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The Girl with No Shadow (Chocolat #2)

3.77 of 5 stars 3.77 · rating details · 6,751 ratings · 1,047 reviews

The wind has always dictated Vianne Rocher's every move, buffeting her from the French village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes to the crowded streets of Paris. Cloaked in a new identity, that of widow Yanne Charbonneau, she opens a chocolaterie on a small Montmartre street, determined to still the wind at last and keep her daughters, Anouk and baby Rosette, safe. But the weather...more

Paperback, 480 pages

Published January 6th 2009 by William Morrow Paperbacks (first published 2007)

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May 07, 2008 Melanie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-novels

I really, really wanted to like this book - I have such fond memories of *Chocolat* (probably because I read a borrowed copy on the plane home from a trip to Paris replete with French chocolates, but still...). I can't help but think that the sequel almost ruins the magic of the first one - it ended so...hopefully, and then *The Girl With No Shadow* happens and undercuts it all.

As a stand-alone book, though (which it very well could be), I'm much happier with it (and if it were a stand-alone boo...more

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Jan 06, 2011 Bhargavi Balachandran rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: borrowed-books, british-council, fiction, jan-2011, read-in-2011, from-my-library, favorites

I started this book with a lot of expectations and i am happy to report that I enjoyed it thoroughly. Joanne Harris's Lollipop shoes is like dark,creamy chocolate with a hint of spice-totally heady and difficult to resist. Narrated from three POVs(Yanne, Anouk and Zozie), the narrative flows seamlessly. I loved how Joanne let a huge chunk of the narrative be told from Zozie's perspective- I don't really think i have read too many novels that have been narrated from the Villain's point of view.Al...more

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Feb 15, 2009 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: europe

The spider weaves its web elegantly. It is a thing of beauty to watch. But, to see it ensnare its prey is horrific, yet equally fascinating. Harris spins her own web in this delicious sequel to Chocolat. Who is the spider and who is the prey?

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Jul 26, 2011 Jenny Sparrow rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Роман Джоанн Харрис "Леденцовые туфельки" - это продолжение известного романа "Шоколад". И, скажу я вам, просто замечательное продолжение! Туфельки понравились мне куда больше Шоколада, хотя я и сама, наверное, толком не объясню, почему :)

Может, из-за того, что повествование ведется от лица трех разных героинь, и стиль каждой главы прелестно меняется в зависимости от рассказчицы: злодейки-интриганки Зози, Вианн, из страха за детей изменившей самой "шоколадной" себе, или ее дочери-подростка Анук,...more Роман Джоанн Харрис "Леденцовые туфельки" - это продолжение известного романа "Шоколад". И, скажу я вам, просто замечательное продолжение! Туфельки понравились мне куда больше Шоколада, хотя я и сама, наверное, толком не объясню, почему :)

Может, из-за того, что повествование ведется от лица трех разных героинь, и стиль каждой главы прелестно меняется в зависимости от рассказчицы: злодейки-интриганки Зози, Вианн, из страха за детей изменившей самой "шоколадной" себе, или ее дочери-подростка Анук, разрываемой противоречиями. Может, потому что интрига показалась мне интереснее, а злодейка колоритнее. Может, потому что встреча со старыми героями и их шоколадно-волшебным миром усилила удовольствие от романа. Да и конец книги на сей раз более закончен, закруглен, досказан и более мне по душе, чем конец первой части.

У меня сложилось такое ощущение, что в романе нет ни одной лишней фразы, ни одного лишнего слова - повествование течет плавно, тягуче, погружая тебя в переживания героев, в их мысли и истории. Оторваться лично мне было практически невозможно - семисотстраничный роман был буквально проглочен :) Переводчику отдельный поклон - язык просто чудесный, не перегруженный, но в то же время сочный и удивительно приятный (жаль, что нет возможности оценить прелесть оригинала :( ). Второстепенные персонажи, чьим судьбам, вполне в духе Шоколада, суждено кардинально измениться после встречи с домашней магией обитателей chocolaterie, выписаны очень колоритно, живо и привлекательно.(less)

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Aug 04, 2008 Boof rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: british-authors

I was so disappointed with this book; when it first came out I even bought it in hardback as I had absolutley loved Chocolat (and the others of Harris's that I have read). I had practically been counting down the days to the release of this book and was left feeling incredibly underwhelmed by the whole thing.

