Joanne Harris - Writing Chocolat

Chocolat was Joanne Harris’s third novel, famously made into a film starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp, bringing the writer worldwide recognition. Set in Southern France, it’s a darkly magical modern folk-tale, in which food, namely chocolate confections, plays a central part. Readers delighted in the story of Vianne Rocher and her six-year-old daughter, Anouk, who set up a chocolate boutique during Lent, right opposite the church, much to the annoyance of the village priest, Francis Reynaud. It’s an act that gently changes the lives of many of the villagers.

Having recorded the audio book in recent years, Joanne has revisited the novel, and the writing process behind it. In conversation with Dr Vic James, she reveals how she drew inspiration from her French heritage, why the themes of indulgence and guilt, motherhood and patriarchy are so present, and crucially, about the importance of chocolate to the story. They’re also joined by Laura Grandi who translated the novel into Italian, and has continued to work with Joanne ever since.

Presenter: Dr Vic James
Reader: Ruth Everett.
Produced by Rebecca Armstrong for the BBC World Service