Ren???e is the concierge of a grand Parisian apartment building, home to members of the great and the good. Over the years she has maintained her carefully constructed persona as someone reliable but totally uncultivated, in keeping, she feels, with society's expectations of what a concierge should be. But beneath this fa???ade lies the real Ren???e: passionate about culture and the arts, and more knowledgeable in many ways than her employers with their outwardly successful but emotionally void lives. Down in her lodge, ...
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Ren???e is the concierge of a grand Parisian apartment building, home to members of the great and the good. Over the years she has maintained her carefully constructed persona as someone reliable but totally uncultivated, in keeping, she feels, with society's expectations of what a concierge should be. But beneath this fa???ade lies the real Ren???e: passionate about culture and the arts, and more knowledgeable in many ways than her employers with their outwardly successful but emotionally void lives. Down in her lodge, apart from weekly visits by her one friend Manuela, Ren???e lives resigned to her lonely lot with only her cat for company. Meanwhile, several floors up, twelve-year-old Paloma Josse is determined to avoid the pampered and vacuous future laid out for her, and decides to end her life on her thirteenth birthday. But unknown to them both, the sudden death of one of their privileged neighbours will dramatically alter their lives forever. By turn moving and hilarious, this unusual novel became the top-selling book in France in 2007 with sales of over 900,000 copies to-date. ??? The French publishing phenomenon of 2007 ??? from an initial print run of 4,000, sales of over 900,000 in hardback. ??? Translation rights sold to 34 countries ??? Cited in Paris Match magazine in ???highlights of 2007' along with the i-phone and facebook ??? Winner of the prestigious 2007 French booksellers award ??? To be published in English simultaneously in UK and US ??? Published in Italy in October 2007 with sales to date of 400,000 AUTHOR: ??? Muriel Barbery teaches philosophy. ??? L'Elegance du herisson is her second novel. Her first book, Une gourmandise (Gallimard, 2000) has been translated into twelve languages. This edition is now replaced by the B-Format Paperback edition ISBN 9781906040185
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Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Though second-hand, the book is still in very good shape. Minimal signs of usage may include very minor creasing on the cover or on the spine.
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Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Aged book. Tanned pages and age spots, however, this will not interfere with reading. Grubby book may have mild dirt or some staining, mostly on the edges of pages.
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Very good. All orders are dispatched within 1 working day from our UK warehouse. Established in 2004, we are dedicated to recycling unwanted books on behalf of a number of UK charities who benefit from added revenue through the sale of their books plus huge savings in waste disposal. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied.
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Good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
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This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has soft covers. In good all round condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 400grams, ISBN: 9781906040185.
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Good. Stains on pages and the side. **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books.
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Good. **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books.
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
I loved this book. The first half was hard reading, but I persevered. The last half of the book flew by with great charm. It finished with a stunning shock.
xenodad
Apr 11, 2013
Thought-provoking and a great read
This book has two narrators who are very different yet have much in common as their lives come together and intertwine. Philosophy becomes reality, as both are unwilling to live without the masks they have chosen. Unmasking takes place in unexpected ways. A great read, and a great book for discussion.
bookdiva
Oct 20, 2011
through the looking glass
The simply beautiful story people made me feel like I was walking through the Looking Glass and seeing some corners of myself, and viewing beautiful people that I will always remember. Witty, touching, warm and loving. I will read it again. . . and again.
culnanfort
Jul 10, 2010
Title is slightly deceiving
beautifully written story of two completely different yet oh so alike individuals!
bibliophile06
May 20, 2010
Elegantly written!
This very beautifully written book is full of gems of wisdom and insight. I found myself underlining whole passages every few pages. It's a bit philosophical and the vocabulary is occasionally above the average reader's level, but it's well worth the effort to read to the end. The main characters change and grow to discover that life does have meaning and purpose.