Muriel Barbery is a French author best known for her novel, The Elegance of the Hedgehog, published in 2006. The book explores the lives of residents in a Parisian apartment building, focusing on the hidden depths of its seemingly ordinary characters. It has received critical acclaim and has been translated into multiple languages. In addition to her fiction writing, Barbery has a background in philosophy, which influences her literary themes. She has also written other works, including Gourmet Rhapsody, which further showcases her unique storytelling style and philosophical insights.