One of the things that I found most poignant about this section is how Renee’s thoughts go to her dead husband Lucien more strongly and tenderly than to Monsieur Ozu. (I don’t remember the exact wording of this sentiment, and my book is back at the library sadly). I think this struck me because there’s a little bit of the fairy tale narrative about Renee’s story—poor girl is noticed by the rich man and enters into new life—that is tempered by this end-of-life precedence given to Lucien. We’ve talked in this book club about Renee’s awakening upon meeting Monsieur Ozu, and that’s true, but her life had love in it before Ozu as well, in a simple and prosaic way. And I found that acknowledgment to be really moving, somehow.
I also loved that Madeleine. It honoured her long and faithful (and happy) marriage, treating it with rightful gravity in light of her life story. Ozu's part in her story is relatively small, and if anything, I think his role to play was to "see" her already remarkable life and character.
I agree with Kathryn in a way, in that I was shocked but also somehow annoyed at Renee's death, thinking to the author 'Was that really necessary? She was just getting interesting.' Which I suppose was the point, that she was poised on the brink of rediscovering herself (and having others discover her).
Joy said in the podcast that she sees Renee's hiding from the world as being caused by a feeling that she had sinned, is that right? I interpreted it differently; she was simply terrified. Lisette's fate had instilled in her at a very young age the feeling that she must not mix with others 'above her station' because it clearly results in something bad happening. Summarised by Paloma as 'don't fraternize with rich people if you don't want to die.' She initially refuses Kakuro's birthday invitation because she feels the boundaries are becoming too blurred and she is overcome by this very old, very primal fear.
I agree with Kat that Paloma found inspiration in Renee and also in Kakuro as she felt 'seen' by them and considered them safe people to have conversations with, which her parents would have found odd. I think if Renee had lived and their friendship blossomed, she probably wouldn't have gone through with the suicide idea anyway. As it is she is hit by a large dose of reality - a real death rather than an idea of it - and feels some genuine strong emotions for the first time. This is painful but it is also really being alive. Paloma too is experiencing a kind of rebirth.
I will read the book again, more slowly this time. I am not sure I would say I enjoyed it exactly, but it is very different (very French!) from other novels I have read, and intriguing.
This was such a treat, thank you Joy!! I read the book for the second time and also watched the movie. Again I was so sorry for the death of Renée but I think it gave more to ponder than if they all lived happily after. So although I was upset I did'nt feel cheated by the author. It made me think how I live my days, knowing we never know when they end. Do you have more recommendations to read Joy?
I thought The Elegance of the Hedgehog was a tremendously grand read! I enjoyed it immensely. Thank you for choosing it for your book club, and I enjoyed your comments. I feel like you did at the end, that Paloma was inspired and motivated by Renee to live life. She found a human who instead of treating her like she was a nuisance, treated her with respect and love. This is a deep and powerful feeling to give to others.
One of the things that I found most poignant about this section is how Renee’s thoughts go to her dead husband Lucien more strongly and tenderly than to Monsieur Ozu. (I don’t remember the exact wording of this sentiment, and my book is back at the library sadly). I think this struck me because there’s a little bit of the fairy tale narrative about Renee’s story—poor girl is noticed by the rich man and enters into new life—that is tempered by this end-of-life precedence given to Lucien. We’ve talked in this book club about Renee’s awakening upon meeting Monsieur Ozu, and that’s true, but her life had love in it before Ozu as well, in a simple and prosaic way. And I found that acknowledgment to be really moving, somehow.
I also loved that Madeleine. It honoured her long and faithful (and happy) marriage, treating it with rightful gravity in light of her life story. Ozu's part in her story is relatively small, and if anything, I think his role to play was to "see" her already remarkable life and character.
I agree with Kathryn in a way, in that I was shocked but also somehow annoyed at Renee's death, thinking to the author 'Was that really necessary? She was just getting interesting.' Which I suppose was the point, that she was poised on the brink of rediscovering herself (and having others discover her).
Joy said in the podcast that she sees Renee's hiding from the world as being caused by a feeling that she had sinned, is that right? I interpreted it differently; she was simply terrified. Lisette's fate had instilled in her at a very young age the feeling that she must not mix with others 'above her station' because it clearly results in something bad happening. Summarised by Paloma as 'don't fraternize with rich people if you don't want to die.' She initially refuses Kakuro's birthday invitation because she feels the boundaries are becoming too blurred and she is overcome by this very old, very primal fear.
I agree with Kat that Paloma found inspiration in Renee and also in Kakuro as she felt 'seen' by them and considered them safe people to have conversations with, which her parents would have found odd. I think if Renee had lived and their friendship blossomed, she probably wouldn't have gone through with the suicide idea anyway. As it is she is hit by a large dose of reality - a real death rather than an idea of it - and feels some genuine strong emotions for the first time. This is painful but it is also really being alive. Paloma too is experiencing a kind of rebirth.
I will read the book again, more slowly this time. I am not sure I would say I enjoyed it exactly, but it is very different (very French!) from other novels I have read, and intriguing.
This was such a treat, thank you Joy!! I read the book for the second time and also watched the movie. Again I was so sorry for the death of Renée but I think it gave more to ponder than if they all lived happily after. So although I was upset I did'nt feel cheated by the author. It made me think how I live my days, knowing we never know when they end. Do you have more recommendations to read Joy?
I thought The Elegance of the Hedgehog was a tremendously grand read! I enjoyed it immensely. Thank you for choosing it for your book club, and I enjoyed your comments. I feel like you did at the end, that Paloma was inspired and motivated by Renee to live life. She found a human who instead of treating her like she was a nuisance, treated her with respect and love. This is a deep and powerful feeling to give to others.
I have not listened to your podcast yet, but I’m very interested to hear responses.
I felt the author cheated at the end. That it would have been harder to figure out how Madame Michel could go in to live a full life.
That “fate” won out for her