Helpful Score: 3
I was a little disappointed in this book. The story has three main narrators, Vianne, Anouk, and a new character, Zozie. (The author does a good job of making it clear early in each chapter which narrator is speaking, otherwise it would have been very confusing!)
The book centers on a battle between opposing systems of morality, symbolised by Vianne and Zozie, and comes down to a battle between them over Anouk, and who can ultimately influence her choices. However, Vianne doesn't even realise there is a battle until 3/4 of the way through the book, so you are left spending an awful lot of time listening to the plotting and scheming of Zozie, who is a decidedly unpleasant character. I found that very frustrating, and wanted more of Vianne and less of Zozie.
However, some things about Vianne's past which were hinted at in Chocolat are brought to the fore in this book, and the author gives us closure at the end of the book, so there are satisfactions to be had in reading this, even though Zozie was so awful to read.
The book centers on a battle between opposing systems of morality, symbolised by Vianne and Zozie, and comes down to a battle between them over Anouk, and who can ultimately influence her choices. However, Vianne doesn't even realise there is a battle until 3/4 of the way through the book, so you are left spending an awful lot of time listening to the plotting and scheming of Zozie, who is a decidedly unpleasant character. I found that very frustrating, and wanted more of Vianne and less of Zozie.
However, some things about Vianne's past which were hinted at in Chocolat are brought to the fore in this book, and the author gives us closure at the end of the book, so there are satisfactions to be had in reading this, even though Zozie was so awful to read.
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!