The Lollipop Shoes is the story of Vianne and Anouk and Vianne's new daugher who have moved to Paris and set up a chocolate shop there too but there is none of the magic of that first shop,...more

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Jul 27, 2012 Tze-Wen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, library, 2012, magical-realism, france

[This review was originally posted on my blog.]

It has been years since I last read Chocolat and watched its magical movie adaptation. I remember that I went on a Joanne Harris reading spree right after that. Many of her books are just as filled with love for the culinary arts. Part of me was afraid that the sequel would disappoint, and that is why I only recently got around to reading The Lollipop Shoes. I needn't have worried though, because from the very first page I was hooked. The woman with...more [This review was originally posted on my blog.]

It has been years since I last read Chocolat and watched its magical movie adaptation. I remember that I went on a Joanne Harris reading spree right after that. Many of her books are just as filled with love for the culinary arts. Part of me was afraid that the sequel would disappoint, and that is why I only recently got around to reading The Lollipop Shoes. I needn't have worried though, because from the very first page I was hooked. The woman without an identity, the woman with any identity possible at her fingertips and currently known as Zozie de l'Alba... she is like a shimmering mirage that walked straight out of a fairytale on her lollipop shoes. And of course, with all the glamours and magical tricks she conjures up, she is just that. I sat in awe of her effortlessly invoking the old gods, making her own luck as she goes along. It all seems so innocent, the stealing of identities from people that are deceased and no longer need them. But of course, it isn't quite so harmless when the people you're trying to impersonate are still alive.
I have noticed that some readers feel let down by the amount of occultism that is woven into the story. This sequel is actually not terribly dissimilar to Chocolat, although the emphasis of the narrative has shifted to the charmed life. Admittedly, only a decade ago I was myself intrigued by Wicca. As a religion it wasn't quite what I was looking for in the end, but I still find its practices and beliefs fascinating. I can however imagine that without a certain interest or curiosity a lot of this wondrous tale falls flat.
Yet, a focus on magic is indispensable to the plot: Yanne has purposefully shed off her old skin in order to start anew. She relies on the more ordinary five senses, even though it is evident that her choice is driving her towards bankruptcy and an unhappy union. This self-imposed restriction is quite interesting to observe, because the reader knows how much she used to rely on her special powers. It is also in stark contrast with Zozie's effortless, arrogant use of them, taking on the world as if it belonged to her solely. The question remains whether Yanne will realise in time that the new life she has created for herself is under threat...
Aside from the invocation of mysterious avatars and the magical infusion of chocolate delicacies, I especially liked how Yanne's two daughters were portrayed. Both Annie and Rosette are unique in their own way, where strict adherence to an unwritten code of conduct is required. Their not fitting in, because of Annie's preference for somewhat alternative clothing, music... and pretty much everything else, and Rosette's readily diagnosed underdevelopment, is heavily frowned upon by their peers. Reading about their daily struggles and how cruelly the world treats them, is a reminder of how we could all be a little more accepting of others.
The sum of the above makes The Lollipop Shoes an enthralling read that will transport you to a world very similar to ours, but enhanced with colourful enchantments and many cups of perfect hot cocoa.(less)

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Apr 22, 2008 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult

Sequel to Chocolat, published as The Lollipop Shoes outside of U.S.

Chocolat was full of colors and enchantment that we never really knew the source of. The Girl with No Shadow reveals these right away. This story starts with none of the enchantment and mystery of Chocolat. We are introduced to Zozie who is leaving her previous life. Each chapter comes from the point of view of either Zozie, Vianne, or Anouk. This threw me at first until I realized we had switched characters. Roux returns but is...more

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Jan 24, 2011 Laurie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: magically-delicious, fiction, city-of-light

Harris' writing was as captivating as ever, but I didn't enjoy this nearly as much as Chocolat. (view spoiler)

I certainly would not mind reading other tales from Anouk's point of view. I had to keep reminding myself that she was only 11, but her youthful nature came out in the sweetest of ways.

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Feb 04, 2009 CJ - Secret Charm rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of french fiction, fans of Good books, Chocolat/Harris fnas

Shelves: familyconflict, fantasy, fiction-for-women, magical-realism, just-plain-good, food-related-fiction, out-of-the-ordinary

If Chocolat was Dark Chocolate with a creamy milk chocolate filling then The Girl with No Shadow is a Dark Chocolate truffle with a smooth creamy finish.

