The Elegance of the Hedgehog

"Such a thought-provoking and beautiful book. Reading this is what I wish Miss Bensons Beetle would have been more like. It switches povs between Paloma(a twelve year old girl) and Renèe(a concierge). They're both intellectually gifted, but endeavor to hide it. Paloma reminds me of Wednesday Adams in a way. They're both monotone and share a very pessimistic view on life. It took a while for Paloma and Renèe to actually become acquainted with each other, but I was so enraptured by the story, that I didn't mind at all. I always enjoy reading books with unlikely kindred spirits, and there was a fair amount of them displayed in this book. "

"This book has literally destroyed me. Beautifully written. Beautiful characters. I love this book so much. The end had me scream crying. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"

"I am on my second try to get into this book. It did not grab me at all in the beginning....will keep you posted......forcing myself to read this about 2/3 done<br/>Just finished....the last 1/3 was better than the first 2/3....<br/><br/>"

"Hmmm. Still not sure what to make of this. If you haven't read it yet, skip my comments and all reviews; the less you know going in the more you'll enjoy it.<br/><br/>*****<br/><br/>For those who HAVE read it, were you intrigued, perplexed, and annoyed in equal measure? Charmed by the lucid expression of philosophical ideas, but impatient for the novel to move along? Delighted with crotchety Mme Michel and enfant terrible Paloma, but disappointed as the plot slid into melodrama and Harlequin romance? Did it all seem a bit too...French?"

"Wow. Just wow. "

"This book is probably one of the most frustrating and annoying books I have ever read. The main characters are presented as being highly intelligent people when in reality they are written as extremely egotistical Grammer Nazis who look down on others for less uptight Grammer and mannerisms. They act as if reading classic literature and Japanese manga is a sign of a super genius and beyond the comprehension of 'normal people'. It's obvious the author fetishizes Japanese culture to a pretty creepy extent. One particular scene that sticks out is a character becoming obsessed with the manner Japanese women remove their shoes and doesn't seem to view the women as people but rather objects. The book presented itself with themes of class and breaking barriers but rather than subverting class ideals the book just reinforces the idea that the only intelligent people are those that follow certain antiquated traditions that have been reinforced in mainstream culture for centuries. One of the main characters trauma and fear of people finding out about her "superintelligence" is explained as a rich man having abused a family member when she was very young which makes very little sense as to why she would be so terrified to be known as intelligent. Additionaily suicide is glorified by a young girl which is attributed to her superintelligence rather than mental illnesses. The book seems to promote the idea that her suicidal thoughts and actions are logical and intelligent until she eventually changes her mind. I think the book would make more sense if perhaps the characters were viewed as autistic women rather than super geniuses. Both the characters have extremely strong interests in specific types of media and literature, struggle to connect or socialize with their peers in any meaningful way, get upset by changes to their routine and environment, and prefer to follow strict rules and structures like their obsession with Grammer. "

"I would say it's a must read. I loved it so much! It actually got me out of a reading slump. It's one of those books I would love to read again for the first time. 5/5 stars!"

"<i>The Elegance of the Hedgehog</i> is light on plot, character development and action and heavy on tedious philosophical ruminations."

"Everything from Europa Editions is top notch! This is a prime example. "

"Older woman, France, romance, branded narrative"