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A review by jedore
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
5.0
Sometimes a book finds you. Something in the universe (a higher power?) knows it's time that you read it...and it manages to land in your lap. I was working in the library and a woman slid this book across the counter toward me. She looked pained and asked "Are you familiar with this book?" (I wasn't.) "I was supposed to read it for my book group. I really tried, but I just couldn't get into it." Well, there it was...a challenge. As she walked away, I started judging the cover. I saw that the book was French (I visit my "adopted" French sister there often and have been in a 8 year struggle to learn the language.), I saw that it received several French book awards (based on my past experience, this either means I'll love it or I'll hate it.), I read the synopsis and was immediately intrigued. I checked it out and made plans to start it the next day. When I got home, I checked out the reviews on Goodreads...not a whole lot of middle ground. It was clear I either going to love it or hate it.
From the very beginning, this book grabbed me. I believe I even gasped a little as I read a passage while getting my French pedicure in my little upscale suburb. By the end of the book, it was confirmed...I was Paloma (although I am MUCH older and not nearly as intelligent!). I finished the book last night with tears streaming down my face. If I was arrogant, I would swear that the author wrote this book just for me...to confirm everything that I had been intensively thinking, feeling, and deciding for the last month. I felt proud that I had made the decisions to live my life in the way the two characters conclude on BEFORE I read the book.
Will the average reader like this book? Probably not. It's very intellectual, very judgmental (for a reason that will become clear by the end) and dominated by philosophizing rather than storytelling. But, I would give it a try...you might just be one of the other people the author wrote it for.
From the very beginning, this book grabbed me. I believe I even gasped a little as I read a passage while getting my French pedicure in my little upscale suburb. By the end of the book, it was confirmed...I was Paloma (although I am MUCH older and not nearly as intelligent!). I finished the book last night with tears streaming down my face. If I was arrogant, I would swear that the author wrote this book just for me...to confirm everything that I had been intensively thinking, feeling, and deciding for the last month. I felt proud that I had made the decisions to live my life in the way the two characters conclude on BEFORE I read the book.
Will the average reader like this book? Probably not. It's very intellectual, very judgmental (for a reason that will become clear by the end) and dominated by philosophizing rather than storytelling. But, I would give it a try...you might just be one of the other people the author wrote it for.