The Strawberry Thief: The Sunday Times bestselling novel from the author of Chocolat
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By Joanne Harris
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2 reviews
DISAPPEAR INTO THE WORLD OF THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING CHOCOLAT . . .
‘So wise, so atmospheric, so beautifully written’ Marian Keyes
‘The most magical, stunningly beautiful novel’ Joanna Cannon
‘It will intrigue and charm readers every bit as much as Chocolat’ Monica Ali
Faith. Secret. Magic. Murder…?
Vianne Rocher has settled down. Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, the place that once rejected her, has finally become her home. With Rosette, her youngest 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. Then 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 – seems to herald a change: a confrontation, a turbulence – even, perhaps, a murder . . .
What will the wind blow in today?
Return to the world of the multi-million-copy bestselling Chocolat….
‘A writer whose wit and sharp observation enhances her engaging story-telling’ Salley Vickers
‘The most magical, stunningly beautiful novel . . . I sobbed at the end because I couldn’t bear to leave. Joanne is truly one of the world’s finest storytellers’ Joanna Cannon
‘A place of magic and mysteries, and Harris excels in this delicate balance of realism and enchantment . . . It will intrigue and charm readers every bit as much as Chocolat’ Monica Ali
‘Sheer pleasure from start to finish. The Strawberry Thief is a delight’ James Runcie
‘I devoured it in one go’ Christopher Fowler
‘Compelling, captivating, incredibly moving, The Strawberry Thief whirls you into a thrilling world you will never forget . . . A perfect novel that shimmers with brilliance and truth’ Kate Williams
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Reviews
I wasn't sure about this book, I found it hard to get to grips with the story at first.
Having enjoyed Joanne Harris's previous novels, I still liked her descriptions of places in the village and relationships and the magical elements she uses to enhance the story.
I became confused with the rifts and jealousy in Narcisse's family!
However it wasn't until near the end of Narcisse's letter that I realised the story was about fears, burdens of guilt and absolution. I felt that Vianne's fear of change of losing her daughters was well written and believable.
Perhaps this ending of part of her life will lead to a new story.
My book group read the Strawberry Thief and we all agreed to review it after receiving free copies.
I read Chocolat many years ago and the descriptions and detail of the French countryside and all that happens in the life of the villagers is similar and enjoyable. However I didn’t feel that the story hung together as well and found some of the characters rather irritating, particularly Zozie whose back story and arrival and involvement in the village seemed rather contrived.
There were thought provoking parent/ child relationships to think about as the story progressed, Vianne with both her daughters and also within Narcisse’s family.
I’m not a big fan of magical realism and think this lessened my appreciation of what is a well written novel and a not a bad read.
