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, Reneé, 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 Reneé'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).