Book Discussion: The Elegance of the Hedgehog

• With her it’s as if a text was written so that we can identify the characters, the narrator, the setting, the plot, the time of the story, and so on. I don’t think it has ever occurred to her that a text is written above all to be read and to arouse emotions in the reader. Can you imagine, she has never even asked us the question: “Did you like this text/this book?” And yet that is the only question that could give meaning to the narrative points of view or the construction of the story… (p153) 
• Did you like this book? 
•  Why or why not? 
•  And do you agree with Paloma that this question is central to discussing or thinking about a book?

• Much has been made of the book’s philosophical bent. Some feel that the author’s taste for philosophy and her having woven philosophical musings into her characters’ ruminations, particularly those of Renée, hampers the plot; others seem to feel that it is one of the book’s most appealing attributes. 
• What effect did the philosophical elements in this book have on you and your reading?
• Can you think of other novels that make such overt philosophical references?

• How is identity also a theme throughout The Elegance of the Hedgehog? Think about how Renée might define herself as well as Paloma’s observations about the people around her

• In what ways is Paloma still a child? Would you say she is neglected?

• Were there any of Paloma’s “Profound Thoughts” or “Journal of the Movement of the World” entries to which you found yourself especially responding?

• Both Renée and Paloma use stereotypes to their benefit, hiding behind the perceptions others have of their roles. While we are accustomed to thinking of people as victims of stereotypes, is it possible that sometimes stereotypes can be useful?
•  When, under what circumstances, and why, might we welcome an interpretation based on stereotypes of our actions or of who we are? 
• Have you ever conformed to some stereotype in order to hide a part of yourself?

• How do you explain Paloma's preoccupation with movement? How does it relate to her life? 

•  Paloma, tells us that she plans to commit suicide on the day of her thirteenth birthday because she cannot tolerate the idea of becoming an adult, when, she feels, one inevitably renounces ideals and subjugates passions and principles to pragmatism. Must we make compromises, renounce our ideals, and betray our youthful principles when we become adults? 
• If so, why? 
• At the end of the book, has Paloma re-evaluated her opinion of the adult world or confirmed it?

• Japanese culture is a sub-theme in this novel. As evidenced in its literature, art, and film, Japanese culture gives great attention to detail, subtle changes, and nuances. On page 152 Renee muses about the sliding doors in two Ozu films. She says " I was fascinated by the way the Japanese use space in their lives, and by these doors that slide and move quietly along invisible rails, refusing to offend space. For when we push open a door, we transform a place in a very insidious way."
• How essential is Kakuro’s being Japanese to his role as the character  that reveals others’ hidden affinities? 
• Or is it simply his fact of being an outsider that matters? 
• Could he hail from Tasmania and have the same impact on the story? 
• Is Ozu a fully-realized character, or is he primarily a catalyst for the two women?

• According to Renee how can an encounter with pure beauty change one's life? Do you agree? How would you explain this? 
• At the end of the story Jean Arthens tells Renee that the Camellias saved him. She tells him a camellia can change fate (p295)
• Renee often mentions the power and beauty in language. Where there passages in the book that you found particularly beautiful and/or moving?

• How did you react to the shocking event at the end? Why do you think the author chose this development and had it unfold in this way? Would you have preferred a happier ending?

• Did any of Renée’s parting words resonate with you? What of Paloma’s epiphany and, similarly, her last paragraph?

• Did the book inspire you to explore literature, art, film, music, manga, language, or philosophy?