingering about to try to get your poor overworked taste buds around. Read lightly and without too much investigation it gives the impression of a good book, but read with more attention and interrogation, I personally think it fails on too many levels to rise above just ‘good’. Just my opinion though; you may well love it like so many others.
1- The plot. Whose life was it all about. The multi 1st person narrative certainly didn’t help clarify this. Was it about the priest, the little girl, the mother, the new shop owner across the road, is there in fact no main protagonist? And all the sub-plots about the little fat boy, the red haired moody boat one, the daughter in Paris, the bloke who just died, his dad, the selfish new neighbours, even the previously long-dead Priest? And were they sub enough, or were they in fact main characters too? It seemed to be about all of them to be honest; perhaps that’s the point. But that diluted it all for me and weakened the book. Also, they’re all a bit annoying. Even the nice Chocolate shop owner gets a bit irritating as she repeatedly moans on about her kids leaving her, and don’t get me wrong, I was pretty upset when my own kids left home so she did well to annoy me on that one.
2- Did it have a climax, a denouement (getting flowery myself now!) … well I thought it might eventually get to one, especially when the tattoo witch moved in across the road and annoyed our nice chocolate witch, but as it turned out, it didn’t really for me, just a lot of wind blew one night and then it all sort of fizzled out. The priest had a sort of big moment eventually, but then so did the voiceless little ‘windy witch’, and the other daughter came home to have a moment too, and then even the mother may have done, which was sad but then not sad as it turned out. And how about the other witch, and did she do good or bad things, was she an enemy, and did she bewitch the little girl in a nice way or a bad way, not to mention all those tattoos knocking about the village waiting to cause mayhem perhaps; what was the point of them? It all added up to a lot of questions and few answers.
3- The style- Some beautiful passages yes, I agree. But, flowery and a bit repetitive for me. The wind’s always doing something, shimmying and rustling about, and then children, yes we know they are only borrowed and have to be given back, you’ve already said that, and how many different ways do we need ingredients described before you just lose interest? As some have said in other reviews, it seems a little self-conscious, trying too hard, cloying and saccharine. To be fair, Ms Harris may not have been trying too hard, she could just naturally produce rather flowery prose. Fine for me in a poem, but a bit too much in a whole book. It can be beautiful at times to be fair, but like chocolate itself, gets a bit sickening when over-indulged, all a bit unctuous and overdone.
4- So this hefty slab of Magical Realism, while clever, crafted and complex, all becomes a bit indigestible and over-done for me; too many subtle ‘notes’ lingering about to try to get your poor overworked taste buds around. Read lightly and without too much investigation it gives the impression of a good book, but read with more attention and interrogation, I personally think it fails on too many levels to rise above just ‘good’. Just my opinion though; you may well love it like so many others.
February 20, 2022
Having now read the whole of the Chocolat series I have finally realised what my problem with it is - I don't like Vianne Rocher.
I love the setting, Monsieur le Cure, the themes, the writing, pretty much everything except Vianne.
It feels as though she has the exact same problem for 3 books, one of which is her relationship with Roux whom she rarely ever speaks to so I find it very hard to invest in their relationship at all, and it was just very tedious for me.
Basically, I would say that the only one you need to read in this series is the first one (maybe the third if you'd like to see Reynaud's growth as a character) and you can pretty much leave it there.
I love the setting, Monsieur le Cure, the themes, the writing, pretty much everything except Vianne.
It feels as though she has the exact same problem for 3 books, one of which is her relationship with Roux whom she rarely ever speaks to so I find it very hard to invest in their relationship at all, and it was just very tedious for me.
Basically, I would say that the only one you need to read in this series is the first one (maybe the third if you'd like to see Reynaud's growth as a character) and you can pretty much leave it there.
April 10, 2019
It took me back to the world of smells, flavours and colours. It made me listen to the wind. Going back to Vianne’s world was like visiting old friends.
Joanne Harris is one of my favourite writers. The way she’s telling the story is multidimensional, you can smell it, feel it on your skin, see it. I read almost everything she writes. She never disappoints.
Joanne Harris is one of my favourite writers. The way she’s telling the story is multidimensional, you can smell it, feel it on your skin, see it. I read almost everything she writes. She never disappoints.
May 11, 2019
Full of wisdom and wonder, this is an absolute treat for those of us who fell under Chocolat’s spell 20 years ago...
I worry about sequels. I worry about disappointment. But Joanne Harris delivers a magical and beautifully-layered story about letting go. Of the past. Of guilt. And Of the fear of loss.
I was a mother of two young children when I read Chocolat. Now I have an empty nest.
