“The Girl With No Shadow” by Joanne Harris

My ‘page turning’ friend, Nan, selected this ‘delectable treat’ for our book club. It is the sequel to ‘Chocolat’, and though it is a bit darker than its predecessor, it is a delicious fairy tale that seduces the reader. I, personally, was drawn into the book during its first pages.

Vivanne Rocher and her daughter, Anouk, (of Chocolat) have reinvented themselves and their lives as they move to a Paris neighborhood and become the young widow, Yanne Charbonneau, and daughter, Annie, along with baby Rosette. They left the magic of their previous lives to become ordinary and accepted, hoping that conformity will bring peace and safety to their lives.

Well, enter ‘Zozie’, along with her whimsical footwear, (especially her ‘magical’ Red Lollipop Shoes) and everything begins to change. Zozie’s larger than life personality brightens their world as she seduces the Charbonneau’s with her vivaciousness and zest for life. This is when Yanne realizes how boring and passive she has become; Annie becomes a bit restless and rebellious; and Rosette’s ‘accidents’ become a bit more potent.

This is a book filled with themes of good vs. evil, deception, and magic. It is mouthwatering good; a smorgasbord of literary confections. Though this book may lack the ‘sweetness’ of “Chocolat”, it is completely satisfying.

Get it! Read it!!

from my book bagg briefs @ www.keepitsimplesweetee.com/books.htm