Many of the reviews for this book have been glowing, with the minor caveat that the book is for "intellectuals" with its philosophical interludes. In truth, the book isn't an action book - it's about an internal journey. Barbery's prose, which is quirky and enchanting (although, keep a dictionary nearby as you beef up your vocabulary), immediately draws the reader into the world of Paloma and Renee Michel at 7, rue de Grenelle (beware the use of commas!). The two unlikely soulmates are drawn together despite their class and age differences when another building resident passes away and a new, mysterious gentleman buys his apartment.
Elegance is about those beautiful rare moments in life that get us through: a genuine connection with another person, the glorious beauty of a tree or a camellia, the delicate enjoyment of a good cup of tea or pastry - and the restorative, necessary, urgent nature of these small things on the human spirit. There are reports that French therapists have been prescribing this book for their patients, and I understand why. This is a book that makes you believe in life, in its complexity and tragedy, its beauty and its ravaged-ness...the thinking person survives by holding these fragile moments, searching for them in the midst of the utter crap we plow through. Elegance inspired me, and at the instant, surprising climax of the book, I found genuine tears on my cheeks and an overflowing heart.
Caveats: there is philosophy, it is very French (in good and bad ways, some critics have commented that the critique of French class systems doesn't translate to American audiences), and some find it implausible that Paloma is really 12 years old.
Highlights: it's funny, sarcastic, beautiful, sad, and one of the best books I've read in years (and I was a lit major in undergrad, if that pushes you either way).
"what to do
faced with never
but look
for always
in a few stolen strains"
- M. Barbery
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