The Chocolate War

By: Robert Cormier

Narrated by: Frank Muller

Length: 5 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's Summary

Jerry Renault ponders the question on the poster in his locker: Do I dare disturb the universe? Refusing to sell chocolates in the annual Trinity school fund-raiser may not seem like a radical thing to do. But when Jerry challenges a secret school society called The Vigils, his defiant act turns into an all-out war. Now the only question is: Who will survive? First published in 1974, Robert Cormier's groundbreaking novel, an unflinching portrait of corruption and cruelty, has become a modern classic.

©1974 Robert Cormier (P)2004 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic Reviews

"The Chocolate War is masterfully structured and rich in theme; the action is well crafted, well timed, suspenseful; complex ideas develop and unfold with clarity." (The New York Times Book Review)
"The characterizations of all the boys are superb....This novel [is] unique in its uncompromising portrait of human cruelty and conformity." (School Library Journal)

Been a long time since I saw this book...

This is a very good book. I read it when I was about 13 or so (I don't believe it is a young adults book...my father had me reading adult stuff at a pretty young age), there is also a movie. I have not listened to in on audible but the book is great. It really brings you into his world and you can feel the torment he goes through. I really enjoyed it. If you liked the movie "The Power of One", with Morgan Freeman, this has the same feel; a boy, alone, struggling and some boxing. All in all I would have to say that I loved the book...I might just order it on audible some day.

Superb in every way

I have friends who swoon at the late Frank Muller's voice; I've usually found him to be overeager. But I can't imagine anyone else reading this one.

"Chocolate War" is an elegantly written book. I especially like the moments when a bit of exposition suddenly makes you hit rewind while saying, "What was that?" because a significant plot point has suddenly, unexpectedly been laid in your lap.

This tale of a Roman Catholic boy's school is a sort of American "Lord of the Flies." It's about courage, cruelty, control and the chaos that occurs when the people who are supposed to be in charge just don't care. By turns amusing and appalling, I found it absolutely riveting.

A highlight is the introduction by the author. The worst part was the replacement of the usual "This is Audible" with four-year-old voices chanting "Audible Kids."

This is NOT a "kid's book." This is extraordinarily well-crafted fiction written for, and about, young people. Many parents need to hear it to understand that the occasional anachronisms in the story do not mean these issues have been left in the past.

Thanks, Robert. Thanks, Frank. Outstanding job.

Middle School 8th Grade

What made the experience of listening to The Chocolate War the most enjoyable?

My Pre-Ap 8th grade students were amazed by this book because we went over why it is often challenged . The voice actor is phenomenal. He captures the personality of each character remarkably.

What did you like best about this story?

The complex nature of Archie and The Vigils, Jerry, The Goober, and Brother Leon make this an awesome read. All characters displayed very humanistic qualities...hedonistic, frightening personalities, manipulative, humorous, etc.

Which scene was your favorite?

Too many to name. I would say all scenes involving Archie were page turners. He is such a dark character. Almost surreal how manipulative he is for such a young person.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If possible, yes! However, we studied over a course of a month and a half.

Chocolate War pure filth

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Never. It uses filthy language and sexual images.

What was most disappointing about Robert Cormier’s story?

I only read about 3 chapters. The story might be good, I don't know. I refused to read more and have discarded it. It appeared to be written for youth. I sure wouldn't want my children reading this.

What about Frank Muller’s performance did you like?

He did fine reading.

Do you think The Chocolate War needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No. The author clearly is desensitized to filthy language and sexual imagery.

Any additional comments?

There should be ratings for books like there are for movies. If there are in Audible, I haven't found it yet. I'm new, but bet your life I'll be looking for that in my future purchases! I wasted a credit.

Fell flat of my expectations

This book had so much potential. I liked the idea of a kid who went against the grain, despite all the peer pressure. Robert Cormier's writing was beautiful and poetic. But the story never left the ground. The opening scene shows you the school bullies plotting some scheme that has danger written all over it. Then you meet Jerry and think, "Oh, there he is. He's going to do something great." There's all this anticipation and then nothing happens. Nothing. They don't even announce the chocolate sales until halfway through the book. I could see right away Cormier's flaw in developing the story. In the intro, Cormier explains that the idea for Chocolate War came when his own son refused to sell chocolates. Unfortunately, that made the author too attached to his characters. So much so, that he refused to let them suffer. The bullies, instead of being violent and dangerous, had a "no violence" policy. Huh? If they don't beat anyone up, where's the threat? Jerry was represented as a great hero. But he didn't do anything except say "no" when his name was called. No one pressured him. No one threatened him. He just said no. There was a little violence toward the end, but by that time, it seemed forced and out of place. It was also too brief. I was pretty disappointed, because, as I said, Cormier had a great talent with words. He could have made this story monumental if he'd have just released the apron strings.

So-so

This was about the competition in a school to sell chocolates as a fund raiser and what one student went thru because he refused to participate. I did finish this story, so that says something, but it certainly wasn't one I'll remember OR recommend.

Great Read

I was a bit nervous about this one, as I knew the ending wouldn't be a happy one, but it sheds some light on mob mentality, how "free" choices really are, and just flat-out politicking everywhere you go. The characters are all well-rounded and there is some shock value here and there. Greatly written and greatly read!

Read as a melodramatic snake

I haven't gotten very far. The overdramatic tone is making this unlistenable. It's as if the reader tried to channel Voldemort and Kha from Jungle book at the same time. It has made the main character so one dimensional he is unrelatable. I'm about to delete this book from my library

An Important and Poignant Tale For Teenagers

A book that is not afraid to tel a theme in a dark and realistic way. It would be so simple and easy to make this a story about going against the grain and being an individual but it shows you the risk. The fact of how hard it is to be an insidiously when the entire world is forcing you to bend the knee. A tale that has effected my entire life. Yes it can be violent and crude but all with meaning. To ignore this book would be a grave mistake.

Cruelty wins? Not what I enjoy in a story!

Kept waiting for the weak to prevail very disappointed with the story, not a feel good moment in the end.