A remarkable book that might furnish many good discussion points. Some lyrical passages are extraordinarily beautiful and perceptive, e.g. the one on tea. The protagonists are not only unusual choices but are intellectually far deeper than their surface suggests. Persevere when the concierge flirts with Hegel, she rejects him in short order. Occasionally the author seemed a little too "precieux" (precious--self consciously intellectual or artsy-fartsy if you will), but ultimately I felt her point of view was mostly intriguing and challenging.

The Elegance of the Hedgehog is wise, moving and hilarious. The writing is superb. The story takes place in a Parisian apartment building whose concierge has been making extraordinary efforts to hide her intellect and extensive knowledge for fear her true nature will cost her her job.. Each character is well drawn, speaking in a unique voice which changes as the characters relate and emerge into a new story. I enjoyed this book so much i want to read it again and explore it with a group..

I adored this book. It got better from a sentimental or romantic point of view towards the end. Then, because the relationships had to go beyond the initial "utopic" phase, the author took another turn, with an ending line that will remain in my heart as spiritual truth. My book club is reading this book.