Renee Michel is, at first glance, a nondescript middle-aged concierge of an apartment building in Paris. But she cultivates that image, and underneath her purposely plain exterior is a quick, intelligent brain. She uses her job as a way to hide her vibrant interest in philosophy, books, movies, and beauty. Upstairs lives a 12-year-old girl named Paloma who has determined to kill herself on her thirteenth birthday because she cannot handle being so disdained and undervalued. Both of their lives are set on a collision course when one of the upstairs neighbors falls ill and everything in the apartment building begins to change.
It’s hard to review a book in which I really disliked the first 100 pages and loved the following 200. At first it just seemed consumed with philosophy. Nothing was happening, Renee was constantly musing about things I don’t understand or particularly care about, and Paloma was completely doom and gloom about her life and her family. Honestly, I don’t like philosophy and never have. It just seems like a lot of musing about nothing particularly interesting. And then the neighbor died, and someone else moved in who changed everything. And somehow the characters’ musings became about life, and love, and missed opportunities, and caring what you do in the world. They became more relevant and more interesting.
It’s hard to go on without spoiling why this book became great. It’s when the characters collide that it happens, and they recognize in themselves people that are just like them. It’s a shout-out against the class system and defies Renee’s idea that because she began life as a poor woman, that rich people will always harm her and take advantage of her. It does its little bit to show that people are all just people and we never know what’s going on in someone else’s head. I’m not sure the ending didn’t really take away that message, that association with rich people will harm poor people, but it really moved me. It made me wonder if Barbery was reflecting on the way things are in France at the moment. I’ve never been there, so I don’t know how strong the class system still is, but reviews online (and this book) seem to suggest that it is still very present.
Anyway, I would really recommend The Elegance of the Hedgehog, I’d just suggest to stick to it a little longer than you might a normal book. It’s fairly short, but it is quite a touching journey.
I am an Amazon Associate. I received this book for free for review from the publisher.
Hmm, this is next on my list. I heard so many good things about this one that I couldn’t pass it up. I’m not a philosophy person either but I’ll stick with it and see what happens.
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Lord of the Rings Read-Along – Re-Visiting the Adventure =-.
I had a similar experience; specifically, I didn’t start liking it until page 131! After that, I enjoyed it much more, but didn’t love it madly overall.
.-= rhapsodyinbooks´s last blog ..Review of “Specials” by Scott Westerfeld =-.
I loved this book! I had a hard time getting into it at first too but as a whole, the philosophy part didn’t really bother me. It was one of the most touching books I have read in awhile and I can’t sing its praises enough!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Book Review: Life as We Knew It =-.
I loved this book! In fact, I listed it as one of my 10 best of 2009.
Oh my goodness! I felt the exact same way! I struggled through the beginning, eventually got hooked, and was blown away by the last 100 or so pages. It’s one of those books that is worth sticking with!
.-= Julie P.´s last blog ..Review: Jane Bites Back =-.
I think the slow beginning has may be stay away from this. I wonder if it is available in audio. That would keep me going.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Review: The Kingdom of Ohio by Matthew Flaming =-.
I remember reading practically the same thing in Julie’s review. You’ve both made it sound like it’s worth plodding through the first hundred pages, though. I love seeing the British covers in your reviews!
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Review: Simon’s Cat =-.
Wow, this sounds really intriguing. I’ll put this one on my list, so thanks for bringing it to our attention!
.-= Becky at “One Literature Nut”´s last blog ..Review: Espressologist by Kristina Springer =-.
The title is awesome!
The story itself sounds like the only modern lit that I really like–characters colliding.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Book Review: Battle Royale Ultimate Edition Volume 1 by Koushun Takami (Manga) (Series, #1) =-.
“It’s hard to review a book in which I really disliked the first 100 pages and loved the following 200.”
So funny – I feel the exact same way! However, I’m only about 125 pages in. I’m reading it b/c my mom raved about it, but like you, the first 100 pages did nothing for me. But, things have just turned around. I should be reviewing it soon.
