Peace by Chocolate (New, Expanded Edition)
The Hadhad Family's Remarkable Journey from Syria to Canada
“A timely tale of triumph, a story about the gift of community and the power of determination, and one family’s passion for chocolate. We need more heartwarming stories like this, especially today.” — Ayelet Tsabari
This expanded edition of Peace by Chocolate celebrates the 10th anniversary of the founding of this uniquely Canadian chocolate company. Author Jon Tattrie tells the extraordinary story of the Hadhad family — Isam, his wife Shahnaz, and their sons and daughters, including Tareq, now an acclaimed speaker and the voice and face of the family’s chocolatier, Peace by Chocolate. From the devastation of the Syrian civil war, through their life as refugees in Lebanon, to their arrival in a small town in Atlantic Canada, Peace by Chocolate is the story of one family and the Antigonish community who welcomed them.
This edition brings the Hadhad family’s stories up to date, with new chapters chronicling the development of the company and the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. Much has changed for the Hadhads since they arrived in small-town Canada, but ten years on, the family continues to spread messages of unity and community. Their remarkable story of resilience continues to inspire people all over the world. This is the story of a family, but it’s also one of hope, of community, and most importantly, of peace.
Available format(s)
"Jon Tattrie expertly weaves the extraordinary story of the Hadhad family’s journey from Syria to Canada with a portrayal of the Antigonish community that came together to support them. Peace by Chocolate is a timely tale of triumph, a story about the gift of community and the power of determination, and one family’s passion for chocolate. We need more heartwarming stories like this, especially today." — Ayelet Tsabari, author of The Art of Leaving
"A beautiful story of adversity, loss, love, and hope. This captivating read shows us the power and potential of vision, drive, and community through the incredible journey of the Hadhad family — truly inspiring." — Jana Sobey, Vice President, Merchandising, Sobeys Inc
"An important, compassionate book, which everyone should read. It will change how you think about Syrian refugees. Peace by Chocolate will open your heart and mind and move you to reach out to people in need. This is a book about never losing hope." — Tima Kurdi, author of The Boy on the Beach
"I thought I knew about the Hadhad family’s journey, yet this book added depth and nuance to an already fascinating story. It encompasses the resilience of the Hadhads and the compassion and action of so many people – from the IRCC staff to the Antigonish community members who embraced the whole family." — Marie Chapman, CEO, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
"Sad and sometimes harrowing, it is testament to the strength a loving family possesses, giving its members the endurance to overcome seemingly impossible odds." — Oakville News
"Inspiring, uplifting, and essential reading for all." — James Mullinger, Editor-in-Chief, [EDIT] Magazine
"A story that reminds us that even against enormous odds positive outcomes are possible and that remarkable things can be accomplished through hard work and perseverance." — The Miramichi Reader
"I admit that when reading this, I had a few tears and felt so proud to be a Canadian!" — Canadian Cookbooks
“A tale that inspired a community, a film, a book, the prime minister’s speech at the United Nations, and even astronauts in space.” — Canadian Geographic
Jon Tattrie is a writer and editor who lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He holds a master’s degree in writing from the University of King’s College, spent 15 years reporting for CBC News, and is a past editor of Atlantic Books Today. He is the author of two novels and eight works of non-fiction, including To Leave A Warrior Behind: The Life and Stories of Charles R. Saunders, Daniel Paul: Mi'kmaw Elder, and the bestsellers The Hermit of Africville and Peace by Chocolate.
Tattrie’s writing has been published in The Globe and Mail, Chronicle Herald, Canadian Geographic, Saltscapes, and Progress Magazine, and he has appeared on numerous radio and television programs. He followed the Hadhads’ story from the day Tareq arrived in Canada, first speaking to Tareq on the day Tareq and his father met Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2016. Tattrie was captivated by Tareq’s joy after so much loss and worked with Tareq and the Hadhads to write Peace by Chocolate to capture that hope. Find Jon Tattrie online at jontattrie.ca.
Shortlisted: Dartmouth Book Award for Non-Fiction
A Hill Times Top 100 Selection
Shortlisted: Taste Canada Awards (Culinary Narratives)
Gourmand Award (Subject, Chocolate)
Gourmand Award (Charity, North America Fun Raising)
Gourmand Award (Charity, Peace)
