Most Popular Books by Muriel Barbery

The phenomenal New York Times bestseller that "explores the upstairs-downstairs goings-on of a posh Parisian apartment building" ( Publishers Weekly). In an elegant hôtel particulier in Paris, Renée, the concierge, is all but invisible—short, plump, middle-aged, with bunions on her feet and an addiction to television soaps. Her only genuine attachment is to her cat, Leo. In short, she''s everything society expects from a concierge at a bourgeois building in an upscale neighborhood. But Renée has a secret: She furtively, ferociously devours art, philosophy, music, and Japanese culture. With biting humor, she scrutinizes the lives of the tenants—her inferiors in every way except that of material wealth. Paloma is a twelve-year-old who lives on the fifth floor. Talented and precocious, she''s come to terms with life''s seeming futility and decided to end her own on her thirteenth birthday. Until then, she will continue hiding her extraordinary intelligence behind a mask of mediocrity, acting the part of an average pre-teen high on pop culture, a good but not outstanding student, an obedient if obstinate daughter. Paloma and Renée hide their true talents and finest qualities from a world they believe cannot or will not appreciate them. But after a wealthy Japanese man named Ozu arrives in the building, they will begin to recognize each other as kindred souls, in a novel that exalts the quiet victories of the inconspicuous among us, and "teaches philosophical lessons by shrewdly exposing rich secret lives hidden beneath conventional exteriors" ( Kirkus Reviews). "The narrators'' kinetic minds and engaging voices (in Alison Anderson''s fluent translation) propel us ahead." — The New York Times Book Review "Barbery''s sly wit . . . bestows lightness on the most ponderous cogitations." — The New Yorker

"A magnificent romance redolent of ancient wisdom and rich with melancholy, loss, and love" from the bestselling author of The Elegance of the Hedgehog ( Le Monde). Rose has just turned forty when she gets a call from a lawyer asking her to come to Kyoto for the reading of her estranged father''s will. And so for the first time in her life she finds herself in Japan, where Paul, her father''s assistant, is waiting to greet her. As Paul guides Rose along a mysterious itinerary designed by her deceased father, her bitterness and anger are soothed by the stones and the trees in the Zen gardens they move through. During their walks, Rose encounters acquaintances of her father—including a potter and poet, an old lady friend, his housekeeper and chauffeur—whose interactions help her to slowly begin to accept a part of herself that she has never before acknowledged. As the reading of the will gets closer, Rose''s father finally, posthumously, opens his heart to his daughter, offering her a poignant understanding of his love and a way to accept all she has lost. "Interspersed with aphoristic Japanese tales from various periods, as melancholy is gradually transmuted into joy." — The New Yorker "[A] luminous meditation on grief." — Booklist "With elegant and careful prose, [Barbery] offers descriptions of Kyoto and Japanese culture that transcend the genre of a travelogue. This novel will appeal to readers who long for happy endings and escape." — Library Journal "The novel balances lush, cultivated gardens and weighted symbolism with mischievous foxes, matcha, sliced eel, and sushi, all forming ''one happy chaos'' and a fascinating maze of emotional release." — Foreword Reviews

A French food critic faces his mortality in an "entertaining [and] witty" novel by the New York Times–bestselling author of The Elegance of the Hedgehog ( Newsday). In the heart of Paris, in the same posh building made famous in The Elegance of the Hedgehog, Pierre Arthens, the greatest food critic in the world, is dying. Revered by some and reviled by many, Monsieur Arthens has been lording it over the world''s most esteemed chefs for years, passing judgment on their creations, deciding their fates with a stroke of his pen, destroying and building reputations on a whim. But now, during his final hours, his mind has turned to simpler things. He is desperately searching for that singular flavor, that sublime something once sampled, never forgotten, the flavor par excellence. Indeed, this flamboyant and self-absorbed man desires only one thing before he dies: one last taste. Thus begins a charming voyage that traces the career of Monsieur Arthens from childhood to maturity across a celebration of all manner of culinary delights. Alternating with the voice of the supercilious Arthens is a chorus belonging to his acquaintances and familiars—relatives, lovers, a would-be protégé, even a cat. Each will have his or her say about M. Arthens, a man who has inspired only extreme emotions in people. Here, as in The Elegance of the Hedgehog, Muriel Barbery''s story celebrates life''s simple pleasures and sublime moments while condemning the arrogance and vulgarity of power. "Lush and satisfying prose." — Publishers Weekly

