The Hedgehog is the tale of Paloma a young girl who had decided to girl end it all on her upcoming 12th birthday. Using her father's old camcorder to chronicle the hypocrisy she saw in adults, Paloma learned about life and living from the building concierge, Renée and made friends with a new elegant Japanese neighbour. She observed and began to comprehend that there were kindliness and allies to be found beneath prickly of exteriors. As the unlikely friendship deepens, Paloma's own coming of age becomes a much less pessimistic prospect. The book, The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barberry, however, has a lot more dimensions. And, dare I say it, lots of elegance. The last 25 pages moved me tremendously.