Has anyone here read "The Elegance of the Hedgehog?"

[XemaSab]

If so, what were your thoughts on the book?

[hippywife]

1. I read it not long ago.

It's an interesting read about the interactions of people living in a building and their relationship to the concierge who tries to hide the fact that, while not being uppercrust like the rest of them, is extremely intelligent and well read. Not a very happy tale, I'm afraid. Not one I will remember for years and want to pick up again.

[XemaSab]

2. What did you think the take home message was?

And where do you think the satire began and ended?

If everyone in the building is pretending to be stupider than they actually are, then how would the two female protagonists know? :shrug:

[hippywife]

3. The only one pretending to be less intelligent

is the main character. I didn't find the book at all satirical. Just very sad.

[abluelady]

4. It Has Become One of My Favorites

I believed it was all about the purpose of life--what makes being alive worthwhile. My book group is discussing it next month. Will report back.