The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery is a wonderful, intelligent book that pays tribute to Beauty in many forms; language, art, music and literature. The two eccentric voices of the story, Renee, a fifty-four year old concierge, and Paloma, an adolescent with intellect and wisdom beyond her short twelve years, share a kindred soul. Both of these fascinating, yet unbelievable, characters challenge the reader with philosophical reflections on the meaning of life and death, beauty and art, language and literature, and love and hate.

The story takes place at 7 Rue de Grenelle, a Parisian residential building of eight luxury apartments, owned by several wealthy and elite families. Much of the beginning of the book contains Renee and Paloma’s daily observations about the people and pets who occupy the building; weaved into their remarks are their own personal philosophies and sensitivities. Not until the end of the book do Renee and Paloma form a friendship which is life-altering for them both.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! I must admit, at the start, I was a bit concerned about the ostentatious language, but quickly realized that it was part of the character development and not an obnoxious attempt at a work of great literature. I particularly enjoyed the way in which Barbery weaves life’s deeper questions into the story. Of course the answers to those questions depend on your perspective; but one thing is certain, none of it means anything without meaningful relationships.