“Chocolat” Author Joanne Harris Returns to France with Prequel “Vianne” — Read an Excerpt! (Exclusive)

Renowned Author Joanne Harris Takes Readers Back to France in Exclusive Prequel Excerpt

Joanne Harris, well-known for her captivating novel “Chocolat,” is transporting readers back to France in an exciting prequel, as revealed exclusively to PEOPLE. Harris’ 1999 bestseller “Chocolat” introduced readers to the enchanting single mother, Vianne Rocher, who opens a chocolate shop in the French village of Lansquent with her daughter. The novel was later adapted into an Oscar-nominated film in 2000, featuring stars like Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp, Judi Dench, and Alfred Molina.

Now, Harris is set to release a prequel to the beloved novel titled “Vianne,” scheduled to be launched this autumn by Pegasus Books. In this upcoming book, readers will delve into Vianne’s past before she became the iconic shop owner in Lansquet, back when she went by the name Sylviane Rochas. After a journey to New York to scatter her mother’s ashes, Sylviane makes her way to the picturesque French coastal town of Marseille for a fresh start.

Renaming herself as Vianne, she takes up a job as a waitress in a local restaurant while grappling with the discovery of her pregnancy. As Vianne immerses herself in the community, she uncovers a hidden talent for cooking, especially with chocolate and spices, which ultimately transforms her own life and those around her.

Author Joanne Harris, known for her other works featuring Vianne Rocher like “The Girl with No Shadow” and “Peaches for Monsieur le Curé,” shared insights with PEOPLE about the significant symbolism behind the cover of the prequel. She expressed her fondness for the vibrant U.S. cover art, highlighting elements like cacao pods and the basilica in Marseille, which evoke a sense of colour, sunshine, and the allure of distant lands.

Harris explained, “In South American mythology, the cacao pod symbolises the heart, which resonates profoundly with the essence of this story filled with pleasure, heartbreak, and culinary delights.” As anticipation builds for the release of “Vianne,” readers can expect a compelling narrative that weaves together themes of joy, sorrow, and the transformative power of cooking.

An exclusive excerpt from “Vianne” offers a glimpse into the world Harris has crafted: as Vianne encounters mysterious scents and flavours in a local shop, the narrative unfolds with a mix of intrigue and nostalgia, promising an immersive reading experience for fans of the author’s work.

“Vianne” by Joanne Harris is now available for pre-order, offering readers the chance to embark on a new culinary and emotional journey with the beloved character. Stay tuned for the release of this latest instalment in the enchanting saga of Vianne Rocher, coming soon from Pegasus Books.

As readers eagerly anticipate the publication of “Vianne,” the power of storytelling and the culinary arts combine in Harris’ narrative, inviting audiences to savour a tale that promises a blend of warmth, flavour, and heartfelt emotions. Get ready to revisit France with Joanne Harris in this exciting prequel that is sure to captivate fans old and new alike.