Sep 21, 2026 · 27 min · 12 segments
We head to France in this episode of The Reading Lounge as we discuss The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. Originally written in French in 2006, the novel has been translated into numerous…
OK, so this month, we're talking about the book The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbary.
So before we get into it, though, Sarah, you want to give us a rundown on the book? Yes.
In reality, she is a self-taught intellectual with a love of art, philosophy, music, and Japanese culture.
Hidden behind her humble role, she quietly observes the lives of the building's wealthy residents.
12-year-old Paloma, the brilliant daughter of a politician, also conceals her true self.
Disillusioned with the world around her, she has secretly decided to end her life on her 13th birthday while continuing to play the part of an unremarkable pre-teen.
Both Renee and Paloma hide their intelligence and sensitivities from a world they believe will not understand them.
Their lives begin to change with the arrival of a wealthy Japanese neighbor, Mr. Ozu, whose friendship helps reveal the extraordinary people beneath their ordinary facades.
The Elegance of the Hedgehog is a poignant and uplifting story about connection, compassion, and the unexpected depth that lies beneath appearances.
Wow.
Dun, dun,
dun.
Dun, dun, dun.
OK, so this month, we're talking about the book The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbary.
So before we get into it, though, Sarah, you want to give us a rundown on the book? Yes.
In reality, she is a self-taught intellectual with a love of art, philosophy, music, and Japanese culture.
Hidden behind her humble role, she quietly observes the lives of the building's wealthy residents.
12-year-old Paloma, the brilliant daughter of a politician, also conceals her true self.
Disillusioned with the world around her, she has secretly decided to end her life on her 13th birthday while continuing to play the part of an unremarkable pre-teen.
Both Renee and Paloma hide their intelligence and sensitivities from a world they believe will not understand them.
Their lives begin to change with the arrival of a wealthy Japanese neighbor, Mr. Ozu, whose friendship helps reveal the extraordinary people beneath their ordinary facades.
The Elegance of the Hedgehog is a poignant and uplifting story about connection, compassion, and the unexpected depth that lies beneath appearances.
Wow.
Dun, dun,
dun.
Dun, dun, dun.
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