4.5 out of 5 stars
The Elegance of the Hedgehog was a challenge to read, in the most delightful of ways. Discussions of Japanese cinema, Anna Karenina, and the meaning of life and Art bloom upon the pages, but never slow the book or its characters’ developments, which gain a careful momentum, unfolding perfectly. Its resolution so beautifully makes use of the ideas and images that run through the book that I felt as if the author had performed a magic trick.
Perhaps my only criticisms of the book are first that the cast of characters–the tenants, and their concierge, of an upscale Paris apartment–is a bit unwieldy at first. But even this reader’s minor frustration with names eased into satisfying revelations of character recognition.
My second criticism centers on the relationship of our two main characters with each other, which feels a little underdeveloped. When they meet rather late in the book, their congruence is immediately understood by the reader, who has come to know them intimately. It seems, though, that they should have had a little more time to spend together before the book resolves itself with each testifying to a unique love of the other. But this small mis-step is almost like the “jerky little steps” Japanese women take as they slide their feet from their shoes–”this affront to the sacred rhythm of life, this defiant movement of little feet, this excellence born of constraint, is a paradigm of Art.”
Perhaps this is how we recognize Beauty–immediately, outside of time, open-hearted–and when we are struck in this way we are indeed forever changed. This lovely book is a testament to those moments of Beauty that give us meaning and joy, and indeed it becomes one such moment.
This is my favorite book I’ve read this year, and I hope to reread it again! Several times I came across lines I wanted to quote, but I was so engrossed with the book I couldn’t put it down to make those notes. And later I couldn’t find the lines! I’d also like to research some of the Art discussed my the Madame Michel–which would certainly only deepen my appreciation of this marvelous book, which is itself as elegant as the hedgehog.