"The Girl..." is not a simple tale. It's a complex tale that mirrors life and the way we interact with each other, the things we choose not to see, the choices we make because we believe them to be right and the ultimate decision of getting back to that place within yourself that truly represents who you are.

It's about love, vengeance, family, l...more

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Apr 09, 2013 Anna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is called the Lolly Pop Shoes in the UK. I really enjoyed it, the book took me on a journey. The characters were different, Anouk has grown up Vianne has another child, one who has caused concern for Vianne since the time of her birth. Some of the other reviewers question the way Vianne is portrayed in this book but I think she is weary, she sweeps into the village in Choclat like a breath of fresh air but in the Lolly Pop Shoes we find Vianne world weary and cautious! She has a compli...more

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Mar 18, 2013 Kathleen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorite-contemporary-authors

Reading the “Chocolat” series out of order, I already knew that Vianne Rocher’s years in Paris were threatened by Zozie de l’Alba. So meeting her in “The Girl With No Shadow,” reading portending phrases such as “when the prize is something far more personal than mere possessions, it’s essential to touch the life you take,” I braced myself for the worst. Observing the relationship with Vianne and her daughter...”I’m not a thief, you understand. First and foremost, I’m a collector” only heightened...more Reading the “Chocolat” series out of order, I already knew that Vianne Rocher’s years in Paris were threatened by Zozie de l’Alba. So meeting her in “The Girl With No Shadow,” reading portending phrases such as “when the prize is something far more personal than mere possessions, it’s essential to touch the life you take,” I braced myself for the worst. Observing the relationship with Vianne and her daughter...”I’m not a thief, you understand. First and foremost, I’m a collector” only heightened my own anxiety as I tore through the book. (Play opening bars of “The Twilight Zone” here for additional scary mood.)
Starting on Halloween, continuing through All Saint’s Day to Christmas and the days after, the time of the year is always significant in Harris’ writing. The reader can consider all the symbols of the time of year paralleling the plot. “The December wind still smells of death…was always a time of darkness…and spring is a dream, a lifetime away.”
Anouk, Vianne’s young daughter on the cusp of adolescence, becomes enamored of Zozie as most of the characters in the novel do. Zozie dresses in a style all her own, seems fearless and mysterious, and people who come in contact with her seem to solve their problems easier, find happiness and joy in life again despite their troubles. Zozie is especially interested in Anouk, or Annie as she is called in Paris, and as the novel unfolds, the reader understands why and learns more and more about Zozie’s dark past, alarming thinking, and dangerous behavior. The words she shares with Annie that are so transforming to her, allowing her to deal with the school bullies and adolescent angst, explain her beliefs about magic in the world… “it’s thought of as attitude…charisma…chutzpah…glamour or charm… basically it’s just about standing straight, looking people in the eye.” Yet, for all the good that Zozie could do, she cared only about what worked, her “System,” not believing in anything…dismissing her own mother’s beliefs years before, ”why does there have to be a soul?”
The story line is all about change and on many levels. “Magic is a tool of Change; of the tides that keep the world alive. Everything is linked together; an evil done on one side of the world is balanced by its opposite on the other. There is no light without dark; no wrong without right; no injury without revenge.” For some, the change involves the tension between playing it safe and taking a risk, and for others, much darker tensions. The principal characters are finely drawn, their personalities real, their flaws so forgiving. Zozie believes she has given Vianne back her life, and “the price for your heart’s desire is your heart.” And thus, the ending of this book is an even more powerful, more startling journey.
(less)

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Oct 08, 2012 Pauline rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 31, 2012 Jill Furedy rated it 4 of 5 stars

