61 pages • 2 hours read
Muriel BarberyThe Elegance of the Hedgehog
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery follows the narratives of Renée, a secretive intellectual concierge, and Paloma, a contemplative 12-year-old girl, both of whom reside in a Parisian apartment building. Their lives are transformed by the arrival of Kakuro Ozu, a new tenant who befriends them and helps them find deeper meaning and connections in life. The novel includes references to self-harm and death by suicide.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Muriel Barbery's The Elegance of the Hedgehog is praised for its philosophical depth and rich characterization, particularly the introspective concierge and the precocious teenager. However, some criticize its slow pacing and occasional pretentiousness. The novel effectively balances wit and melancholy, appealing to readers who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven stories.
Who Should Read The Elegance of the Hedgehog?
Readers who enjoy philosophical musings and intricate character studies will be drawn to Muriel Barbery's The Elegance of the Hedgehog. Fans of works like Jostein Gaarder's Sophie's World or Yann Martel's Life of Pi will appreciate the novel's blend of intellectual exploration and nuanced storytelling.