On Elegance and Hedgehogs

A surprising number of dedicated book club members gathered at the home of Margaret Moore on Wednesday to discuss The Elegance of the Hedgehog by the French novelist and professor of Philosophy, Muriel Barbery. Most agreed that the book was enjoyable on a number of levels and that the translation was very good. Some felt, justifiably from their viewpoint, that the story lacked depth and was disappointing from the standpoint of not delivering on promised substance with regard to philosophical allusions.

The beginning of the book was somewhat hard-going and left some feeling that the story was about as elegant as a hedgehog but, beyond around page 70, it began to flow and, in part, rose to the representation of a Zen like image of the elegance of the hedgehog.

The strength of the writing and translation was in its descriptive quality and a brief discussion ensued regarding written imagery vis-à-vis visual imagery in that, at certain points, the writing was so rich one could almost see, hear, smell, or taste whatever the author was describing.

Characterization was another strong point and most members felt drawn to the protagonists. The story revolves around a highly intelligent Parisian apartment house concierge who feels the need to hide her intelligence to fit the mold of the rigid social structure. The theme centered on the two protagonists mortal struggle with the class system and the artificial roles they felt they needed to play. In all, a highly recommended read.

The book club members have handed themselves a challenge in choosing Seta by Alessandro Baricco to be read in the original, and/or, if necessary, in translation. We will discuss this book in November.

The following month we will discuss The Glass Room, by Simon Mawer.

I know it is not about the food but, I would like to thank all of those, particularly Margaret, who put so much effort and expertise into serving up such delicious fare!

Thanks too, to all who participate, we look forward to seeing you next month.

Kerry