I'm conflicted about this book. I have a carried over appreciation for the main characters based on the first book, that I'm not sure they earned this time. In Chocolat, Vianne is vibrant, bringing life to a tired habit/tradition driven village, adding charisma but also conflict. Anouk is an energetic, spirited and imaginative child. In this book, Vianne is dreary, uninspired and uninteresting, by design in order to hide from the wind. Anouk is pulling away from her mom, trying to fit in at scho...more I'm conflicted about this book. I have a carried over appreciation for the main characters based on the first book, that I'm not sure they earned this time. In Chocolat, Vianne is vibrant, bringing life to a tired habit/tradition driven village, adding charisma but also conflict. Anouk is an energetic, spirited and imaginative child. In this book, Vianne is dreary, uninspired and uninteresting, by design in order to hide from the wind. Anouk is pulling away from her mom, trying to fit in at school, and becoming a protege of a flamboyant "bad witch". All fine, as she's growing up and allowed to change, but she tiptoes around rebellion so it's hard to either cheer for her or begrudge her decisions. Zozie is filling Vianne's role in this book by using some magic to build the chocolaterie, making the personal connections, and becoming the center of their little world. But since we know her intentions and her past are leading towards a showdown, I never fell under her spell. I might have liked it better if I had, and seen her more through Anouk's worshipful eyes. Vianne never steps up, she stays in the background even through the end of the book, never fully becoming the adversary to Zozie I expected her to grow into. Roux's appeal was always a little lost on me in both of the books (though the movie is another story), and he's so sullen in this book that I wasn't really rooting for him. The locals never grew on me like they did Chocolat, though Nico seemed most likely to develop into someone I liked. However, even though the characters weren't as likeable, I was still caught up in the story...partially in hopes that they would return to their previous and more engaging personalities. I ended the book a little disappointed in everyone, but also disappointed that their story was over. I wanted to see what happens with Rosette, Madame Calliou, Jean-Loup and Anouk. Those stories I could have heard more of. So I may be rating this too high, based on leftover enjoyment from the first book rather than rating this story on it's own. But were there another in series, I would definately still pick it up. (less)

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May 24, 2012 R.A. Sengele rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Girl With No Shadow (called Lollipop Shoes overseas) is a sequel to the popular novel Chocolat. This is possibly the first book that I’ve come across where the sequel is just as good, if not better than, the first. Once again we are graced with Joanne Harris’ amazing talent for storytelling as well as her outstanding handle of the English language. However, what makes this novel so much better than the first is the depth and conflict not just between the characters but within them as well.

Th...more The Girl With No Shadow (called Lollipop Shoes overseas) is a sequel to the popular novel Chocolat. This is possibly the first book that I’ve come across where the sequel is just as good, if not better than, the first. Once again we are graced with Joanne Harris’ amazing talent for storytelling as well as her outstanding handle of the English language. However, what makes this novel so much better than the first is the depth and conflict not just between the characters but within them as well.

The Girl With No Shadow brings us back into the lives of Vianne and Anouk Rocher, however, things have changed since we last saw them; Vianne is now terrified of her powers and forbids Anouk from using them as well. She has moved them, and new addition, Rosette, to Montmarte, where Vianne, now Yanne Charbonneau, is determined to live a normal life by any means necessary.

In enters Zazi, a witch con artist who wants Vianne’s identity and her talented daughter to complete the picture. With the use of glamours and cantrips she pulls impressionable Anouk, who is frustrated with her mother’s new found normality, into her clutches and begins training her in a new kind of magic.

What sets this book apart from the last is the amped up level of mysteries that have been worked into the story line. Who is Zazi? What made her who she is? What happened to frighten Vianne into abandoning her care-free lifestyle? What is the truth behind Vianne’s birth? Will Zazi succeed at winning Vianne’s life and will she get Anouk as an added bonus? Harris succeeds in not only answering each of these questions, but then bringing up a handful more in the process.

Another difference is the addition of a new voice. This book is told from three perspectives rather than two; Vianne’s, Zazi’s, and Anouk’s. At first I felt like Anouk’s point of view was more of a hindrance and didn’t add a whole lot of weight to the story, but as the book progressed I was pleasantly proved wrong. Anouk acts as a go between for Vianne and Zazi. Through Anouk, you see how Vianne’s new life truly affects her world and at the same time Zazi’s mastery of manipulation.

The book is beautifully writen, amazingly told and so much more fun than the first. If you loved Chocolat and have been itching to hear more from Vianne and Anouk, definitely check out The Girl With No Shadow(less)

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Sep 26, 2011 Ashley rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own

Joanne Harris is an author who has me smitten. She has such creative and unique stories - not to mention an excellent writing skill. I definitely intend to make my way through all of her books eventually.

