Books, Boots and Bakeries

Few sequels manage to recapture the magic of their predecessors while expanding on the story in fresh and unexpected ways, but The Lollipop Shoes (published as The Girl with No Shadow in the U.S.) by Joanne Harris does just that. This enchanting follow-up to Chocolat takes us away from the quiet village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes and into the vibrant, unpredictable streets of Paris, where old magic clashes with new, and danger lurks beneath the surface of every indulgence.

I absolutely loved this book, set in Paris, and when I finally visited the city, I made sure to wander through the streets of Montmartre, seeing the characters come to life around me. Harris paints such a vivid portrait of Montmartre that you can almost hear the hum of the city, smell the rich chocolate from Vianne’s new shop, and feel the tension as her past catches up with her.

The novel finds Vianne Rocher living under a new name, desperately trying to conform to a normal life and provide stability for her daughters, Anouk and Rosette. But Vianne’s magic has faded, her free spirit suppressed by the need to fit in. Enter Zozie de l’Alba—a charming, enigmatic woman with a dangerous allure. Zozie is everything Vianne once was, and more. She brings a new kind of magic, but at a cost, as she slowly weaves her way into Vianne’s life, tempting Anouk with the thrill of power and self-discovery.

Harris masterfully shifts perspectives between Vianne, Anouk, and Zozie, creating a layered narrative that pulses with tension and intrigue. While Chocolat was a story of gentle rebellion, The Lollipop Shoes is darker, delving into themes of identity, manipulation, and the price of denying one’s true nature. Zozie is a fascinating antagonist, seductive and sinister, making the stakes feel higher and the magic more unpredictable.

The beauty of Harris’s writing lies in its sensory richness and emotional depth. Paris is more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in itself, alive with hidden corners and secrets, where magic lingers just out of sight. The novel immerses you in its world, making it feel tangible, especially if, like me, you’ve walked its streets and imagined Vianne’s shop nestled among them.

While Chocolat was comforting and warm, The Lollipop Shoes is exhilarating and haunting. It’s a book about reclaiming power, embracing who you are, and understanding that magic—whether real or metaphorical—should never be ignored. Harris delivers a beautifully crafted tale that lingers long after the final page.

For those who adored Chocolat, this sequel is a must-read. It deepens the story, challenges the characters, and reminds us that magic, like life, is ever-changing. If you haven’t read it yet, prepare to be bewitched.