Shopgirl: A Novella by Steve Martin Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Shopgirl: A Novella
Book Review: A wonderful story
Summary: 5 Stars
I was so impressed with Steve Martin's writing in "Born Standing Up," I was eager to delve into his fiction writing. I was not disappointed. I can't explain it, but somehow I feel smarter having read this book. The language and structure of the writing is very well thought out. The story is strong, the characters are relatable; this is a very realistic story, with a realistic conclusion, and realistic emotions. Makes me want to see the movie now.Book Review: The delicate nature of love...
Summary: 4 Stars
Mirabelle is a salesgirl at the glove counter in Neiman Marcus. Her life is uneventful, until she is whisked away by an older man who provides her with money, new clothes, and some excitement. Jeremy is interested in her too, he is closer to her age, yet cannot provide her with the same interesting conversations or caring nature. Though she feels that Ray must love her, he views their relationship as a 180 degree change from Mirabelle's view. He sees her as a resting point, until he finds "someone special." It reminded me of the way people communicate, and how someone can say one thing, yet mean another. Or, they can say exactly what they mean, and the person receiving the conversation will turn it around in their own favor.
Most of the novella is devoid of conversation. There is a lot of detail, but mostly about what the characters think about, or describing the surroundings. This doesn't take away from the story, but instead, adds to it, because you are able to be in all of the characters heads.
This is the second time that I have read this book. I have loved both of the Steve Martin fiction books that I have read, my only complaint is that they are too short. I read it in one sitting, not only because the story was brief, but also because you become engrossed, and before you know it, you are finished.
I hope that he writes more novellas. I will be first in line to buy them.
Book Review: What is the Nature of Love?
Summary: 4 Stars
This novel is a quiet gem of understatement. It softly unfolds to reveal the hardness and rigidity that imprison us.
The story centers on a young woman, Mirabella, who works in the glove department of Nieman-Marcus. Depressed and without friends, she goes through her days unengaged. She draws dark pictures. She meets a wealthy man, Ray, who wants a temporary relationship. However, he grows to love her but is unable to recognize the depth and complexity of something this real. They each distance from one another but remain friends. Ray is the apparent giver and Mirabella is the needy one. In truth, the opposite is more valid. Mirabella learns to grow and reach out for love.
I highly recommend this book. Steve Martin is a man of many talents. Writing is certainly one of them.
Book Review: Great Read
Summary: 5 Stars
I felt this book was outstanding. Steve Martin's neat and compact novel is able to evoke a wide variety of emotions. I genuinely cared about Mirabella and I didn't always like, but understood the male characters. All are fully realized neatly and concisely. Steve accurately and sometimes bluntly captures their human qualities. His characters are fully developed and real. He does in a few words and a straightforward style what many, more verbose authors, cannot.
Book Review: Thoughtful and Endearing
Summary: 5 Stars
I am so happy to have stumbled upon this book in a local bookstore in NYC; it has been such a pleasure to read a book like this one. At its best it's a fantastically hopeful love story, and at its worst it's too realistic for me to bear (but it's a good realism because it's, well, believable!).
The book is good for the idealistic romantics who need some realism in their lives. Basically, a young girl who works in the glove department of a luxury department store has never experienced real "living". Through this book she comes into contact with two very different men who nonetheless shape her life and change the way she lives her life. While both men also find change within themselves (more or less as a result of this girl), each person takes a step closer to a more meaningful existence.
Do yourself a favor and read it.
Good job, Steve Martin.