What the blurb on the back says...

"Try me...Test me...Taste me...

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 the ultimate sin.

Suddenly, Viannes' 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 inportance. Rich, clever and mischevious, Chocolat is a literary feast for all senses."

What I thought of it...

I was enchanted by this book from the first few pages. My sister recommended it to me, saying that you could almost taste the words, so descriptive were they. She wasn't wrong and I found myself drinking hot chocolate whilst reading. This book wasn't one of my 'un-put-down-ables' but it was good, all the same. I found it be strong and intelligent. The characters were richly described and they came alive on the pages. A book of pure escapism.