read | January | Try me... Test me... Taste me... Joanne Harris' 'Chocolat'

January's almost over!  We have been reading (actually, we are mid-way through reading!) Joanne Harris' wonderful novel 'Chocolat'.  It's an uplifting and magical journey investigating the conflict between religion and desire, in all it's manifestations.

Fancy one?

From the blurb... 
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, Vianne's shop-come-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? 


Emily
Harris writes with incredible detail and appeals to all the senses.  The characters are totally believable and present a plethora of beliefs and views.  The beautiful writing makes the book a joy to read, but she also deals with some really interesting themes, looking at how religions are not so different after all, how people interact with each other and how communities work, as well as the importance of pleasure in our lives.

Never have I read a book in which you can learn to feel so accepting of your own desires, which I think is so important for your own self-acceptance and happiness.  Self-denial is looked upon with pity, and this is a viewpoint that I think needs voicing in modern society.  So much of the media is focused on critiquing ourselves - we need to wear more make-up, change our hair, lose weight.  Self-denial is seen as a virtue that we aspire towards.  Harris presents it for the vice that it is.  In order to be healthy and happy we must acknowledge our desires, and learn to listen to our heart, mind and body as a whole.  So, you want a chocolate from one of the boxes left over from Christmas? - go ahead! Listen to your body.  It will tell you to stop when it needs to.  Harris encourages us to trust ourselves - this is the only way to live a life of ease and happiness.

Sarah

'Chocolat' is such a compelling, unique novel and I am so glad we took a dip into the book this month. It really uplifts while encourages reflection on social issues such as religion and relationships. Harris explores views on the debate that centres around self-denial vs. self-gratification, and presents the main character Vianne Rocher as the promoter of self-indulgence in a constrained French village. The main point is that although we may try to restrict ourselves of pleasure, we do inevitably need it in our lives in order for ourselves to be happy and calm. Behind all this, in addition, Harris portrays Vianne's difficult life and highlights the importance and comfort of having a home and friendships. 

Monsieur Reynaud, the Church pastor, is full of complexities, many of which only revealed as the novel develops. This, I think, is one of the reasons why the novel is so interesting. As Reynaud's state of mind degrades as he falls deeper into despair, we learn from Vianne Rocher, who remains ever in a happy state of mind despite her harsher predicament. Overall, Harris encourages succumbing to your desires and loves. After all, why deprive yourself of what you love if it's going to make you feel bad?