A "beguiling fairy tale" by the bestselling author of The Elegance of the Hedgehog ( The New York Times). The villagers had never seen anything like it: dense white curtains of snow that instantly transformed the landscape. Not in autumn, not here in Burgundy. And on the same night a baby was discovered, dark-eyed little Maria, who would transform all their lives. Hundreds of miles away in the mountains of Abruzzo, another foundling, Clara, astonishes everyone with her extraordinary talent for piano playing. But her gifts go far beyond simple musicianship. As a time of great danger looms, though the girls know nothing of each other, it is the bond that unites them and others like them which will ultimately offer the only chance for good to prevail in the world. "Vivid imagery and a thread of mystery draw readers into the timeless and ethereal world of these young girls with a destiny to fulfill." — Booklist "The novel is essentially a parable about the power both of art, which abolishes the ''border between earth and mind,'' and of women." — The New Yorker "Fans of both Barbery and fantasy from writers like Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen will be enchanted." — Library Journal

From the bestselling author of The Elegance of the Hedgehog comes this delightful tale that pays tribute to Japanese philosophy and our feline friends. What a mysterious, confounding thing is a writer! Yet, spend a little time with the writer''s cats and one might just understand her better. Muriel Barbery, via her cats and co-conspirators, takes readers into her atelier, offering them a behind-the-scenes peek into her process and problems, joys and disappointments. The tale is told from the perspective of one of the writer''s four cats, Kirin, who, together with her cohort, may or may not be a reliable narrator. There''s Ocha, the leader of the gang, a tough guy with a soft heart; the bandy-legged and affectionate Mizu, Ocha''s sister; the phlegmatic and refined Petrus, lover of flowers; and finally, pretty Kirin, narrator of this bewitching story. A superb, funny, and touching text for writers, readers, fans of Muriel Barbery''s bestselling novels, and cat lovers. "Barbery''s poetic prose and Maria Guitart''s enchanting illustrations are an irresistible combination that readers will love to cozy up to and lose themselves in for a moment." — Booklist "Creative types of all stripes—especially cat lovers—will be enchanted by Barbery''s fun and delightfully philosophical storytelling." — Shelf Awareness "A book of few words delightfully illustrated by Maria Guitart . . . readers will be entranced by the detailed portrayal of Barbery''s ménage, her domestic habits and customs, her obsession with order, her writing routine, and so much more." — La Stampa (Italy)

From the best-selling author of The Elegance of the Hedgehog comes a family story with a difference, a novel about the decisions one makes and the destiny they determine by one of Europe''s most brilliant and stylistically subtle authors. Haru, a successful Japanese art dealer, loves beauty, harmony, art, balance, intriguing women, sophisticated conversation, and elegance. Months after a brief affair in Japan with a French woman, Maud, he discovers she is pregnant with his child. She warns him, however, that if he ever tries to see her or the child, she will kill herself. Quietly devastated at the thought of never knowing his daughter, who will become a dark presence in an otherwise elegantly orchestrated life, Haru decides he will respect Maud''s wishes. His daughter grows to adulthood without ever knowing him. Is it too late to change things? This is Haru''s story. In her poetically precise prose, Muriel Barbery explores the deep love of a father, and what is gained and what is lost when one chooses a "family" of friends over one''s biological family. In doing so, she captures the darkness that pushes people apart and the circumstances that can draw them together again.

''A beguiling and human tale that sweeps us through the years'' Daily Mail ''Exquisite. . . Readers will be rapt'' Publishers Weekly Haru, a successful Japanese art dealer, appreciates beauty, harmony, balance and good saké. One evening at a party he meets Maud, an enigmatic Frenchwoman, and after a brief, intense romance he learns that she is pregnant with his child. But Maud issues him a heartbreaking warning: if he ever tries to see her or the child, she will take her own life. Quietly devastated, Haru resigns himself to loving his daughter from afar, and Rose grows up on the other side of the world, without ever knowing her father. Is it too late to change things? From international bestseller Muriel Barbery, this is a stunning tale of friendship, secrets and a father''s enduring love.

From the author of the international bestseller The Elegance of The Hedgehog comes a mouth-watering tale delving into the life of a monstrous food critic. ''A foodie''s delight; just don''t read it when you''re hungry''Daily Mail ''The exquisite descriptions of eating are like nothing you''ve read before'' Good Housekeeping After a lifetime of presiding over cowering chefs and pursuing sensual delights, France''s greatest food critic is dying. Given just forty-eight hours to live, Pierre Arthens has one last ambition - to recall the most delicious food to ever pass his lips, an elusive taste from his childhood. From his luxury penthouse at 7 Rue de Grenelle, Pierre casts his mind back over a lifetime of flavour: eating barbequed sardines with his grandfather; the warm, crumbly pastry of an apple tart; his first taste of velvety sashimi. But orbiting around him are a cast of family and acquaintances, each with their own story to tell about the greed and ruthlessness that has paved the way to Pierre''s search for the perfect meal.

