Shopgirl: A Novella by Steve Martin Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Shopgirl: A Novella
Book Review: strikes a common chord
Summary: 5 Stars
I thought Shopgirl was simply magnificent, mostly because it so brilliantly illustrates the age-old experience that so many of us have had... loving someone who doesn't love us back, or, at least, who doesn't love us back in the way we want to be loved. As I see it, Steve Martin has joined two archetypal polarities here... the wanting, needing, loving, totally vulnerable feminine and the elusive, hesitant, superficial masculine. Not only this, he also illustrates both of their desires to break free of these archetypes.
The book is full of symbolism... from the get-go, Mirabelle, the protagonist, is actually selling something (formal women's gloves) that no one wants to buy. As the book continues, you find that Mirabelle is selling something no one wants to buy in many, many other ways. It's her own realization of this, and Ray's realization, that leads to her growth and greater fulfillment in a life which, up to this point, has been full of disappointment.
Of course, it wouldn't be Steve Martin if it weren't also very funny.
Shopgirl is wonderful. One of my favorites.
Book Review: surprisingly wise
Summary: 5 Stars
A bit of a surprise from Steve Martin as a writer. Very nicely written, full-hearted, wise and heartbreaking at times. The characters appear very real; I know Rays and Mirabelles.