Diana’s January Book Review ~ The Strawberry Thief by Joanna Harris. I must be the last person to read Chocolat, so when I spotted this paperback in Waterstones before Christmas, I was drawn to it. I think it is the fourth in the series, but great as a standalone novel too.
I’m not strictly following the theme running through many books I choose to review this time, for reasons you’ll read in my review:
- They tell a tale linked to history
- The books are often set in two time periods
- The location is a place either I have an affection for, or one I would dearly love to visit.
Why did I choose this book?
Strawberry Thief was set in a small (imaginary) village in south west France near Bordeaux, where some of my family live, and so it was easy for me to imagine the scene from the start. I did not know at the time, but Vianne tries to make sense of the present by reflecting on her time with her mother in the past… but above all, I chose it because I love chocolate; and wild strawberries too.
Did you feel empathy for any particular character?
I could not help but feel Vianne a kindred spirit, trying to settle into a new home – a quiet village; quite a contrast to her last base in the city. Suddenly coping with all the joys and drawbacks of living in a smaller tight knit community. Mind you, as a chocolatier she had an advantage; chocolate.
Is there a lasting thought or memory of the book which remains with you?
Yes ~ What will the wind blow in today?
A mysterious book of life’s struggled, neighbourly conflict, misunderstandings, guilt and love ~ maternal and romantic and of course CHOCOLATE!
Diana Jackson's Muse, Views and Reviews 