The strawberry Thief is many things but admirers will understand when I say it is full of beautiful birds - swooping and soaring as the mother bird frets and fusses, fearing the wind and that empty nest so much that for a time she forgets how to fly.
I Loved it. And yes; this empty nester felt the power of the wind all over again...
and I had a little cry.
I worry about sequels. I worry about disappointment. But Joanne Harris delivers a magical and beautifully-layered story about letting go. Of the past. Of guilt. And Of the fear of loss.
I was a mother of two young children when I read Chocolat. Now I have an empty nest.
The strawberry Thief is many things but admirers will understand when I say it is full of beautiful birds - swooping and soaring as the mother bird frets and fusses, fearing the wind and that empty nest so much that for a time she forgets how to fly.
I Loved it. And yes; this empty nester felt the power of the wind all over again...
and I had a little cry.
April 22, 2019
All the strawberry stars in the wood!
This book was simply fantastic! I loved every single page, highlighted several sections throughout and could literally taste the magic on my tongue. <3 Joanne Harris has such a beautiful and enchanting way with words I felt like I was picking my way through a trove of diamonds! Absolutely exquisite!
RTC
This book was simply fantastic! I loved every single page, highlighted several sections throughout and could literally taste the magic on my tongue. <3 Joanne Harris has such a beautiful and enchanting way with words I felt like I was picking my way through a trove of diamonds! Absolutely exquisite!
RTC
May 7, 2019
20 years after reading Chocolat, I enjoyed the conclusion to Vianne Rocher's story. The story meandered around, each chapter told by a different character, so for a short time you aren't sure whose voice it is. I didn't enjoy the journey as much as I did the destination.
November 3, 2019
Wonderful book from Joanne Harris - one of the best in the Chocolate series, along with the first one. Poignant and moving, the story blew through the book on the tail of various winds and was magical and heart-rending in turn. All the main characters have grown and aged and are more prone to worrying and internal angst on the adult side and the complete self-confidence and disregard on the children's side. The story is short but sweet and oh so beautifully written - I just loved it and didn't want it to end. Thank you Joanne.
October 4, 2019
Hardback: 360 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publisher: Orion
Source: Tywyn Public Library
First Sentence: There's always a moment before a storm when the wind seems to change its mind.
Favourite Quote: “Sometimes, being told not to do something just makes us want it all the more. Sometimes, a little of what you crave is better than total abstinence.”
Review Quote: Beautifully written, enchanting yet oh-so real (Independent)
Main Characters: Vianne Rocher, Rosette, Reynaud.
Setting: Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, France
My Opinion: The fourth book in the series of interconnected tales about the village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes is a complete pleasure to read. I was very quickly completely immersed, returning to the world of 'Chocolat' one of my all time favourite novels.
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publisher: Orion
Source: Tywyn Public Library
First Sentence: There's always a moment before a storm when the wind seems to change its mind.
Favourite Quote: “Sometimes, being told not to do something just makes us want it all the more. Sometimes, a little of what you crave is better than total abstinence.”
Review Quote: Beautifully written, enchanting yet oh-so real (Independent)
Main Characters: Vianne Rocher, Rosette, Reynaud.
Setting: Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, France
My Opinion: The fourth book in the series of interconnected tales about the village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes is a complete pleasure to read. I was very quickly completely immersed, returning to the world of 'Chocolat' one of my all time favourite novels.
July 11, 2019
The Strawberry Thief returns us to the village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes and everyone’s favorite chocolate maker. Vivane’s Anouk is in Paris, but she, Rosette, and Roux are in Lansquenet. And then Rosette inherits some land. This doesn’t sit well with the man’s daughter or entirely with Roux. And there is also the question of the tattoo artist.
It’s an interesting Chocolat novel because you don’t really like Viviane and Roux here. You understand Viviane and her fears, Reynard and his, but Roux is almost dislikable here.
The book soars when Rosette and Reynaud take over. It isn’t bad with Viviane but it is Rosette and Reynaud that make the book.
In many ways, the theme of the novel is letting go, moving on, but also coming back. Which sounds strange but is pretty much what life is.
It’s an interesting Chocolat novel because you don’t really like Viviane and Roux here. You understand Viviane and her fears, Reynard and his, but Roux is almost dislikable here.
The book soars when Rosette and Reynaud take over. It isn’t bad with Viviane but it is Rosette and Reynaud that make the book.
In many ways, the theme of the novel is letting go, moving on, but also coming back. Which sounds strange but is pretty much what life is.
March 19, 2019
I’m afraid this wasn’t for me. I recognise that it’s a matter of taste and not that it’s a bad book, but I really couldn’t get on with The Strawberry Thief.
