Book Club Discussion Questions
For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, and our BookBrowse Review of The Elegance of the Hedgehog.
Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!
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True life is elsewhere
One French critic called The Elegance of the Hedgehog "the ultimate
celebration of every person's invisible part." How common is the feeling
that a part of oneself is invisible to or ignored by others? How much does
this "message" contribute to the book's popularity? Why is it sometimes
difficult to show people what we really are and to have them appreciate us
for it?
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This book will save your life
The Elegance of the Hedgehog has been described as "a toolbox one can look
into to resolve life's problems," a "life-transforming read," and a
"life-affirming book." Do you feel this is an accurate characterization of
the novel? If so, what makes it thus: the story told, the characters and
their ruminations, something else? Can things like style, handsome prose,
well-turned phrases, etc. add up to a life-affirming book independently of
the story told? To put it another wayRenée Michel's waycan an encounter
with pure beauty change our lives?
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a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.
Both Renée and Paloma use stereotypes to their benefit, hiding behind the
perceptions others have of their roles. Our understanding and appreciation
of people is often limited to a superficial acknowledgement of their
assigned roles, their social monikerssingle mother, used car salesman,
jock, investment banker, senior citizen, cashier
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 created a mise en place that conforms to some stereotype
in order to hide a part of yourself?
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- How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
- What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
- Discuss how the ending reframes the events of the story. Were you surprised?
Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Europa Editions.
Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.