1. Do you find chocolate irresistible? If so, why? Discuss the theme of temptation in the novel.
2. To what extent is Reynaud the villain of the piece? Is it possible to understand or sympathize with the motivations and feelings behind his actions?
3. Reynaud and Vianne seem to be natural enemies from the start, and yet they both have significant elements in common: a haunted past, a desire for acceptance. How do you think this affects their relationship?
4. The preparation and eating of food is described in detail in many parts of the book. What is the significance of this, and what do the attitudes of the main characters towards food show about their personalities?
5. The author uses the first-person narrative voice for both of her principal characters. Why do you feel she does this, and how effective is each in showing the character's attitudes and motivations?
6. Vianne appears to other people as a strong and confident woman, but is secretly filled with fears and insecurities. To what extent do you think she has been strengthened or damaged by her relationship with her bohemian mother?
7. What does the character of Anouk add to the book? How would your sense of Vianne, or of the symbolism of the chocolate itself, be different if she weren’t there?
8. The theme of change, moving on and settling down, recur frequently in the book. Why do you think Vianne wants so badly to remain in the village? Do you think she eventually decides to stay?
9. Did any of you watch the film after finishing the novel? Discuss the alterations that were made in the film and why you think they were made.
2. To what extent is Reynaud the villain of the piece? Is it possible to understand or sympathize with the motivations and feelings behind his actions?
3. Reynaud and Vianne seem to be natural enemies from the start, and yet they both have significant elements in common: a haunted past, a desire for acceptance. How do you think this affects their relationship?
4. The preparation and eating of food is described in detail in many parts of the book. What is the significance of this, and what do the attitudes of the main characters towards food show about their personalities?
5. The author uses the first-person narrative voice for both of her principal characters. Why do you feel she does this, and how effective is each in showing the character's attitudes and motivations?
6. Vianne appears to other people as a strong and confident woman, but is secretly filled with fears and insecurities. To what extent do you think she has been strengthened or damaged by her relationship with her bohemian mother?
7. What does the character of Anouk add to the book? How would your sense of Vianne, or of the symbolism of the chocolate itself, be different if she weren’t there?
8. The theme of change, moving on and settling down, recur frequently in the book. Why do you think Vianne wants so badly to remain in the village? Do you think she eventually decides to stay?
9. Did any of you watch the film after finishing the novel? Discuss the alterations that were made in the film and why you think they were made.
(Questions issued by publisher.) Edited.