Part of the problem may be that I haven’t read any of its predecessors, so picking the story up when it is so far advanced is likely to be difficult, but I also found the style twee and rather cloying. I read as much as I could take, but I gave up as I wasn’t enjoying it at all.
I have given this three stars even though I didn’t like it because I recognise that it is well written in its way, so less would be rather unfair but personally I can’t recommend it.
Part of the problem may be that I haven’t read any of its predecessors, so picking the story up when it is so far advanced is likely to be difficult, but I also found the style twee and rather cloying. I read as much as I could take, but I gave up as I wasn’t enjoying it at all.
I have given this three stars even though I didn’t like it because I recognise that it is well written in its way, so less would be rather unfair but personally I can’t recommend it.
February 27, 2019
I devoured this in one go, so excited to get this arc and return to a world I loved. I wasn’t disappointed at all. The writing was as good as ever, hard to put the book down. You just fell back into the village and our favourite characters lives again. No spoilers here, but if you loved chocolat and Joanne Harris then pick this up you won’t be disappointed, I wasn’t
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
February 13, 2020
It was good to be back.
August 1, 2023
„Tik vienas Dievas mato, kaip mylime. <...> Gal išpažintis apvalo sielą, bet dar geriau ją veikia meilė. Tik ji atperka mūsų kaltes net tada, kai manome esantys nepataisomai pasmerkti.
Kada gi skaityti apie braškes, jei ne vasarą? Juk ji tokia trumpa, o ir vasarą braškės pačios skaniausios. Kalbant apie Joanne Haris knygas – jos dovanoja porciją malonumo sielai, ne išimtis ir „Braškių vagis".
Tai ketvirtoji „Šokolado" serijos dalis ir net gaila, kad paskutinė. Veiksmas toliau tęsiasi Lankenėje, su jau pažįstamais veikėjais iš ankstesnių jų serijos dalių: Viana ir jos dukromis, Rudžiu, klebonu Reino ir kitais.
Šį kartą pagrindinio pasakotojo rolę iš Vianos perima jos dukra, žiemos vaikas katės balsu – Rozetė. Ji taip pat turi ypatingų galių, savotiškos magijos, paveldėtos iš mamos.
Šioje dalyje į dienos šviesą iškyla seniai slėptos paslaptys, kai kurios netgi iš pirmosios „Šokolado" dalies. Gražiai perteiktas vaikų ir tėvų ryšys. Tai pasakojimas apie tėvišką meilę, nenorą paleisti, kaltę, nuodėmes ir atleidimą, pokyčius ir išsilavinimą.
Joanne Haris moka nuostabiai aprašyti žmogaus vidų, su savo šokolado magija suburti bendruomenę ir prikviesti nostalgiją bei senai pamirštus jausmus. Man patinka jos romanai su lengva mistika ir maginiu realizmu. Pabaigiau visą „Šokolado" seriją ir su malonumu ateityje ją perskaitysiu iš naujo.
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Kada gi skaityti apie braškes, jei ne vasarą? Juk ji tokia trumpa, o ir vasarą braškės pačios skaniausios. Kalbant apie Joanne Haris knygas – jos dovanoja porciją malonumo sielai, ne išimtis ir „Braškių vagis".
Tai ketvirtoji „Šokolado" serijos dalis ir net gaila, kad paskutinė. Veiksmas toliau tęsiasi Lankenėje, su jau pažįstamais veikėjais iš ankstesnių jų serijos dalių: Viana ir jos dukromis, Rudžiu, klebonu Reino ir kitais.
Šį kartą pagrindinio pasakotojo rolę iš Vianos perima jos dukra, žiemos vaikas katės balsu – Rozetė. Ji taip pat turi ypatingų galių, savotiškos magijos, paveldėtos iš mamos.
Šioje dalyje į dienos šviesą iškyla seniai slėptos paslaptys, kai kurios netgi iš pirmosios „Šokolado" dalies. Gražiai perteiktas vaikų ir tėvų ryšys. Tai pasakojimas apie tėvišką meilę, nenorą paleisti, kaltę, nuodėmes ir atleidimą, pokyčius ir išsilavinimą.
Joanne Haris moka nuostabiai aprašyti žmogaus vidų, su savo šokolado magija suburti bendruomenę ir prikviesti nostalgiją bei senai pamirštus jausmus. Man patinka jos romanai su lengva mistika ir maginiu realizmu. Pabaigiau visą „Šokolado" seriją ir su malonumu ateityje ją perskaitysiu iš naujo.
https://www.facebook.com/profesionali...
https://www.instagram.com/profesional...
www.profesionalimama.wordpress.com
Displaying 1 - 30 of 995 reviews