Staff Pick
The Elegance of the Hedgehog is a study in the dichotomy of the hidden inner self versus outer perceptions. Paloma and René are each careful to build a facade that hides their true nature from the world. Until a new tenant moves into their building, this plan has worked well — but no longer. What happens when you meet someone who can see who you really are? Littered with dozens of literary, art, and music references, this quiet novel is a treat for lovers of culture. Beautifully written, poignant, and so very bittersweet. Recommended By Dianah H., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
The international publishing sensation, with sales of over 10 million copies worldwide
Rene is the concierge of a grand Parisian apartment building. She maintains a carefully constructed persona as someone uncultivated but reliable, in keeping with what she feels a concierge should be. But beneath this facade lies the real Rene: passionate about culture and the arts, and more knowledgeable in many ways than her employers with their outwardly successful but emotionally void lives.
Down in her lodge, apart from weekly visits by her one friend Manuela, Rene lives with only her cat for company. Meanwhile, several floors up, twelve-year-old Paloma Josse is determined to avoid the pampered and vacuous future laid out for her, and decides to end her life on her thirteenth birthday. But unknown to them both, the sudden death of one of their privileged neighbours will dramatically alter their lives forever.
Reviews
'Resistance is futile ... you might as well buy it before someone recommends it for your book group. Its charm will make you say yes' The Guardian
'Clever, informative and moving ... this is an admirable novel which deserves as wide a readership here as it had in France.' The Observer
'The novel wins over its fans with a life-affirming message, a generous portion of heart and Barbery's frequently wicked sense of humor' Time Magazine
'A book of great charm and grace.' The Metro
'The book's attractive, Am lie-esque Parisian setting and cast of eccentrics will appeal to many' Sunday Telegraph
'This breathtakingly singular novel ... is totally French yet completely universal' Good Housekeeping
'Reveals itself as a version of the Cinderella fairytale' Financial Times
Synopsis
OVER 10 MILLION COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDE
SHORTLISTED FOR THE DUBLIN LITERARY AWARD
'Resistance is futile' The Guardian
'Clever, informative and moving' The Observer
'Witty and touching' Gillian Anderson
Ren e is the concierge of a grand Parisian apartment building. She maintains a carefully constructed persona as someone uncultivated but reliable, in keeping with what she feels a concierge should be. But beneath this facade lies the real Ren e: passionate about culture and the arts, and more knowledgeable in many ways than her employers with their outwardly successful but emotionally void lives.
Down in her lodge, apart from weekly visits by her one friend Manuela, Ren e lives with only her cat for company. Meanwhile, several floors up, twelve-year-old Paloma Josse is determined to avoid the pampered and vacuous future laid out for her, and decides to end her life on her thirteenth birthday. But unknown to them both, the sudden death of one of their privileged neighbours will dramatically alter their lives forever.
By turns moving and hilarious, this unusual novel was described by Le Figaro as 'the publishing phenomenon of the decade'.
Synopsis
A funny and moving novel exalting the quiet victories of the inconspicuous among us.