The Elegance of the Hedgehog
Muriel Burbery
number of voters: 6
percentage of voters who finished the book: 83
highest rating: 10
lowest rating: 6
average rating: 7.83
percentage of readers who hold a degree in philosophy: 0
*****
Marx has the ability to completely change the way one views the world. One need not agree with him to necessitate said change; the evolution of thought occurs with or without concurrence.
So it may be with Muriel Barbery and her eclectic collage of aristocratic and working class figures coexisting in a Parisian apartment.
The title, The Elegance of the Hedgehog, refers, in no subtle way, to the hidden intellectualism (elegance) of the building’s underclass concierge (hedgehog), Renee. Her secret is uncovered by the adolescent, quasi-suicidal Paloma, a paltry girl who is wealthy yet suffers from a dearth of human affection.
I would be negligent if I did not mention that the author is a professor of philosophy. Her novel is dense, overloaded with metaphysical contemplation. The plot develops at an almost sedative pace, but when it—finally, fantastically—engages it is in a headlong rush that leaves the reader almost dizzy with, in turns, exultation, anguish, and simple, quiet beauty.
Concerning the denouement—and here I hesitate, apprehensive of sabotaging your own experience—prepare yourself for a myriad of possibilities and your accompanying reactions. Prepare yourself for anything and nothing, and in this way, I hope, you will not be dissatisfied.
Take it upon yourself to read this book. You might love it or you might hate it; all the same, perchance you will be changed.
