PEACHES FOR FATHER FRANCIS

When a letter comes from a friend who has recently died, Vivianne Rocher, first introduced in the novel CHOCOLAT, returns to the small village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes in France, where she opened a chocolate shop opposite the village church eight years earlier. She finds the village divided by the cultural differences between the villagers and the new influx of Muslim immigrants. Rula Lenska and Gareth Armstrong both give powerful performances, Lenska excelling most at her portrayal of Vivianne and Armstrong of Father Francis. Each demonstrates vocal range with their portrayals of the other characters, who have French, Arab, or Romany accents. The story is rich in its delving into the human spirit and what divides us and brings us together. These are shaded with the magic of chocolate and peaches—good food—the international bridger of differences. A most enjoyable listen from two masters of the art. A.C.P. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2012]