Joanne Harris

"And yes,I was fabulous."

Joanne Harris (MBE) was born in Barnsley in 1964, of a French mother and an English father. She studied Modern and Mediaeval Languages at Cambridge and was a teacher for fifteen years, during which time she published three novels, including Chocolat (1999), which was made into an Oscar-nominated film starring Juliette Binoche .

Since then, she has written 15 more novels, two novellas, two collections of short stories, a Dr Who novella, guest episodes for the game Zombies, Run, the libretti for two short operas, several screenplays, a musical and three cookbooks. Her books are now published in over 50 countries and have won a number of British and international awards. She is an honorary Fellow of St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, has honorary doctorates in literature from the universities of Sheffield and Huddersfield, and has been a judge for the Whitbread Prize, the Orange Prize, the Desmond Elliott Prize and the Royal Society Winton Prize for Science, as well as for the Fragrance Foundation awards for perfume and perfume journalism (for which she also received an award in 2017) .

What genres does Joanne Harris write in?

She writes across contemporary literary fiction, magical realism and romanced-inflected fiction, with work that also includes psychological thriller elements. She has written novels, short stories, novellas and cookery writing, and has produced tie-in work for Doctor Who, libretti and screenplays.

What are her best-known books and series to start with?

Her breakthrough novel is Chocolat (1999). Other widely known titles include The Strawberry Thief, Vianne, The Moonlight Market and Narrow Door. For readers new to her work, starting with Chocolat is a common recommendation, then moving on to the later novels that revisit the same characters and setting.

Is there a recommended reading order for the Chocolat books?

Chocolat is the first book and is the natural starting point. Several later novels revisit characters and the same village setting, so read Chocolat first and then follow the subsequent linked titles such as those that continue Vianne's story or are labeled as later Chocolat books.

In which formats are Joanne Harris's books available?

Her work is published in multiple formats, including paperback and ebook editions, and many titles are available as audiobooks. She has also published short story collections, novellas, cookbooks and other multimedia projects.

Has Joanne Harris received literary recognition or awards?

Yes. Her books have been published internationally and have won a variety of British and international awards. She holds honorary academic distinctions, has been a judge for major literary prizes and has received recognition for perfume journalism.