Bookclub-in-a-Box Discusses Muriel Barbery's novel: The Elegance of the Hedgehog

In Muriel Barbery's novel The Elegance of the Hedgehog, we meet Renée, a 54-year-old, overweight, unattractive widow who has been the concierge at 7 rue de Grenelle for 27 years. There is also Paloma Josse, a 12-year-old intellectual prodigy whose rich and prominent family is living in the building. Each spends her days at this fine hôtel particulier considering the mysterious ways of the upper class and pondering what life is worth. The philosophical quest that is foremost in the minds of both women is a search for beauty. Renée cares for the building, has tea with her friend Manuela, reads, watches foreign films, listens to music, and talks to her cat. Paloma fills her diaries with daily observations and theories, all the while planning to commit suicide on her 13th birthday unless she finds a reason to stick around. When Kakuro Ozu moves into the building, taking over the deceased M. Arthens 4th floor home, Renée and Paloma formally meet. In their search for life s raison d être, M. Ozu helps shine a light on both of their paths. The hedgehog is a shy, quiet, nocturnal animal that likes to stay out of the light and out of the sight of its enemies. It primarily lurks in and around hedges, hence its name. The hedgehog also has a delicate nurturing nature, thus its elegance. This animal, with its symbolic characteristics, is the strong base on which Barbery s elegant and poignant novel sits. Every Bookclub-in-a-Box discussion guide includes complete coverage of the themes and symbols, writing style, and interesting background information on the novel and the author.