File Updated: 14/12/00

New Audio - Literary Titles 2000

Joanne Harris Chocolat Published July 2000 by Hodder Headline Audio at £8.99 ISBN: 1-840-32367-1
Read by Samantha Bond and Gareth Armstrong
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.
As a result, 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 éclair?
'Is this the best book ever written? A truly excellent book... Harris' achievement is not only in her story, in her insight and humour and the wonderful picture of small-town life in rural France, but also in her writing, Literary Review
Samantha Bond's latest film is The World Is Not Enough in which she plays Moneypenny. Her television credits include The Ginger Tree, Rumpole of the Bailey and Inspector Morse.
Gareth Armstrong has worked extensively in theatre, television and film. His voice is well known as that of Sean Myerson in The Archers on BBC Radio 4.
2 Cassettes Running Time: approx. 3 hrs Abridged by Peter Mackie
Titles by Joanne Harris at Amazon.co.uk

---