What wonderful unsentimental writing about the senses, love and care between women (of a non-sexual nature), social control, small mindedness, jealousy, fear of otherness and determination. Harris's descriptive passages of the people, past and present, weaves a tapestry of colour and extraordinary happenings with just a hint of the supernatural. If you have read 'Perfume' this is the warm comforting version with just a hint of the 'dark side' on the edges. I swear I could smell the chocolate as Vianne worked her artistry over it and the inhabitants of the village.