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Saturday 23 April 2011

Book review: The Elegance of the Hedgehog, Muriel Barbery

I chose this book after it was recommended in Red Magazine, May 2011 - in an interview by Gillian Anderson.

The novel narrates the lives of 2 characters, ReneĆ©, a conceirge of an appartment block and Paloma, a resident of the block.  Paloma is 12 years old and lives with her family.

Both characters are highly intelligent individuals, probably too intelligent for their own good.

It's a simple story of observations, philosophies, ideals and outlooks, which are beautifully written.

There are some wonderful laugh out loud moments, especially ReneĆ©'s views florists and hairdressers, and some highly observed behaviours, especially how they see the other residents of the appartment, and each other.

I haven't read something so beautifully written in a long long time.  I will most certainly read it again, and will again cry like a blubbering baby (again). 

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