BOOK REVIEW: The Girl With No Shadow

Joanne Harris is an author who can be a hit or a miss; some of her books I have really enjoyed and others have been just average. One that I did enjoy was Chocolat and I have to admit that I even enjoyed the movie. The movie was different from the book, but it did star Johnny Depp. Her latest book is titled THE GIRL WITH NO SHADOW and it continues the story of Vianne Rocher. Though the book could stand on its own, it is best read as a sequel.

Vianne has always allowed the wind to dictate her every move. She had left the small French village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes and arrived in Paris, thinking that she, her daughter Anouk, and baby Rossette can lose themselves in the crowded streets. She takes on the new identity of widowed Yanne Charbonneau and again opens a chocolate shop.

This time though she tries to fit in. She has warned Anouk not to do anything that would appear odd. It seems that each of the three have magical powers and are aware that every action causes a reaction. There is a price to be paid, whether a person is a witch or not.

But this time when the wind blows, it brings Zozie de l’Alba into their lives. Zozie is charming and charismatic. She embodies all of the brightness and joy of life that Vianne was trying to leave behind. Soon Zozie has worked her way into the chocolate shop and into the life of Vianne and her preadolescent daughter Anouk.

Zozie also has powers, maybe even stronger than Vianne had had in the past. Vianne only sees Zozie as a friend who has helped her build her business and become the new confidant for Anouk. She does not see that this wind was a very evil wind and that Zozie will tear her comfortable world to shreds.

As I said, this book can stand on its own, but there is more depth to the story if you know what happened to Vianne in Lansquenet-sous-tannes. The book Chocolat’s ending and the movie’s ending are different, so read the book before seeing the movie. (Then if you are also a Johnny Depp fan, by all means rent the Academy Award nominated movie.)

I enjoyed THE GIRL WITH NO SHADOW, but do not think that this is a children’s book because of the magic involved. This is a classic tale of good vs. evil for adults. It is so easy to champion Vianne as she tries to live a normal life, doing what is best for her children. Ms. Harris has a hit with THE GIRL WITH NO SHADOW.