Chocolate: A Bittersweet Saga of Dark and Light

CHOCOLATE: A BITTERSWEET SAGA OF DARK AND LIGHT: Mort Rosenblum: North Point Press: Nonfiction: 290 pp.

Almost everyone loves chocolate. Those interested in learning more about this “food of the gods” will find entertainment as well as information in this book. The saga presented here is more anecdotal than truly historical, although it does include some interesting history of the cacao tree as well as the various products made from its beans. But, what is most interesting is Rosenblum’s account of his travels from Central America to Europe to Africa as he researches chocolate’s history and then follows the production of chocolate from the cacao plantations to the chocolatiers who transform the cacao bean into something delicious.

Be warned: This book’s descriptions of chocolate tastings and the nuances of flavors that differ from one chocolate maker to the next may send you on a quest of your own.

DW