THE BOOK FAIR

Review:

Vianne Rocher moves to the hamlet of Lansquenet, France with her small daughter, Anouk.  The town is alive with the anticipation of a carnival.  Anouk pleads to stay, Vianne agrees.

Vianne, a chocolatier, moves into an old bakery.  Francis Reynaud, Cure’ of the parish, visits Vianna and insinuates, his town is not for her.  Vianne realizes Reynaud wonders of her husband.

Vianne entices the townspeople with wonders of her creations, chocolate brazils, orange twists, chocolate truffles, and colorful candies decorated in colorful wrappings and colored boxes. Vianne befriends Guillaume, whose best friend is his aging dog.  She helps a Josephine, young woman, married to a brutal man and offers an estranged grandmother and grandson the chance to reconnect.

When the unwanted river people arrive, Vianne takes an interest in Roux, leader of the Gypsies.  Reynaud despises Vianne’s seductive allure, and demands she reform.

The story offers a sweet romance between Vianne and Roux, plus delicious descriptions of an assortment of chocolate creations.