The Elegance of the Hedgehog PDF is a novel by Muriel Barbery that was published in 2006 by Europa Editions. The novel follows Paloma Josse, an adolescent girl living in Paris who has decided to end her life on her thirteenth birthday. She hides her intelligence and true identity behind a veneer of boredom and apathy.
Themes explored in The Elegance of the Hedgehog include individualism, human dignity, and the power of beauty. The novel has been praised by critics for its elegant prose and incisive commentary on modern life. It has sold over 10 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 36 languages. It is available in paperback, hardcover, audio CD, and electronic formats.
The Elegance of the Hedgehog is a touching and thought-provoking novel that has moved millions of readers around the globe. Its influence continues to grow with each passing year, and it remains an important work in contemporary literature.
Table of Contents
The Elegance of the Hedgehog Summary
The book starts with Renée Michel, a middle-aged concierge who leads an unassuming life at the building where she works. Despite her poverty and lack of education, she is well-read and full of philosophy. Her inner life remains unknown to all but Paloma Josse, a young girl who lives in the same building with her family. Paloma is a precocious twelve-year-old who is convinced that life has nothing to offer her, and doesn’t plan on living past the age of fourteen.
At the same time, a new tenant moves into the building. He is Monsieur Ozu, a Japanese businessman with numerous secrets. Unbeknownst to the other tenants, he and Renée are connected in more than one way.
The story continues with a cast of colorful characters who come to inhabit the building and interact with each other. Paloma is determined to uncover the secret behind Renée’s elegant facade while Monsieur Ozu reveals his past and the reasons for his arrival to Paris. As events unfold, the two of them make several startling discoveries that will drastically change the lives of all involved.
Details of The Elegance of the Hedgehog Book
| Book | The Elegance of the Hedgehog |
| Author | Muriel Barbery |
| Original language | French |
| Originally published | August 31, 2006 |
| Category | Novel, Fiction |
| Publisher | Gallimard |
| Total Pages | 359 |
| Format | PDF, ePub |
Multiple Languages Editions of The Elegance of the Hedgehog Book
The Elegance of the Hedgehog book has been translated into 45 languages and released in over 80 countries worldwide. It has been translated into multiple languages, including German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Swedish, and Chinese.
| Book Editions | Check Now |
|---|---|
| English | Check Price |
| French | Check Price |
| Chinese | Check Price |
About the Author
Muriel Barbery is a French writer and philosopher. She was born in Casablanca, Morocco on October 28, 1969. After living in Tokyo for some time, she moved to Paris at the age of 18 in 1988 and has been residing there ever since.
Barbery has written several novels, including “The Elegance of the Hedgehog” which was published in 2006, and has been translated into more than 40 languages. Barbery has also written a number of essays that explore philosophical questions in an accessible way. Her writing style is often described as lyrical and poetic and her message of social critique resonates with readers from around the world.
Barbery’s novels focus on themes of self-discovery, alienation, and the human condition. She often uses animals as metaphors for her characters’ states of being, as demonstrated in “The Elegance of the Hedgehog”, where a hedgehog is used to illustrate the quiet beauty of an unassuming protagonist.
Barbery has received numerous awards for her writing, including the French Academy’s Grand Prix du Roman in 2006 and the Medicis Prize in 2007. She has also been a featured guest on many popular talk shows and has been interviewed by numerous publications.
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FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the book The Elegance of the Hedgehog about?
The Elegance of the Hedgehog is a novel by French author Muriel Barbery that follows the lives and insights of two characters who come from seemingly opposite backgrounds.
What is the meaning of The Elegance of the Hedgehog?
The title of the book refers to a phrase uttered by one of the lead characters, Renee Michel.
How old is Paloma in The Elegance of the Hedgehog?
Paloma is twelve years old and lives in an affluent Paris apartment building.
What lesson do we learn from the story of The Elegance of the Hedgehog?
The Elegance of the Hedgehog challenges our preconceived notions of beauty, intelligence, and strength.
How long does it take to read The Elegance of the Hedgehog book?
The Elegance of the Hedgehog is a relatively short book, taking most readers about four to five hours to read.
