61 pages 2 hours read

Muriel Barbery

The Elegance of the Hedgehog

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery follows the narratives of Renée, a secretive intellectual concierge, and Paloma, a contemplative 12-year-old girl, both of whom reside in a Parisian apartment building. Their lives are transformed by the arrival of Kakuro Ozu, a new tenant who befriends them and helps them find deeper meaning and connections in life. The novel includes references to self-harm and death by suicide.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Muriel Barbery's The Elegance of the Hedgehog is praised for its philosophical depth and rich characterization, particularly the introspective concierge and the precocious teenager. However, some criticize its slow pacing and occasional pretentiousness. The novel effectively balances wit and melancholy, appealing to readers who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven stories.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Elegance of the Hedgehog?

Readers who enjoy philosophical musings and intricate character studies will be drawn to Muriel Barbery's The Elegance of the Hedgehog. Fans of works like Jostein Gaarder's Sophie's World or Yann Martel's Life of Pi will appreciate the novel's blend of intellectual exploration and nuanced storytelling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Modern Classic Fiction

Philosophy

French Literature

Topics

Philosophy

Class

Arts / Culture

Themes

Values/Ideas: Art

Values/Ideas: Beauty

Values/Ideas: Literature