Shopgirl: A Novella by Steve Martin Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Shopgirl: A Novella
Book Review: A Good Beginning
Summary: 3 Stars
I am a big fan of Steve Martin and consider him an intelligent writer of much merit, his stories and articles are scintillating and original, and he is nothing if not entertaining. Although I enjoyed Shop Girl, and was never inclined to stop reading, I couldn't help but feel that Martin stopped short of any real real breakthroughs here. It was as if he were on the verge of some real discoveries about his characters, their motivations, perhaps even about the complexities of love itself and I was poised for a revelation that never materialized, leaving me somehow disappointed.
This criticism aside, Martin is capable of pure prose and in that regard Shop Girl doesn't disappoint. His handling of language is masterful, his writing style is elegant and sophisticated, and he is can express an idea on many levels, seamlessly transitioning from detailed minutia to broad philosophical ideas. He is a very smart writer.
I felt that Martin did take some risks here, particularly his exploration of his characters' sexuality, venturing into areas that he is not commonly known for. Although this did not add quite the depth to his characters I was seeking (they still remain somewhat superficial throughout the book) it did add depth to the author, reflecting a man who is a sexual person and not just a neutered intellectual (and this really upped his attractiveness quotient).
Overall, this was a worthwhile story that entertained me and, as all Martin's work will do, gave me ample food for thought and comment.
Book Review: A lesson in love, a lesson for life
Summary: 4 Stars
again, Shopgirl was a reluctant read for me at first because it was a required book for my retail merchandising class. Why? More like a modern literature class. Obviously, the store Mirabelle works at is Neiman Marcus, one of the best places to start in merchandising, probably why I had to read Shopgirl. After about the second chapter, I started understanding why Shopgirl is a book for girls wanting to work in merchandising: a cautionary tale. Then I started getting into Shopgirl, getting engrossed in Mirabelle's emotions. In the end, I'm a bit sad, because of the heartbreak Mirabelle had to go through to come to her lesson and appreciation of what she has. Wow. Overall, Shopgirl is a complete story packaged in a short and readable novella.Book Review: A long walk to a dry well
Summary: 1 Stars
It was slow paced and kind of depressing. I think maybe he should stick to movies.Book Review: A slim book for an evening
Summary: 4 Stars
This novella (meaning a short book approximately one-third the length of a typical novel) surprised me with its range of character development. Each of the three characters changes or learns profoundly in this book. Jeremy, the character who wins the fair lady's hand in the end, is portrayed as changing more than seems realistic. On the other hand, he is 24 years old and that is a time of life when lots of people grow and improve. Maybe a sloppy slacker can turn into a hottie in the space of a year, as Jeremy does in this novella.
The portrayal of Ray, the older man with money who carefully courts the girl, is subtle despite the fact that he really is the stereotypical rich older man on the prowl. The difference is that Ray plays by certain ground rules which he has shared, and he thinks the young lady with whom he has the love affair is playing by his same rules. But she isn't. She becomes dependent on him.
Don't think that because you saw the excellent film that you won't enjoy the book. You will enjoy the book even more if have seen the film. After all, Steve Martin wrote the novella first and then the screenplay. And it's a slim little book, just right for a long evening's read with a glass of wine.
Book Review: A thoughtful and enjoyable read
Summary: 5 Stars
Written by funnyman Steve Martin, I really enjoyed this book. After first watching the DVD (which I didn't realize was such a good movie until the last few scenes), I felt compelled to buy the book and was not disappointed. Although the book is short at 130 pages, the story itself (a bittersweet love story) was deeply moving, intelligent and tender and although written by a comedian, the humorous moments was cleverly deadpan and sarcastic rather than wild and zany.
I really liked Mr. Martin's writing style. His writing felt razor sharp and crisp as if he put a great deal of thought into each sentence. Each paragraph felt like it flowed and gelled with the story and that no sentence was wasted. I found myself hanging on to each sentence and was never bored or lost in the story. Although I don't know this as fact, I imagined he had many people help him edit this book and that it was rewritten dozens of times until he and the publisher felt it was just right.
His development of the story and the characters was excellent. I won't go into the details surrounding the storyline as that is already summarized by critical reviews available on this site. However, I will say I felt, well, both moved by the deep introspection of the main male character Ray Porter as he stumbled along the path of self discovery trying to decipher how to love another human being and yet I felt sorry for him in his ignorance about relationships with women in spite of his wealth and success as a businessman. I felt happy for the main female character Mirabelle in her claim to independence and finding value in herself although I felt empathy and compassion for her during the pitfalls she encountered throughout the book to get there.
I HIGHLY recommend this book. The story and characters stayed with me long after finishing the book.