Irmo Branch Library - Really Rowdy Readers Book Club discussion

Hello, Rowdy Readers!

I thought we could start off by rating this book. How many stars would you give the 'The Elegance of the Hedgehog' (out of five)? What explains your rating?

I myself would give this book four out of five stars.

I have a predilection for literature that addresses existential and ethical themes head-on. Moreover, because of its quirkiness, sardonic humor, and wit, I found this novel to be overall quite refreshing and engaging. Although many readers found the long philosophical asides tedious or didactic, I quite enjoyed these little digressions. I suppose this is because Barbery and I share many interests: applied philosophy, social criticism, and art, as well as a penchant for irreverent humor.

So why not five stars? There are a few reasons:

-I feel like the book is ultimately a little sentimental. This isn't necessarily a bad thing - I tend to be a little sappy myself. I just feel that Paloma's epiphany/renewed interest in life at the end of the novel struck me as somewhat abrupt. I would have liked to see more direct interaction between Renée and Paloma, or perhaps even between Ozu and Paloma, which would have made her change of heart a little less jarring.

-I think that the book borders on Orientalism/fetishization of Japanese culture. For example, the simplistic contrasts between Janpanese culture/aesthetics and French/"Western" culture/aesthetics oftentimes bordered on silly, and the Kakuro Ozu character could have been more nuanced.

-I feel that the main characters are a little too elitist in their outlook and tastes for my comfort, despite their comparatively more developed humanity. I find myself wishing that the three sympathetic characters - Pamola, Renée, and Ozu - were committed to articulating a more systemic, materialist analysis of the causes of suffering in this world and willing to engage in a political project of change. Maybe if Pamola is interested in healing and beauty, she would find more solace and sustenance in engaging with others to build a better, more loving world than in endlessly ruminating on proper French grammar or the hypocrisy of the elite?

Ultimately, I feel that Barbery has produced a profound and very personal book that is rewarding for charitable readers. There are several observations and turns of phrase that I think will stick with me for quite some time, even if elements of the plot fell flat for me.