The Girl with No Shadow, as the description will tell you, is the sequel to Chocolat. Admittedly, Chocolat was not a novel that needed a sequel, but I am quite fond of this book. It's chaotic and has a much different feel that Chocolat itself. Zozie dabbles in a type of magic that closely resemb...more

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Sep 10, 2011 Renata Toledo rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The sequel to Chocolat continues bringing the magic that the first book did. Vianne and Anouk, now with new identities and in a new city, struggle hiding who they really are in order to fit in with society even though it is obvious they really can't fit in because they are not like anyone else. With someone new to take care of, Vianne's little girl Rosette, now four years old, they become even more isolated due to her being 'different' not being able to talk. They all now live in Montmartre, wit...more

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Jul 26, 2011 Betty-Anne added it · review of another edition

Joanne Harris revisits the magic of chocolate in this sequel to her wonderful Chocolat. When we meet Vianne and Anouk again however, the magic in their lives has all but disappeared. Even the change of names – from Vianne to Yanne, and Anouk to Annie – reflect the bland life that they are trying to fit into.

But magic finds its ways: Rosette, Yanne’s second daughter is imbued with magic in her very nature, and the fact that she is ‘different’ to other children her age only makes her ‘Accidents’...more

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Jun 02, 2011 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In the sequel to the critically acclaimed book “Chocolat”, we catch up with Vianne and Anouk Rocher after they’ve moved on from Lansquenet-sous-Tannes. They are now living in Paris, with Vianne having had another daughter, the impish and capricious Rosette – now four. The family is living under different names, caretakers of a rented chocolate shop. Vianne has completely given up her magics in order to protect her daughters. She’s in a relationship with a stable Parisian named Thierry and is try...more In the sequel to the critically acclaimed book “Chocolat”, we catch up with Vianne and Anouk Rocher after they’ve moved on from Lansquenet-sous-Tannes. They are now living in Paris, with Vianne having had another daughter, the impish and capricious Rosette – now four. The family is living under different names, caretakers of a rented chocolate shop. Vianne has completely given up her magics in order to protect her daughters. She’s in a relationship with a stable Parisian named Thierry and is trying to convince herself she’s happy with this normal life. Then Zozie blows into their neighborhood. Entrancing all she meets, Zozie is flamboyant, beautiful, and capable of powers similar to Vianne’s. Quickly setting her sights on her fellow witch, Zozie befriends Anouk and Vianne. But as she grows closer and more depended on by the little family, Vianne comes to realize that Zozie is after much more than friendship and her family is in the most danger it could possibly be in. She will have to make a choice between the life she has created and the life she is running from and pay a price for either choice she makes.

If you’re expecting another delightfully sweet book like “Chocolat” in this sequel, you’ll be a bit disappointed. While reading Chocolat, you inevitably begin to crave sweets, you love all the characters – even finding room in your heart for the curate in the end. In this book, the sense of danger is always present – and sometimes overwhelming. Zozie is a menacing character who you get to know right away, as she is one of the three narrators, but the other characters are slow to catch on to her true personality. Which to me is positively infuriating.

However, if you are a fan of Joanne Harris’s other works – such as “Holy Fools” or “Five Quarters of the Orange” then this book will be right up your way. She manages the valance of characters brilliantly, switching from Vianne to Anouk to Zozie – which feels effortless except for the fact that all three have similar voices when it comes to magical matters (the entire last third of the book). You know right away who the villainess is, posing Vianne and Zozie against each other before Vianne even knows it, with Anouk bouncing around in the middle. Once again, Harris has wonderful word choice and descriptive abilities. She can bring their little corner of Paris to life in a few swift sentences, placing you in the center of the battle. Which is the best place to be in a book like this.(less)

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Feb 24, 2011 Catherine Johnson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Vianne Rocher, famous from the book and movie Chocolat, is back in a juicy thriller style adventure. Okay maybe thriller is a bit strong and not what you expect from Joanne Harris. I never did read Chocolat, I started watching the movie way back in UK with a friend but the guys came back from badminton too early and we only watched a bit. For some reason it spoiled it for reading the book, or maybe I just wasn't into reading much back then but I'm definitely going to get that one out of the libr...more

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Dec 22, 2010 Kelly Driver rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Last year for book club I read Chocolat by Joanne Harris. I loved the movie so I figured I would love the book too. It was fabulous! The movie and the book however are two completely different stories, both fantastic in their own right.

