This is my own version of the St. Petersburg Times’ online monthly feature Read and Feed that cleverly provides book club selections and food themed suggestions matched to the book’s plot.

THE BOOK:

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The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery (2008) This is the upstairs-downstairs story of Renee, a middle age concierge of a posh Parisian apartment building and Paloma,  a super smart twelve year old daughter of the Josses, who live on the fifth floor.  Renee plays the part of what French society expects of a concierge  and hides the fact that she is self educated in the arts.  Paloma has determined that life is meaningless and therefore plans to commit suicide and torch the family apartment on her thirteenth birthday.  Their carefully managed lives are suddenly shaken up when a new tenant, Mr Ozu, arrives.

WHY READ?

This book was a French best seller and is a great way for a book club to experience a literary perspective and a culture from a writer in another language.  The book is full of  “eloquent little essays on time, beauty and the meaning of life” which makes for great discussion.

FOOD:

Mr Ozu and Renee discuss philosophy, art, music and Japanese cinema over madeleine cookies and pastry. I found a Hedgehog cupcake recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart that would make for a fun treat.  I  also found a less time consuming  (note all the carefully placed almonds) recipe for a Hedgehog cake that is equally delightful with or without all the layers.    Serve with Jasmine tea.

IN A PINCH:

Towards the end of the book, Mr Ozu invites Renee out to dinner to celebrate his birthday at his favorite Japanese restaurant.  Pick up an order of sushi from the grocery store or your favorite Japanese restaurant and serve with warmed saki  or tea and store bought shortbread cookies.

Past Read ‘em And Eat post  Citizen Vince