I don't like to outline the premise of the book too fully in these things, as there is nothing I hate more than people ruining books or movies by discussing them in earshot (or eyeshot, in this case) of people who may not have read or watched them yet. Yes, even if the book/movie has been out for a bajillion years and you think everyone who hasn't been under a rock MUST have seen it by now.
This book is set in a french apartment block, centring around the philosophy-reading, opera-watching, classical-music listening concierge. Characteristics that she actively hides from the residents of the apartments. The secondary character, Paloma Josse, is a teenage girl living in the apartments, and appears in the story through her journal of profound thoughts.
Right from the outset I loved this book. I loved the premise of hiding behind a stereotype, the seemed affirmation that social status isn't an indicator of intelligence or cultural awareness. I liked the contrast of Paloma, the troubled girl from an upperclass family.
I hated the ending. HATED. I can't go into it too much without giving it away, but for all the effort that was gone to to make it seem like things were a certain way, and that there really was going to be a resolution, it all came crashing down. The ending made me so angry that I couldn't even write my book club review for a week.
I'd still recommend this book, as the first 97% were fantastic. I understand why the author ended the book the way she did, but that didn't make it ok with me.
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