When my MOMS friends told me that the selection for March was The Girl With No Shadow, the sequel to Chocolat, I knew I had to read it.

Publisher’s Weekly describes it...”Harris revisits characters from 1999's bestselling Chocolat in this equally delectable modern...more Last year for book club I read Chocolat by Joanne Harris. I loved the movie so I figured I would love the book too. It was fabulous! The movie and the book however are two completely different stories, both fantastic in their own right.

When my MOMS friends told me that the selection for March was The Girl With No Shadow, the sequel to Chocolat, I knew I had to read it.

Publisher’s Weekly describes it...”Harris revisits characters from 1999's bestselling Chocolat in this equally delectable modern fairy tale. More than four years have passed since Vianne Rocher pitted her enchanted chocolate confections against the local clergy's interpretation of Lent in smalltown France; since then, Vianne has renounced magic, changed her name to Yanne Charbonneau and moved with her two daughters to Paris's Montmartre district. There, Yanne embraces conformity and safety, much to the dismay of her increasingly troubled older daughter, Anouk. When Anouk becomes entranced with Zozie de l'Alba, an exotic itinerant who happens upon a job at the new shop, and the relationship grows increasingly sinister, Yanne must call up all of Vianne's powers, culinary and mystical, to save her family. Harris again structures the narrative (told in alternate chapters by Zozie, Yanne and Anouk) around a liturgical season (in this case Advent). Harris gives fans much to savor in this multilayered novel, from the descriptions (including Yanne's mouthwatering chocolate confections, Zozie's whimsical footwear and Anouk's artistic efforts) to the novel's classic, enduring theme of good vs. evil—and the difficulty of telling the difference.”

I was completely taken in by this new story of Vianne, Anouk, Roux and the newest characters Zozie and the rest of the town.

The way Harris describes the village, the people and the chocolate you feel as if you are right there in the Chocolaterie. You can feel, taste and smell the delectable treats that Vianne/Yanne creates in her kitchen.

She tends to focus a little bit more on the “magic” that Vianne and Anouk possess and keeps you on edge trying to figure out if Vianne has met her match in the charmingly evil Zozie.

The Girl With No Shadow was definitely a deserving follow up to Chocolat and I can’t wait to see if we will get yet a third chance to indulge in the lives of Vianne, Anouk and Roux(less)

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Sep 12, 2010 Molly H. rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: on-my-bookshelf, not-fantasy

3.5 out of 5

Chocolat, the prequel to The Girl with No Shadow (The Lollipop Shoes in the UK), is one of my all-time favorite books, so imagine my surprise and excitement when I learned that a sequel had been published in 2007. Three years seems like a long time to miss out on the sequel to one of your favorite books, except that the ending of Chocolat was wholly satisfying and a sequel didn't seem part of its masterful recipe. So while I was excited to read the sequel, I also harbored a sense of...more 3.5 out of 5

Chocolat, the prequel to The Girl with No Shadow (The Lollipop Shoes in the UK), is one of my all-time favorite books, so imagine my surprise and excitement when I learned that a sequel had been published in 2007. Three years seems like a long time to miss out on the sequel to one of your favorite books, except that the ending of Chocolat was wholly satisfying and a sequel didn't seem part of its masterful recipe. So while I was excited to read the sequel, I also harbored a sense of trepidation for how this second book would affect the first.

That feeling did not leave me as I read the book. Harris' style had clearly evolved in the eight years since Chocolat was published, and since I reread Chocolat just before reading this, the difference jarred me. Also, things that had worked well as subtle implications in the first book were written as open and obvious in this one, which took away a quality I really loved about Chocolat. Okay, not off to a good start.

As I read on, however, the story really came into its own, to the point where I was reading in every spare minute and staying up FAR past my bedtime. It really is an enthralling book. I was moving past my trepidations and objections to the changes between this and the first book when I reached the end of the story, at which point some cliches entered in and disrupted the distinct flavor of Chocolat that The Girl with No Shadow had enhanced. There was a cliched speech and a cheesy moment at the ending, completely out of place with Harris' unique and memorable style. The end, like the beginning, was all bitter and no sweet for me. All the changes in storyline, characters and writing that I had accepted during the story became unacceptable to me. I don't wish to provide spoilers for Chocolat or this book, so I won't mention them in detail.

