I think Renee’s relationship with Ozu is different because of Ozu’s ability, as Paloma puts it, to “really meet someone” rather than to only see who or what is expected based on class or occupation. And I think this sort of throws Renee off balance because it’s so unexpected. It’s interesting to see Renee struggle to “really meet” Ozu, as even during their dinner she tries to categorize him as “son of a diplomat” and herself as “daughter of peasants.”
I think you've hit on the key word - 'categorize' - that's what Renee has been doing, putting everyone (including herself) into pigeon holes, and thinking they must behave accordingly. And Ozu asks what I've been asking since page one 'Why?' Why does she hide her interests from others? Why does she think 'a concierge' shouldn't read certain books? Ozu has no time for such categorization - 'This is the twenty-first century, for goodness' sake!' - Renee is 'ruffled by his lack of discernment.' I have to say I keep forgetting this book is 21st century because the whole set-up feels so 19th in terms of all this class division. You'd think the Revolution never happened. Also while Renee and Paloma refer to the TV, nobody has mentioned a computer or mobile phones. It is very odd!
I didn’t notice that comment of Ozu’s about living in the 21st century. I sort of assumed the book took place in pre-ubiquitous-computers modern times, but clearly not. How odd that modern technology isn’t mentioned! I wonder why the author made this choice...
Ok I’m so glad you mentioned the transition from philosophy to reality for Renee. When she had dinner with Ozu, I was thinking about Antoine from the first chapter who had read Marx for the first time and stooped to saying hello to Renee, as if he now was a friend to the working (wo)man because of his great intellect. I think Ozu is such a foil to that because he so naturally sees and elevates people while giving little to no attention to their station. There is no sense of Ozu viewing himself as enlightened because of his friendship with Renee. This is just the way he is. I think the foil between Antoine and Ozu reflects the contrast between Ozu and Renee. I’m interested to see how this motif plays out, seeing as how Barbery is, herself, a philosopher.
I also loved the chapter with Paloma and the psychoanalyst. I love how Barbery shows that Paloma is really at her heart a 12-year-old desperate for adults to be honest, truthful, and reliable, despite of all her intelligence.
I will admit the choice of the Mozart 'Confutatis maledictis' to play in the toilet is really quite funny, if you know it, as it is SO angry and apocalyptic. I'd have chosen something more Romantic and pastoral, myself...
I think Renee’s relationship with Ozu is different because of Ozu’s ability, as Paloma puts it, to “really meet someone” rather than to only see who or what is expected based on class or occupation. And I think this sort of throws Renee off balance because it’s so unexpected. It’s interesting to see Renee struggle to “really meet” Ozu, as even during their dinner she tries to categorize him as “son of a diplomat” and herself as “daughter of peasants.”
I think you've hit on the key word - 'categorize' - that's what Renee has been doing, putting everyone (including herself) into pigeon holes, and thinking they must behave accordingly. And Ozu asks what I've been asking since page one 'Why?' Why does she hide her interests from others? Why does she think 'a concierge' shouldn't read certain books? Ozu has no time for such categorization - 'This is the twenty-first century, for goodness' sake!' - Renee is 'ruffled by his lack of discernment.' I have to say I keep forgetting this book is 21st century because the whole set-up feels so 19th in terms of all this class division. You'd think the Revolution never happened. Also while Renee and Paloma refer to the TV, nobody has mentioned a computer or mobile phones. It is very odd!
I didn’t notice that comment of Ozu’s about living in the 21st century. I sort of assumed the book took place in pre-ubiquitous-computers modern times, but clearly not. How odd that modern technology isn’t mentioned! I wonder why the author made this choice...
Ok I’m so glad you mentioned the transition from philosophy to reality for Renee. When she had dinner with Ozu, I was thinking about Antoine from the first chapter who had read Marx for the first time and stooped to saying hello to Renee, as if he now was a friend to the working (wo)man because of his great intellect. I think Ozu is such a foil to that because he so naturally sees and elevates people while giving little to no attention to their station. There is no sense of Ozu viewing himself as enlightened because of his friendship with Renee. This is just the way he is. I think the foil between Antoine and Ozu reflects the contrast between Ozu and Renee. I’m interested to see how this motif plays out, seeing as how Barbery is, herself, a philosopher.
I also loved the chapter with Paloma and the psychoanalyst. I love how Barbery shows that Paloma is really at her heart a 12-year-old desperate for adults to be honest, truthful, and reliable, despite of all her intelligence.
This book is so fun, and I’m loving it a lot!
I will admit the choice of the Mozart 'Confutatis maledictis' to play in the toilet is really quite funny, if you know it, as it is SO angry and apocalyptic. I'd have chosen something more Romantic and pastoral, myself...
I love that Renee thinks it’s a judgement on her for choosing the wrong flush setting. 😂
I’d like to imagine that if you choose the correct flush setting, THEN you get the Romantic, pastoral music selection.
Yes this book is very delectable. Especially the characters created! I am loving it! I am still behind.🤭