No romance de estreia de Muriel Barbery, autora do best-seller A elegância do ouriço, o maior crítico de gastronomia da França é desenganado pelos médicos e decide perscrutar a memória em busca do gosto perfeito. Em seu leito de morte, o grande crítico gastronômico Pierre Arthens é tomado pela última obsessão: lembrar-se do sabor que mais o enfeitiçara. A viagem aos meandros do paladar começa na infância do protagonista, quando as artes culinárias da avó desabrocharam seu talento, e termina na consagração do profissional que celebrava deliciando uma simples sardinha frita ou um inesquecível sorbet de laranja. No caminho, ele descreve a descoberta dos sashimis; a sensualidade dos tomates amorosamente colhidos na horta da casa de sua tia; o primeiro gole de uísque; o aveludado erótico da ostra. Sabores e odores misturam-se na memória do agonizante. Em contraponto às suas recordações surgem as vozes das vítimas de seu cinismo e egoísmo: a mulher e os filhos, a amante, o aluno, o gato de estimação e até mesmo a concierge Renée, que os leitores de Muriel Barbery conheceram em A elegância do ouriço. Para idealizar certos cardápios e receitas de A morte do gourmet, romance traduzido em doze línguas, a autora contou com a colaboração de Pierre Gagnaire, um dos mais conceituados chefs da França, agraciado com três estrelas no Guia Michelin.

O poveste despre o femeie care pleacă în căutarea unui tată pe care nu l-a cunoscut niciodată și a unei iubiri pe care nu o mai credea posibilă La patruzeci de ani, Rose primește un telefon de la un avocat care o invită în Kyoto pentru a discuta testamentul tatălui ei. Acolo este condusă în casa bărbatului care, după cum i s-a spus, a fost un comerciant de artă contemporană. Aflată față în față cu un trecut confiscat, tânăra nu simte decât amărăciune și furie. Dar Kyoto o îmblânzește și, în fiecare zi, ghidată de Paul, asistentul tatălui ei, descoperă un itinerariu fascinant, imaginat de tatăl dispărut, presărat cu temple și grădini, emoții și întâlniri care o vor ajuta să se cunoască mai bine pe ea însăși. Roman al devenirii, O roză singură spune povestea unei femei care descoperă nu doar peisajul originilor sale, ci și dragostea care i se dezvăluie în mod neașteptat. „Un roman liniștitor, care trebuie savurat încet, atât de minunat este scris.“ Le Parisien „În acest roman, melancolia se transformă treptat în bucurie.“ The New Yorker „O odă adusă Japoniei. Un roman splendid, răsunător, minunat construit.“ Le Monde „Fiecare pagină scrisă de Muriel Barbery este de o frumusețe incontestabilă.“ Elle „Un experiment senzorial, în care aproape orice trăire intră sub incidența poeticului. Amănuntele elegant construite recompun o imagine melancolică, seducătoare a Japoniei de astăzi, care îi oferă Rosei nu doar prilejul de a se descoperi pe ea însăși într-un mod neașteptat, ci și speranța de a crede cu toată forța în iubire, ca o a doua șansă la viață. În acest roman, cititorii vor descoperi vocea lui Muriel Barbery mai limpede și mai duioasă ca oricând.“ IRINA CERCHIA, editoare

Una fantasía épica con aires de clásico, por la autora de La elegancia del erizo. Alejandro de Yepes y Jesús Rocamora, dos jóvenes oficiales del ejército regular español, se enfrentan al sexto año de la guerra más cruenta que haya conocido el ser humano. El día que se topan con el afable y excéntrico Petrus da comienzo una aventura extraordinaria ya que los dos españoles abandonan su puesto y cruzan un puente invisible: Petrus es un elfo, proviene del secreto mundo de las Brumas en el que ya está reunida una compañía de elfos, mujeres y hombres de la que dependerá el destino de la guerra. Alejandro y Jesús descubrirán la tierra de su nuevo compañero, una tierra de armonía natural, belleza y poesía, pero que también se enfrenta al conflicto y al declive. Juntos participarán en la última batalla y sus mundos, tal y como los han conocido, nunca volverán a ser los mismos.

Siamo a Parigi in un elegante palazzo abitato da famiglie dell’alta borghesia. Dalla sua guardiola assiste allo scorrere di questa vita di lussuosa vacuità la portinaia Renée, che appare in tutto e per tutto conforme all’idea stessa della portinaia: grassa, sciatta, scorbutica e teledipendente. Invece, all’insaputa di tutti, Renée è una coltissima autodidatta, che adora l’arte, la filosofia, la musica, la cultura giapponese. Poi c’è Paloma, la figlia di un ministro ottuso; dodicenne geniale, brillante e fin troppo lucida che, stanca di vivere, ha deciso di farla finita (il 16 giugno, giorno del suo tredicesimo compleanno, per l’esattezza). Fino ad allora continuerà a fingere di essere una ragazzina mediocre e imbevuta di sottocultura adolescenziale come tutte le altre. Due personaggi in incognito, quindi, diversi eppure accomunati dallo sguardo ironicamente disincantato, che ignari l’uno dell’impostura dell’altro si incontreranno solo grazie all’arrivo di monsieur Ozu, un ricco giapponese, il solo che saprà smascherare Renée e il suo antico, doloroso segreto.

