This unusually named book – The Elegance
of the Hedgehog (by Muriel Barbery) – sparks such a sense of curiosity in
me. But what a book!
Set in modern France, this translation is
the story of an equally unusual concierge, Renēe, who, exhibits a facade of a
short, fat and grumpy concierge in a grand Parisian apartment building. But this is no ordinary concierge – Renēe has
a secret and is living a lie. Under her
prickly surface, Renēe is cultured, educated, well-read and extremely
knowledgeable – more so than the rich and professional residents who live in
the building – the same people who find her invisible, due to class
distinctions.
At the door stands a courier, chewing what must be a piece of gum for elephants, given the vigour and range of mandibular activity to which he is compelled
As it happens, two other unusual people live
in the same building, and as these 3 somewhat eccentric individuals begin to
build a relationship across the class divide, the ‘Hedgehog’ (Renee) begins to be
unveiled and revealed.
This book is not one to read if you are in a
hurry. And it’s not always light
reading. It is, however, charming, at times
hilarious, and also moving, with a level of insight and depth that is more meaty
than your average novel.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking
for a novel with teeth.
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