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The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

by Brianna Walsh – Bishop Grandin High School, Calgary, AB Jun 15, 2009

Originally published in France as L’élégance du hérisson, this bestselling novel is a must-read for the summer of 2009. A unique story of an unlikely academic and a genius living in secret, this novel examines the divisions between class and race and provides insightful commentary through dozens of short essays.

Renée is the concierge of an apartment building housing the rich and famous. She lives in disguise, desperately trying to conceal her intelligence in order to keep up with social norms. Paloma, a genius, but suicidal 12-year-old, searches for the meaning of life through Japanese poetry and philosophical journal entries. What brings these two unlikely companions together? Ozu, a famous Japanese filmmaker who has just arrived in the building, is able to break down age-old barriers and nurtures friendships with both the concierge and the child.

This book is full of incredible vocabulary, so it's not exactly an easy summer read, but certainly it's an important book that leaves you wishing for more.

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