Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Chocolat summary
Brief summary
Chocolat by Joanne Harris is a captivating novel that tells the story of Vianne Rocher, a mysterious chocolatier who arrives in a conservative French village and begins to stir up emotions and desires with her delectable confections.
Topics
Table of Contents
Chocolat
Summary of key ideas
The Arrival of Vianne Rocher and the Chocolate Shop
In Chocolat by Joanne Harris, we are introduced to Vianne Rocher, a young mother who arrives in the French village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes with her daughter, Anouk. Mysterious and unconventional, Vianne opens a chocolate shop, La Céleste Praline, during the season of Lent. Her presence and the timing of her shop's opening causes a stir among the conservative villagers.
Vianne's personality and her shop's delectable offerings soon begin to work their magic on the townsfolk, drawing out their hidden desires and secrets. She forms a close bond with her daughter and they both settle into the village, despite the initial resistance from the locals.
Conflicts and Alliances in the Village
As Vianne's influence grows, she becomes a source of contention between the village's religious and secular factions. The conservative mayor, Francis Reynaud, views Vianne and her shop as a threat to the village's moral fabric. In contrast, the free-spirited and nonconformist individuals, who are drawn to Vianne's shop, form a supportive community around her.
Among these individuals is Armande Voizin, an elderly woman who forms a close friendship with Vianne and Anouk. Armande's rebellious nature resonates with Vianne and she becomes a key figure in Vianne's life, offering her wisdom and support. Meanwhile, Reynaud, the mayor, is increasingly troubled by Vianne's influence and is determined to drive her out of town.
The Battle of Wills and the Chocolate Festival
The tension between Vianne and Reynaud escalates as they both seek to assert their influence over the village. Reynaud, a man who is struggling with his own inner conflicts, launches a campaign against Vianne, labeling her as a bad influence. In response, Vianne organizes a chocolate festival during Easter, an event that further divides the village.
As the festival progresses, the villagers are forced to confront their own desires and fears. Vianne, using her empathy and understanding, helps them to recognize and accept their true selves. In a parallel development, Reynaud experiences a personal crisis, leading him to question his own rigid beliefs and judgmental attitudes.
Resolution and Departure
In the final chapters of Chocolat, the conflicts in the village come to a head. Vianne, who has been considering leaving Lansquenet, makes her decision. She decides to move on, recognizing that her presence has caused both positive and negative changes in the village. Her departure serves as a catalyst for the villagers to confront their own individual truths and desires.
As the story concludes, we see the characters, including Reynaud, begin to embrace change and accept their own imperfections. Vianne and Anouk leave the village, but their impact on the people of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes remains. In the end, Chocolat is a story about the transformative power of acceptance, the beauty of imperfection, and the joy of indulging in life's simple pleasures.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Chocolat about?
Chocolat by Joanne Harris is a captivating novel that tells the story of Vianne Rocher, a mysterious woman who arrives in a conservative French village and opens a chocolate shop. Through her delectable creations, Vianne begins to challenge the traditional beliefs of the townspeople and brings about unexpected changes in their lives. Filled with themes of temptation, freedom, and the power of indulgence, this book will transport you to a world where chocolate becomes a symbol of rebellion and transformation.
Chocolat Review
Chocolat (1999) is a delightful exploration of the magical connection between food, emotions, and community set in a quaint French village. Here's why this book is a gem:
- Portraying the clash between tradition and individuality, it offers a heartwarming tale of acceptance and empowerment through delectable treats.
- With its rich descriptions of flavors and aromas, the book tantalizes the senses, immersing readers in a sensory culinary experience.
- The intricate character dynamics and emotional depth woven into the storyline ensure a captivating journey that is far from ordinary.
Who should read Chocolat?
Chocolate enthusiasts who enjoy indulging in the sensory experience of chocolate
Readers who appreciate stories with a touch of magic and whimsy
Those interested in exploring themes of tradition, temptation, and the power of community
Categories with Chocolat
Book summaries like Chocolat
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Chocolat FAQs
What is the main message of Chocolat?
The main message of Chocolat revolves around acceptance, indulgence, and breaking societal norms.
How long does it take to read Chocolat?
Reading time for Chocolat varies per reader. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Chocolat a good book? Is it worth reading?
Chocolat is a delightful read that blends romance, magic, and self-discovery. It's definitely worth your time.
Who is the author of Chocolat?
The author of Chocolat is Joanne Harris.
What to read after Chocolat?
If you're wondering what to read next after Chocolat, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher