Review
On the surface there are many unappealing things about this book; the title, the
main character, the plot, and at times even the setting. So why, one might ask,
has this French novel by Muriel Barbery been translated into a half-dozen
languages? Why has it parked itself at or near the top of France's sales charts
for 102 weeks since publication? Because this book about passion, indignation,
and a hopeless love of art "...has the elegance of the hedgehog: on the outside
she is covered in quills, a real fortress, but...on the inside, she has the same
simple refinement as the hedgehog: a deceptively indolent little creature,
fiercely solitary - and terribly elegant."
When the reader arrives at 7, rue de Grenelle, all proverbial baggage must be
left with the concierge at the door, and Renee Michel has been that lowly
concierge for 27 years....
Beyond the Book
Author Muriel Barbery (who currently lives in Kyoto with her husband) reveals a
passion for the arts and cultural practices of Japan as she incorporates
references to Japanese poets, directors, films, and traditions into
The
Elegance of the Hedgehog.
The term
wabi-sabi, in its simplest form, is the Japanese view of a
simple aesthetic; less is more. Overall, it is a kind of quiet, mellow beauty
that is uncluttered and alleviates the weight of the material. Originally two
words, they have been paired over time to express harmony, grace, and simple
beauty. One who is wabi-sabi has an understated appreciation of nature's beauty
and finds peace in simplicity. Likewise, the term can be applied to styles of
art, architecture, or design....
