Writer's Cats

Muriel Barbery is a former lecturer in philosophy and the bestselling author of The Elegance of the Hedgehog, which has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide and been described by Le Figaro as 'the publishing phenomenon of the decade'. Maria Guitart was born in Barcelona in 1978. She holds a degree in Art History from the University of Barcelona and a certificate of Higher Technical Education in Illustration from the Massana School of Art and Design. Currently, she combines her job as an illustrator with work as an editor of international fiction. Alison Anderson is an author and the translator of around 100books from French, including Muriel Barbery's previous novelsand works by Amelie Nothomb and J. M. G. Le Clezio.

Praise for The Elegance of the Hedgehog‘Resistance is futile … you might as well buy it before someone recommends it for your book group. Its charm will make you say yes’ The Guardian‘Clever, informative and moving … this is an admirable novel which deserves as wide a readership here as it had in France.’ The Observer‘The novel wins over its fans with a life-affirming message, a generous portion of heart and Barbery’s frequently wicked sense of humor’ Time Magazine‘A book of great charm and grace.’ The Metro ‘The book’s attractive, Amélie-esque Parisian setting and cast of eccentrics will appeal to many’ Sunday Telegraph‘This breathtakingly singular novel … is totally French yet completely universal’ Good Housekeeping‘Reveals itself as a version of the Cinderella fairytale’ Financial Times'Nobody ever imagined that this tender, funny book with a philosophical vein would have enjoyed such incredible success. For some, it is part Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder, part Monsieur Malaussene by Daniel Pennac. While for others it resembles a written version of the film Amélie. Either way, readers are responding in vast numbers.' Le Monde 'The reader will be amused, surprised and moved by this philosophical tale: a user's guide to life which is a delight on every level.' Elle 'Enthusiastically recommended for anyone who loves books that grow quietly and then blossom suddenly.' Marie Claire