In the end, I feel that this storyline deserved to belong to another set of characters, because it really is a well-written, thoughtful and intriguing novel. It's really the fact that it's supposed to be a sequel to Chocolat that diminishes its quality, because they seem like a pair of mismatched socks or the halves of a broken mug that have been glued together with pieces missing. If you haven't read Chocolat, I suggest reading it and then taking a lengthy break before reading TGWNS. If you have read Chocolat, then don't make my mistake of rereading it right before reading this one. Taken separately, you will enjoy both more.

Interestingly, another book seems likely based on the end of TGWNS. While I felt it didn't suit Chocolat`s storyline and characters, it's still a great book overall (hence the 3.5 stars) and I look forward to reading more about Vianne and Anouk and the others. (less)

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Jul 27, 2010 Morgan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-fiction, general-fiction, speculative-fiction

I enjoyed this more than Chocolat, perhaps because I had nothing to compare it to. Harris' writing style is just as easy to read as chocolate, and this book is just as amusing a morsel (and just as likely to make your mouth water). However, I found it more nuanced and a bit less obvious than Chocolat.

Zozie is a much more satisfying villain than Chocolat's Reynaud ever was; and Anouk's sullen teenage resentment of (and at times, fierce love for) her mother and attraction to Zozie as a surrogate m...more

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Jul 24, 2010 Gerri Leen rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This is a sequel to Chocolat, and having loved that book, having been enchanted by the characters, I thought I'd love this. Wrong. Still intact from Chocolat is Harris's ability to weave the details of a thing or place so vividly that they become secondary characters--in this case the chocolates and the chocolate shop (in fact, it is that quality that keeps this from getting a D). What is missing is the sense of whimsy, the light-handed treatment of magic, and any possibly of liking these charac...more

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Apr 18, 2010 Dox rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2010

This is the sequel to Chocolat.

While not entirely necessary to have read the first one, without having read it, I do not think the reader would have a full idea of the characterization of Vianne and her daughter, Anouk.

This is the story of what happened after Chocolate, and where Vianne goes, and what she is afraid of. It is the story of Anouck growing up, and how she strives to be herself.

It is also the story of how an interloper comes into their lives, intent on something ill and evil, and...more

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Jan 04, 2010 Gail rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010

Is it just me or does this book bear a striking resembelence to Coraline by Niel Gaiman? Coraline predates The Girl with No Shadow by several years. Both authors live in England. Was it intentional? I doubt it, but I bet Joanne Harris had read Coraline at some time before she wrote this book.

Coraline is juvenile fiction and The Girl with No Shadow is definately adult fiction, not that it had much that was offensive, but still...

Overall, while I enjoyed this book , I found it hard to swallow tha...more

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Oct 10, 2009 Antoaneta Mitrusheva rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Би било нечестно, ако напиша, че книгата изобщо не ми хареса. Напротив - прочетох я с известно удоволствие, но я нямаше тръпката, с която четях първите книги на Джоан Харис - "Петте четвъртини на портокала" и "Шоколад". Всъщност тази книга се явява нещо като продължение на "Шоколад" - на мен обаче по-скоро ми звучеше като повторение. Нищо ново и различно, нищо вълнуващо. Сякаш авторката е решила да повтори успеха от предходната книга, като просто я пренапише. Освен това атмосферата ми беше твърд...more

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Jul 19, 2009 Nikki rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, fantasy

The Lollipop Shoes is Joanne Harris' sequel to Chocolat. I don't remember why I read Chocolat in the first place -- I think we might have studied a snippet of it, or the film script: something like that. I remember assuming it wouldn't be my thing and then getting caught up in it, finding that it 'tasted' good. Not that that's surprising, considering that the two books centre around chocolate and there's so much description of taste and food, but that doesn't always mean a book will taste nice....more The Lollipop Shoes is Joanne Harris' sequel to Chocolat. I don't remember why I read Chocolat in the first place -- I think we might have studied a snippet of it, or the film script: something like that. I remember assuming it wouldn't be my thing and then getting caught up in it, finding that it 'tasted' good. Not that that's surprising, considering that the two books centre around chocolate and there's so much description of taste and food, but that doesn't always mean a book will taste nice. Both of the books have some bright images that genuinely do seem to leap off the page and become pictures in your mind -- like Zozie's shoes in the window, filled with chocolates. With both books, I had to wonder if Joanne had a little of Vianne's magic herself, tempting you into the book, knowing your favourites...

