To jump from parallel lives and philosophical truths, The Elegance of the Hedgehog is a poignant novel written by philosophy professor Muriel Barbery. This novel revolves around 12-year-old prodigy Paloma and jaded concierge Renée, two individuals who could not be more different but are nonetheless united in how they deliberately conceal just how intelligent they are, knowing that the world will refuse to accept them.
Though the premise is indeed bleak, The Elegance of the Hedgehog deals with beauty in ugly things, harmony in dissonance, and the always within every never.