What makes us who we are?

The Elegance of the Hedgehog

By Muriel Barbery

Translated by Alison Anderson

Paperback: 325 pages

Publisher: Europa Editions; 1st edition (September 2, 2008)

ISBN-10: 1933372605

ISBN-13: 978-1933372600

Apprixomate Lexile: 1070

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

We are in the center of Paris, in an elegant apartment building inhabited by bourgeois families. Renée, the concierge, is witness to the lavish but vacuous lives of her numerous employers. Outwardly she conforms to every stereotype of the concierge: fat, cantankerous, addicted to television. Yet, unbeknownst to her employers, Renée is a cultured autodidact who adores art, philosophy, music, and Japanese culture. With humor and intelligence she scrutinizes the lives of the building's tenants, who for their part are barely aware of her existence.

Then there's Paloma, a twelve-year-old genius. She is the daughter of a tedious parliamentarian, a talented and startlingly lucid child who has decided to end her life on the sixteenth of June, her thirteenth birthday. Until then she will continue behaving as everyone expects her to behave: a mediocre pre-teen high on adolescent subculture, a good but not an outstanding student, an obedient if obstinate daughter.

Paloma and Renée hide both their true talents and their finest qualities from a world they suspect cannot or will not appreciate them. They discover their kindred souls when a wealthy Japanese man named Ozu arrives in the building. Only he is able to gain Paloma's trust and to see through Renée's timeworn disguise to the secret that haunts her. This is a moving, funny, triumphant novel that exalts the quiet victories of the inconspicuous among us.

 

My Thoughts:

Although I teach English and engage in a lot of literary analysis, my off-time reading tends to be a little more light and frothy. Not so with this book, however.

 

This was not a "quick read" for me, normally a very fast reader. I found that this book required me to take my time, savor the words, and think about the ideas. There is a philosophical bent to it--and that's not a bad thing. Particularly of interest to me was the power of language in dictating our place in the world.

 

Speaking of language, this book is beautifully written, and kudos must be given to Anerson, who translated it from the original French, for finding not just the right words, but the best words.

 

Some have complained about the ending, but I loved it. It was wholly unexpected, very effective, and right for the characters.

 

This story of society, expectations, and unexpected friendships is one I have recommended and will read again.

 

Be warned, though: This book tends to be a polarizing, love it or hate it, read. What I found engaging and thought-provoking, others have found pretentious drivel. If you read it on my recommendation and hate it, do not throw things at me.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Teenage angst, including planning a suicide. Deaths of a couple of characters.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

Again, it is not an easy read. It takes reflection and thought. If you want quick and easy, pass this by. It’s fine for teens who like to think deeply about life and what makes it worthwhile.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ebook.