“The Elegance of the Hedgehog” is a book that charms.

The story takes place in contemporary Paris. The chapters alternate between the voices of two characters, Madame Renée Michel and Paloma Josse.

Madame Michel’s experiences and philosophical musings are written in the first person and Paloma’s are expressed in a diary, a fitting vehicle for a young teenager. Madame Michel is the concierge of an apartment building for the wealthy. She is 54. Paloma is the daughter of one of its inhabitants. She is 12.

On the outside, Renée Michel and Paloma Josse seem completely dissimilar. What binds them is the drive to hide themselves from the rest of inane humanity. Madame Michel is from a grindingly poor family.

Despite this disadvantage Renée becomes self-educated and eventually finds herself a concierge.

Her identity on the job conforms to what her bourgeois employers expect of a high ranking servant; slightly unkempt, indolent, exceedingly grumpy and addicted to TV. Who else could slam the door in your face?

This image allows her to secretly indulge in philosophy, movies, art, literature and Eminem. Madame Michel is determined that her facade remains intact.

Paloma’s secrets are the insights into her family and transparent adult behavior. Paloma hides her intelligent humor. To be released from the ridiculous, she has planned to commit suicide on her 13th birthday, unless she discovers something to live for. She is doubtful of the discovery but continues to look. Of course, suicide must be artfully staged and without pain otherwise, what’s the point? Contrary to this drama, Paloma plays the typical teenager.

Madame Michel and Paloma finally meet. Paloma uses Madame Michel’s apartment as a refuge. These companions soon make the acquaintance of Monsieur Kakuro Ozu, a new tenant and a cultivated man.

At Kakuro’s first meeting with Madame Michel he recognizes Renée’s private self when she inadvertently quotes from “Anna Karenina.” She is mortified by her mistake. But her mistake brings about an unexpected friendship with Monsieur Ozu. And with this friendship the lives of Renée and Paloma are irrevocably transformed.

There is much of the absurd in the novel that brings delight and laughter. But there is also recognition of the outsider and the salve that compassion and friendship can bring.