Esteban Espino Espino itibaren Mansheyat Awqaf Liqanah, Markaz Shubrakhat, El Beheira Governorate, Egipto
Although I enjoyed The Elegance Of The Hedgehog, I struggled with Barbery's philosophical ramblings in the first part of the book, in fact I read it with a dictionary next to my bed,not the best way to escape into a book, it felt more like a quick,superficial course in philosophy. I thought the main characters a bit unbelievable and at times pretentious.I suppose the Paloma's and Renee's of the world also need their stories told though it could have been done in a less ponderous fashion. Paloma is a concierge who decides to hide her intellectuality from the world lest she not be appreciated for it and Rene is a precocious, sardonic 13 year old living in the building set on ending her life on her 13th birthday because the world does not understand her.Somehow both see behind the masks the other is wearing and when Ozu, a wealthy and wise Japanese businessman moves into the building he sees Paloma and Renee for what they really are , the scene is set for them to become a tight little trio. But fate steps in quite cruelly (and unbelievably!)and that changes everything.................
Love this whole series. Great finish. Would always love to have more.
Way better then the movie (did have beautiful images) -- one of the best books I have read as it really allowed you to be inside the tale