Last night I had a hard time focusing on much - I don't have enough information to start prepping for this new class (I'm going to accept the offer this morning), and I don't need to do much more prep for tonight's lecture.So, I didn't do anything related to art history. I finished reading Muriel Barbery's The Elegance of the Hedgehog. I have wanted to read this book for some time, and have even given it to people as gifts. I'm so glad that I finally read this book. It's interesting, thought-provoking, but also a fairly easy read.* I can see why this book is a New York Times bestseller.
The story is told from two different perspectives: an extremely intelligent concierge who works in a high-end French apartment building, and an extremely intelligent twelve-year-old girl who lives in the same building. I especially love the concierge's character. She loves to read Tolstoy, think about philosophy, watch Japanese art films, and listen to classical music and opera. But in front of the rich apartment residents, she likes to keep up the pretense that she is a low-class, ignorant concierge. She purposefully modifies her speech and behavior so that the residents will believe that she is uneducated.
The book revolves around the thought-patterns and musings of these two characters. I really grew to love both of these characters, as well as another apartment resident, Monsieur Ozu. The ending of the book - I won't give it away here - completely took me by surprise, but as I finished reading I realized that the conclusion was extremely appropriate.
Has anyone else read this book? Did you think it was easy or difficult to follow the discussions of art, music, literature, etc.? What did you think of the ending?
*I should say that the book might not be as easy for people who are completely unacquainted with art, music, philosophy or literature. I'm not an expert in any of these fields (except art), but I have a strong enough background and interest that the following the conversation was easy.
Posts
6 comments:
i just started this! i'm excited to read it!
Do you have your own copy? I'd love to borrow it, if you do. We are excited about your new job. Will you do it on-line?
I think it is so funny that you said you weren't an expert in music, philosophy or literature because when I think of those things, I truly always think of you. :)
It sounds interesting. I think it may have to go on my list to pick up from the library.
And I am so happy you took the offer!
So, I've never read this book, but I'm excited you decided to accept the job. Can't wait to hear the details.
We just finished that book with my book group. It's definitely an interesting read. I have to say, I found Renee to be unbearably pretentious, and the "unveiling" of her childhood/sister's experience didn't seem to vindicate any of that for me. I also thought the ending was a cop-out.
That said, I found there was plenty of food for thought. And can I just say that I died laughing about the Requiem flush?! So, so, so awesome.
Oh, and no, I don't think the overt and implicit references to literature, philosophy, etc were too difficult to follow and understand. But I probably assume too much in thinking that most people who would read the book would have plenty of foreknowledge of the subjects.
Post a Comment