Harris, Joanne. The Girl with No Shadow. Did you enjoy Chocolat? This novel is the sequel and carries on with the lives of Vianne and Anouk. Chocolat is one of the rare instances in which I preferred the film to the novel, but I very much enjoyed The Girl with No Shadow which, admittedly, has some serious differences from its predecessor.The story is told from multiple points of view and is, therefore, a bit confusing each time the narrator switches because the voices are not much different and the commentary is usually about the same events, regardless of narrator. I found it a minor inconvenience and, perhaps, a deliberate one as there are certain elements in common with each narrator that Harris might have wanted to emphasize. One of the elements, of course, is magic. Vianne is not currently indulging in magic, Anouk isn't sure if magic is real or if certain events are "accidents," and Zozie uses magic with the selfish abandon.
Fairy tale elements are obvious throughout, but not in the same way as in Chocolat -- this story is magic vs magic.
This ARC was a surprise, as I was unaware that Harris was working on a sequel.
Fiction. Magic & Mystery. 2008.
Another review: Les' Book Nook
I think it is published under a different name in the UK maybe? I have a copy of The Lollipop Shoes which is a follow up to Chocolat to read as I love the film and novel of Chocolat. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next and it is interesting to see she keeps similar elements like fairy tales and magic, although writes about them differently.
ReplyDeleteI really need to read Joanne Harris. I didn't know there was a sequel to Chocolat (which I haven't read yet, but it's been recommended to me countless times). Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteRhinoa - Yes, in the UK the title is The Lollipop Shoes, but while I LOVED the lollipop shoes in the novel, I think the US title fits the novel better. I think Harris' style in the last two novels has caught a nice rhythm. She really keeps you involved.
ReplyDeleteNymeth - I loved Five Quarters of an Orange, liked Chocolat (liked the movie even better), but didn't care at all for Blackberry Wine, The Coastliners, or Holy Fools. Then came Gentlemen & Players which I thoroughly enjoyed, and now this one. Les commented that Harris was "hit or miss," and I agree -- happily the last two of been hits for me.
Joanne Harris talked quite a bit about her new book at the book festival this past weekend (of course since it's just coming out). She mentioned that she never intended to write a sequel the Chocolat, but like many things she says she'll never do, she ends up doing it. I haven't read Chocolat, but I do have Gentlemen and Players on my shelf waiting to be read. I admit that this book has me wanting to read Chocolat whereas before I didn't really feel the urge to.
ReplyDeleteI have the UK version--still unread! I really must get to it. I loved Chocolat--both the book and the movie. I can't wait to read this!
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading this and really enjoyed it. I was a bit confused at first, but then soon noticed that each shift of narrator was accompanied by an illustration above the chapter heading, making it clear from the start who was speaking.
ReplyDeleteNever read Chocolat, but like literary feline I'm now a little more interested in doing so.
I love Chocolat (book & film) but I've been a bit hesitant to read the sequel. When I first heard that it was coming out I didn't know what to think. Now, I've heard some good reviews of it and I do want to read it. I'm hoping it lives up to my expectations :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so good! I loved Chocolat, and the reviews on this one have all really good, so I'd better pick it up. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI agree the Chocolat movie was better than the book. However, I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
ReplyDeleteI like the title of the novel!
ReplyDeleteAnd am here from Dewey's Weekly eeks #1!
Now, I on the other hand liked the book (Chocolat) better than the movie. I had just finished reading the book when I rented the movie and it felt too identical to the book. I know certain aspects were different, and it was probably too soon after reading the book to watch the movie, but I didn't love it as others have claimed. Maybe now is a good time to rent it again!
ReplyDeleteSo, overall, did you like this sequel? I found I missed Vianne's zest and free-spirit personality, but nonetheless, I still loved this book.
LF - Actually, the book has me wanting to re-read Chocolat. It has been such a long time, and I'd like a refresher. Hope you enjoy Gentlemen & Players - no magic, but unique in its own right.
ReplyDeleteDanielle - It is always nice to revisit characters you've enjoyed. Vianne is much more subdued, but of course, there is a reason. Anouk is blossoming. Maybe you will get to it soon!
Erin - I just looked back and noticed (duh!) the little illustrations. It never took me long to get the speaker, and I do wonder if there wasn't a deliberateness to Harris' method. Two (or three) sides to a coin -- so to speak.
Iliana - This book is so different in so many ways. I hope you aren't disappointed when you get around to it.
Robin - I definitely think it is worth a try. I'm sure Chocolat fans won't like the some of the changes in style, but I found it highly entertaining.
ReplyDeleteViolette- The visuals in the movie were fantastic, weren't they?
gautami tripathy - And the title has a specific connection to theme. Thanks for visiting!
Les - I feel that I should read the book again. And then, maybe watch the movie again, too!
I agree about missing Vianne's zest, but I liked the contrast with Zozi. I liked the book a lot and was almost surprised that I did!
'Chocolat' was the only book I can think of where I enjoyed the film more. I loathed the book which I thought used stereotyping in a really offensive way. I've tried other adult books by her with no success either. However, her recent foray into children's literature with 'Runemarks' was, for me, much more successful. I hope she writes more in that vein.
ReplyDeleteI almost wish I hadn't noticed the illustrations, because I think I would have enjoyed ferreting out the speaker as you did. Anyway, an enjoyable read that made me want to check out more of her books!
ReplyDeleteI heard an interview with her on NPR the other day and both she, and the book, sounded really interesting. I haven't read Chocolat and am unsure that I'll read this. I love that film and prefer to think of that as the real story and would rather imagine my own continuation of their lives rather than read Harris'. That probably seems stupid, but that is the way that I feel.
ReplyDeleteCarl, you're not alone. One of my friends said the following over on my blog:
ReplyDelete"I don't think I want to read a sequel. I think I'll just let my mind stay at the end of the original. I know, aren't I silly?!!
Pretty much the same reaction as you!
Erin - Try Gentlemen & Players - very different but a great read!
ReplyDeleteCarl - I guess I can understand that, and I don't know that I'd have sought this one out; however, when the ARC arrived, I just dived into it.
Les - Interesting the way people react to favorite books and movies. I really like this book, but I do consider it very much separate from the movie.
Is there a role in for Johnny Depp?
ReplyDeletemerrymary - Oh, yes.
ReplyDelete