The Girl with No Shadow

by Joanne Harris

Book Overview

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 vane soon turns, and Zozie de l'Alba blows into their lives. Charming and...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 006143163X
• ISBN13: 9780061431630
• Release Date: January 2009
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 480 Pages
• Weight: 0.83 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating and Fun!

I just loved this book! Even more, I think, than _Chocolat_. My only real complaint was the whole Roux/Josephine-thing was never explained... And the rather open-ending makes me wonder if a third one is planned... Either way, this was a terrific book and such a satisfying read! I really enjoyed this much more than I expected that I would. It was a beautiful magical story!

Excellent and relevant

Over four years have passed since Vianne Rocher got into a local brawl over the sale of her special chocolate confections declared as contraband by the Lansquenet, France clergy during Lent (see CHOCOLAT). Tired of the sweet war, Vianne repudiated the magic part of her recipe, changed her name to Yanne Charbonneau and seeking security, accompanied by her two daughters, teenage Anouk and infant Rosette, moved to Montmartre in Paris where she opened up a more mundane chocolaterie. However, Yanne begins to understand the curse of motherhood as she wants her children safe, but Anouk rebels. Zozie de l'Alba obtains a job at Yanne's Paris store, but soon Anouk is enchanted by the newcomer. Worried for her child, she has doubts about Zozie's intentions; Yanne returns to her past as Vianne. She needs to use her magic to keep Anouk safe and to generate a special chocolate concoction but since it is Advent season the righteous frowns on her sweet creations. This sequel continues the adventures of everyone's favorite confectionaire (outside of perhaps Willie Wonka) who has become a die hard conformist out of fear for her daughters until forced out of fear for her oldest child to be a born again magician. The story line rotates perspective between Zozie, Yanne and Anouk while once again a major religious season is in the background causing problems for the non-conformist heroine. Readers will appreciate this strong tale with implications in today's world; the story line focuses on the problems of fighting evil when the good side gives up its moral high road behaving more malevolent based on the end justifies the mean. Harriet Klausner

The Girl With No Shadow

This is a "must read". Each page, paragraph, and chapter are riveting and will keep you in the edge of your seat. As a member of the Smithsonian Associates Program, I had an opportunity to meet the author today. When asked if she were planning another book sequel to the life of Vianne (The Girl With No Shadow), she replied that she didn't think so. Something tells me that like the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies, the public may not leave her with much choice. This book is awesome and addictive. It leaves you wanting more and more. I would not be surprised if another movie follows. I rate this book with 5- stars. Excellent reading. And by the way; after the book review the chocolate treats and champagne were served; as mentioned in the book and in the movie "Chocolat". Hmmmmmm, yummm. I couldn't drink the champagne, but the chocolate treats were delicious. Do yourself a favor, buy and read this book. A summer treat.

Deliciously wonderful novel!

The Girl with No Shadow is an absolutely brilliant sequel to Chocolat. If you also enjoyed Gentlemen and Players then you'll find this newest novel doubly delightful. No, the novel is not Disneyesque; but then neither was "Chocolat" really. More like the Talented Mr.Ripley takes a trip to the Twilight Zone and meets Harry Potter in Paris. :-) What I found interesting was how the story was told from the perspective of three different characters, leaving you to guess for a few seconds at the beginning of each chapter as to who was now speaking. The reader is also left tantalizingly guessing, even at the end, at just exactly how effective any of the "magic" really was, or was it all simply scheming and social engineering and the occasional fortutitous or not happenstance. Joanne Harris has over the years honed and perfected her skills as a writer by producing an unbroken series of novels with an intriguing storyline and an engaging cast of characters. "The Girl with No Shadow" demonstrates convincingly that Ms. Harris continues to get better and better at her craft.

Another Sweet Treat

While in France last week I discovered The Lollipop Shoes in a book store and read the first two lines on the back cover. Not only was I hooked, I couldn't get the euros out of my pocket fast enough. This is the sequel to Chocolat (one of my favorite novels) and picks up four years after the last story ends. While it is told in the first person from 3 different people I did not find it difficult to decide who was speaking. It is part of the charm of the story. Joanne Harris has a true knack for narrating the yin and yang in life. She did an amazing job in Chocolat and continues to do so in Lollipop Shoes. Her characters are wonderfully developed and very realistic. I do recommend reading Chocolat first if you want the background of the main characters going into this novel. My interest was held from the first page to the last. When Ms. Harris uses food in the titles of her books, you are in for a feast. Bon appetit!