The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
At times, I said, "I can't believe I am reading all this pretentious philosophy. I can't believe it is a novel!" At other times the story was brilliant. Two hedgehogs, two people who are more than they seem, are hiding their intelligence and beauty. The first is Paloma, a 12-year-old girl who is searching for meaning in her posh, rich life, searching for a reason not to burn her building down; the second is the concierge, the super of Paloma's apartment building in Paris. The building is home not only to to Paloma and her family but to many other characters. Madam Michel, the concierge, has hidden her talents for 50 years, pretending to be dull and ugly because of her fear. Kakuro moves into the building and with patience, brings out the best in these two women.

So I recommend this novel to you with reservations. It is a look at the bougeoise and the proletariat. It is rich with strong characters and at times............. there are too many words.

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