This is my favorite book from at least the last five years. I can’t say enough good about it!
I kind of had a different experience. I’m not one for philosophy, either, and I was kind of lost occasionally, but I didn’t dislike the book the first 100 pages. Actually, I thought it was hilarious, even more funny than the rest of the book.
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Review: The Long Way Home by Andrew Klavan =-.
That’s about what I’ve heard from everyone, the beginning is hard going, but then it gets really good. I really want to read this!
.-= Jen – Devourer of Books´s last blog ..The Little Stranger – Book Review =-.
I have heard that this book is worth the trouble. So when I get it, I will just soldier through! Thanks for the review
.-= Aarti´s last blog ..Review: Before They Are Hanged =-.
I thought it got a *little* better in the middle, but then I didn’t like the ending, or even the chapters preceding the ending much at all. lol-I guess I just wasn’t a fan! But I’m totally in the minority.
.-= Eva´s last blog ..Travel by Books: 2009 Wrap-Up =-.
I plan to try this one at some point, but thanks for the heads up about the slow start. I usually give them 50 pages to intrigue me, but it sounds like it might take longer with this one.
.-= Andi´s last blog ..Woolf in Winter: The Belated Celebration =-.
Once again, I have to say that this is not the type of book I would normally read AT ALL. But the setting (love Paris!) and your review have convinced me, I think.
I hope I can find it at my library!
I am a little weird in a way that I didn’t really want to read this book simply because everybody seemed to love it and I could not find one single review mentioning anything negative about the book. In this respect your review is a little different since you didn’t like the first hundred pages and for good reason too it seems. I am now officially putting it on my wish list.
.-= lilly´s last blog ..2-in-1: Sacred hearts by Sarah Dunant & The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel by Maureen Lindley =-.
It does take a while to get past the prickly beginning, but underneath lurks a charming novel, and by the end I was left wiping away a tear. Though a little heavy-handed on the philosophy at times, there are laughs too, the scenes of Renee and her husband going to the cinema, and Renee getting ready for her date are lovely. I loved the book and would heartily recommend it.
.-= Annabel´s last blog ..…and the Winner is =-.
This sounds like something I’d actually really love. I’ll keep what you said in mind if the first 100 pages disappoint me!
.-= Nymeth´s last blog ..Kitteh Memorial Fund =-.
I have this book sitting on my tbr pile and I’m itching to pick it up! I have pretty much avoided reading reviews about this book or skimmed them because I didn’t want to spoil it for myself. But I am very glad that I read most of your review. In case I struggle with the first part of the book, I now know good things are coming. My husband majored in philosophy in college and periodically reads different texts and books about philosophy & by philosophers & he really enjoys discussing philosophy so maybe I’ll like the first 100 pages!
Glad you really enjoyed it by the end!
~ Amy
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Brief Hello! =-.
I am eager to read this one. Thank you for the heads up, Meghan, about needing to stick with it.
.-= Literary Feline´s last blog ..One Night Stand: The Challenge That Dare Not Speak Its Name =-.
This sounds like a very different kind of book. I think I might actually like it…
Noticed that your reading has become quite varied of late. A new year resolution ?? I am liking this variety
.-= Nish´s last blog ..The Pleasures of Rereading =-.
It is! I am trying to read more diversely and challenge myself more – read the books I want to read but was previously afraid of or intimidated by. I’m glad you like it!
I have heard varying things about this book. Some reviewers didn’t like it very much, while others seemed to just eat it up. I guess you are somewhere in the middle! I do want to read the book and have been really curious about it for a long while. I will try to remember that it takes awhile to get off the ground.
.-= zibilee´s last blog ..The Believers by Zoë Heller – 352 pgs — Giveaway! =-.
The reviews I’ve read of this have been really positive. I am definitely looking forward to reading it.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..New to my library! =-.