En el número 7 de la calle Grenelle, un inmueble burgués de París, nada es lo que parece. Dos de sus habitantes esconden un secreto. Renée, la portera, lleva mucho tiempo fingiendo ser una mujer común. Paloma tiene doce años y oculta una inteligencia extraordinaria. Ambas llevan una vida solitaria, mientras se esfuerzan por sobrevivir y vencer la desesperanza. La llegada de un hombre misterioso al edificio propiciará el encuentro de estas dos almas gemelas. Juntas, Renée y Paloma descubrirán la belleza de las pequeñas cosas. Invocarán la magia de los placeres efímeros e inventarán un mundo mejor. La elegancia del erizo es un pequeño tesoro que nos revela cómo alcanzar la felicidad gracias a la amistad, el amor y el arte. Mientras pasamos las páginas con una sonrisa, las voces de Renée y Paloma tejen, con un lenguaje melodioso, un cautivador himno a la vida. Muriel Barbery se ha convertido en la revelación literaria en Francia. Su ternura y originalidad le han valido el Premio de los Libreros, el reconocimiento de la crítica y el cariño del público, que la ha situado en las listas de los libros más vendidos durante un año. «Un cuento moderno, refrescante e inteligente», Le Figaro; «La nostalgia atemporal de Marcel Proust y el frescor de Philippe Delerm... Divertida, inteligente... aérea como un haiku», L’Express; «Decir que Muriel Barbery tiene talento es quedarse corto... Tiene un humor devastador», Le Nouvel Observateur.

Nel signorile palazzo di rue de Grenelle, già reso celebre dall’Eleganza del riccio, monsieur Arthens, il più grande critico gastronomico del mondo, il genio della degustazione, è in punto di morte. Il despota cinico e tremendamente egocentrico, che dall’alto del suo potere smisurato decide le sorti degli chef più prestigiosi nelle ultime ore di vita cerca affannosamente di recuperare un sapore primordiale e sublime, un sapore provato e che ora gli sfugge, il Sapore per eccellenza, quello che vorrebbe assaggiare di nuovo, prima del trapasso. Ha così inizio un viaggio gustoso e ironico che ripercorre la carriera di Arthens dall’infanzia ai fasti della maturità, attraverso la celebrazione di piatti poveri e prelibatezze haute cuisine. A fare da contrappunto alla voce dell’arrogante critico c’è la nutrita galleria delle sue vittime (i familiari, l’amante, l’allievo, il gatto e anche la portinaia Renée... ), ciascuna delle quali prende la parola per esprimere il suo punto di vista su un uomo che, tra grandezze pubbliche e miserie private, sembra ispirare solo sentimenti estremi, dall’ammirazione incondizionata al terrore, dall’amore cieco all’odio feroce. Anche in questo romanzo d’esordio Muriel Barbery racconta, assieme ai piaceri e alle tenerezze della vita, l’arroganza e la volgarità del potere (in un ambiente spietato dove – è cronaca di questi anni – un cuoco si uccide perché ha perso una stella Michelin). Estasi culinarie è un percorso che si snoda attraverso vivide evocazioni sensoriali, impreziosite da una scrittura raffinata e sinuosa, al servizio di una corrosiva satira delle manie alto borghesi.

Ens trobem al mateix bloc de pisos del número 7 de la rue Grenelle de L''elegància de l''eriçó, custodiat per la portera Renée. El veí del quart, monsieur Arthens, el crític gastronòmic més important del món, s''està morint a la seva habitació, i un únic pensament el té capficat: «Moriré, i no aconsegueixo recordar aquell sabor que em tenallava el cor». En les poques hores que li queden de vida, viatjarà a través dels sentits a la recerca d''aquell únic sabor oblidat que encarna la veritat primera i última, l''essència dels plaers més purs: el perfum de les sardines a la brasa que cuinava el seu avi, les olors de les platges, els horts i els jardins, els primers licors...Amb el seu estil ric i una sensibilitat tendra i plena d''humor, Muriel Barbery esbossa el retrat d''un home i el balanç de tota una vida plena de llums i ombres, i aconsegueix excitar fins al límit les nostres papil·les gustatives.