Review of PEACE BY CHOCOLATE by Jon Tattrie

 3.5 Stars

If you want to have your faith in humanity restored, read this book.

Isam Hadhad was a chocolatier in Syria for almost 25 years, but when his family home and chocolate factory in Damascus were destroyed, he took his wife Shahnaz and five of his children to Lebanon.  After years as refugees there, they were sponsored by a group in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.  Tareq, the eldest son, arrived first; he was soon followed by the rest of the family.  With the help of the community, the family was able to open a new chocolate factory, Peace by Chocolate, which became very successful, with a percentage of profits going to peace-building projects around the world.

The reader learns about a family losing everything, having to leave family members behind in an unsafe situation, and adjusting to life in a totally alien country with a different language and customs.  Nonetheless, the book emphasizes the positive.  It’s a story of resilience and perseverance, luck, and compassion, acceptance, and kindness.  The Hadhad family is determined and hardworking; Canadian immigration officials are helpful; and the community of Antigonish is welcoming and supportive.  Even a major grocery chain is shown in a positive light. 

I did question how amazingly welcoming and supportive the people of Antigonish were to this Syrian family.  So many worked selflessly to assist the Hadhads and everyone was so welcoming that they experienced no prejudice? 

The writing style I would describe as newspaper expository writing style with more simple than complex sentences.  Information is given clearly and concisely, but my personal preference is for more variety in sentence structure.  I do read much more fiction than non-fiction so perhaps that explains my dislike of such a straightforward style. 

There are several messages in the book, but there are three that will remain with me.  I was struck by the family’s gratitude for being in Canada, reminding me how fortunate I am to have been born in the country which, though not perfect, “can be the warmest place on this entire planet.”  The value of immigration is also emphasized; Canada has much to gain by welcoming newcomers into the country.  And then there’s the focus on the Golden Rule and doing unto others; the Hadhads are determined to repay the many kindnesses they received and so have become philanthropists. 

This is a book that will make you cry and laugh and see the good in people.  It reminded me of Come from Away.  It’s a feel-good read we need.  Even looking at the smiles of the Hadhads, especially Tareq’s, in the photos cannot but brighten your day.