The Elegance of the Hedgehog

The Elegance of the Hedgehog is a story rich in philosophy, humour and cultural discussion. Or is it just a story? 

Madame Renee Michel, the fify year old concierge at 7 Rue de Grenelle, with a cat named Leo (named after Leo Tolstoy). 

Paloma Josse, a 12 year old girl, youngest daughter of one of the several families at 7 Rue de Grenelle. 

7 Rue de Grenelle, a microcosm of class expectations, daily life and individual ways of ‘hiding’ in plain sight. 

Madame Michel, who believes she is ugly and knows that she is intelligent, has spent her life maintaining what she believed to be the proper place for a concierge. This involved hiding her intelligence and being properly subordinate. She has little social life outside of tea with Manuela, a Portuguese cleaner for the tenants.

Paloma Josse, who does not feel heard or cared about, prefers being alone. While in ‘hiding’, as her maman calls it, she thinks the philosophical thoughts of a 12 year old about life, death, and the intellectual short comings of her family. She keeps a diary of these 'profound' thoughts and seems to have little social life outside of attending school.

A cultured Japanese businessman, Kakuro Ozu, moves into 7 Rue de Grenelle and coaxes both Madame Michel and Paloma out of their carefully constructed shelters.

Both Madame Michel and Paloma, had intentions set for their lives from the beginning of the book. Kakuro Ozu befriends them both. How the friendships grew past class lines made The Elegance of the Hedgehog a delightful, intriguing read.