What do You think about L'eleganza Del Riccio (2007)?
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. The characters are unique--a 54-year-old concierge and a smart young girl who have more in common than one would expect. But I found much of the book to be slightly pretentious, and the beginning was slow. The philosophical ramblings were a bit much; they seemed to be saying "look at how smart and misunderstood we are!" They took away from the story. Right when I would be interested in the plot, one of the characters would have to say something about Marx or Freud or art or life or whatever. However, I think the book had its profound moments and some of the writing was quite beautiful. The second half was definitely a more enjoyable read than the first half, and by the end, I actually did feel some emotions for the characters. I just wish the author had spent more time on the plot, and less on pointless pseudo-intellectual asides.
—KMM
Elegant writing, touching sentiments, blatant erudition, a profound but accessible novel - what's not to like? Renee Michel is a fifty-four year old concierge, a widow who is not what she seems. Paloma Josse is a conflicted twelve year old contemplating arson and suicide when she becomes a teenager. They don't even meet until P238 of this novel, and yet they are instrumental in changing each other's lives. Add a dapper and rich Japanese gentleman who intuitively understands them both and the scene is set for happy-ever-after. Only that's not the way it goes. My quibble that keeps my rating at only 'like' is because the research and learning for me are too obvious and required too much mental effort for the story line.
—Virk
Magnificent book. Not many books can make me cry, bunt this one pulled it off brilliantly.
—Elizabeth