On the whole, I think I prefer Chocolat. It seemed fine on its own, and the relationship between Roux and Vianne reminds me of some lines from one of my favourite songs, Gypsy, by Suzanne Vega. We'll blow away forever soon and go on to different lands, and please do not ever look for me, but with me you will stay, and you will hear yourself in song, blowing by one day...

But it's good to see Vianne again, and good to see Roux, and good to see what became of the baby she was going to have. There are things I didn't like about the book -- the way Vianne gave up her magic, content to live a normal life, for her children, and the way Anouk was so easily led astray... but it does make sense, for the characters and because of the other things going on.

One thing I definitely didn't like, stylistically, was the switching point of view. Sometimes I had to actually go back and check which little sign was on the chapter, to see who it was supposed to be. It does give us an immediate and intrinsic view on each of the three characters, but it felt clumsy, and the voices weren't quite distinct enough.

The plot revolves around the use of magic, which Zozie embraces and Vianne has locked away. I liked this, the magic in Chocolat is intriguing, tempting, and I wanted to know more about it. I thought the names of the spells and so on were a little over-dramatic -- but then, that's like Zozie herself, isn't it? It seemed a little too easy, at the end, for Vianne to unravel everything. And of course, there's the picture-perfect happy ending, the one we always hoped for.

I liked it quite a lot, but not quite as much as Chocolat. I felt like Chocolat was good on its own, tantalising, a little mysterious. There's something addictive about Joanne Harris' writing, though, something that makes me wonder if maybe I should look for some more of her books.(less)

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Jul 03, 2009 Kristine Coumbe rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

I read this because it is the sequel to Chocolat. I loved the movie based on the book and wanted to see what happened to my favorite characters. Vivanne, and her daughters move to Paris. Vianne wants to fit in just as her oldest daughter wants to be different and fun. Along comes a stranger that reminds the young Annuke of her mother. Zosie is fun colorful and working hard to get Annuke away from her mother. Harris uses 3 distinct voices for Three points of view. The mother and daughter voices a...more

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May 14, 2013 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Emily by: panost

Shelves: bookcrossing-greece

Αν και το ξεκίνησα με σκέψεις όπως "ωχ, αυτά τα εξευγενισμένα άρλεκιν! πώς μου πέφτουν στα χέρια και μου τρώνε το χρόνο;" στην πραγματικότητα το διάβασα με μεγάλη ευχαρίστηση, τα 2 βροχερά ανοιξιάτικα μεσημέρια του Σαββατοκύριακου που μας πέρασε, στο χωριό, σε μια μετα-πασχαλινή ραστώνη.
Πολύ εύκολα, για τα δικά μου δεδομένα, κατάφερε η συγγραφέας να με κάνει να βρεθώ στο χειμωνιάτικο Παρίσι, στη μικρή γειτονιά της Μονμάρτης, παρέα με σοκολατάκια και μάγισσες.
Και καλά οι μάγισσες, μικρές και μεγά...more

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Feb 24, 2013 Margaret rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Five stars says it all. I loved this sequel to Chocolat. Vianne Rocher is tired of blowing with the wind with her daughters. She has taken cover under the respectable title of Madame Yanne Charbonneau living in Paris on a small street in a mundane chocolate shop. Gone are the days of running from placer to place. Gone are the tarot cards and sachets and hints of magic. Gone are the red dresses and red shoes. She wants to blend in. She wants to protect her daughters and it seems that Thierry, her...more

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About Joanne Harris

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Joanne Harris was born in Barnsley in 1964, of a French mother and an English father. She studied Modern and Mediaeval Languages at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge and was a teacher for fifteen years, during which time she published three novels; The Evil Seed (1989), Sle...more

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“Children are knives, my mother once said. They don’t mean to, but they cut. And yet we cling to them, don’t we, we clasp them until the blood flows.” — 118 people liked it

“Everything comes home, my mother used to say; every word spoken, every shadow cast, every footprint in the sand. It can't be helped; it's part of what makes us who we are. ” — 32 people liked it

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