It was Schopenhauer in the 19th century who first described the hedgehog's dilemma. Hedgehogs, which want to warm up and get closer together can't do that because of their spikes, so they stay cold. Metaphorically it is similar to human relationships: regardless of good intentions, human intimacy cannot occur without substantial mutual harm.

Seems natural to me, on a metaphoric level. I never heard of this before you brought it up though - as being a "thing" or "defined thing".

The novel sounds interesting, but maybe a bit overwhelming or intimidating on an emotional or psychological level. Do you know if there is an English translation?