Bread and Chocolate by Philippa Gregory
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"Bread and Chocolate"
by: Philippa Gregory.
2002; 256 pages,
rating: 3.5
Bread and Chocolate is a collection of short stories that centers around love. Each story shares a different aspect of love.
The reason that I read Bread and Chocolate (aside from the name) was because I needed to check out one last book from the library before I wouldn't have access again for many months.
So, I grabbed a book by an author I already knew and enjoyed, one that was short enough I could finish it in a few days, and as a bonus it was short stories, so even if I didn't finish the whole thing, I wouldn't feel like I left a book unfinished.
Normally I'm not such a huge fan of short stories, but I really enjoyed this collection. I loved that the aspects of love weren't all shiny and roses, but it also showcased love in ways that are more difficult.
Two of my favorite stories in Bread and Chocolate are:
The title story, is about a monk who is a bread baker and is tempted by a woman who loves to make really rich desserts. I loved the forbidden love aspect, and the loyalty aspect.
**spoiler alert**
I also really enjoyed "The Rosewood Box". It's a story about a photographer whose husband was unfaithful, but went back to her. Then, she becomes pregnant. Just before giving birth, she finds an old antique box camera. The first picture she takes is one of her newborn daughter. The next morning, her daughter doesn't wake up. The second picture she takes is of her best friend 3 months later. That day she dies in a car accident. The last picture she takes is of her husband, when he tells her that he's leaving her again.
If you're in need of a book that is fun, quick to pick up, and easy to put down (in a good way), then "Bread and Chocolate" could be the book for you.