Shopgirl: A Novella
by Steve Martin
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Book Reviews of Shopgirl: A Novella
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: 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: Light, airy, though surprisingly satisfying
Summary: 4 Stars
I've long been a Steve Martin fan. So when I saw this wisp of a story in the CD audio collection at the local library, I knew it would be a pleasant respite during my morning commute. I had enough of Iraq and the bailouts. I wasn't disappointed. Now I'm still creeped out with older men preying upon young, clueless girls, but I guess many girls without strong fathers want a father figure. She wants a father and he just wants to give her an allowance and make love as much as possible. I say make love, but that's putting it mildly. I'm trying to keep this PG. The language and the details can be a bit graphic (which of course I didn't mind, but it was odd listening to the CD while pulling into my school to teach - like I was watching prono with kids around). The ending was sweet, if not somewhat contrived. But isn't every novel? Worth the few hours. There's also a bit of the Mean Girl scenario here too at the department store which makes for a funny situation.Book Review: Grim, dark ... Sorry, Steve
Summary: 3 Stars
A very dark little book about the rituals of dating in the 21st century. I found it difficult to relate to any of the main characters, but maybe I'm just to old to "get it." Mirabelle - the title character - is more to be pitied than admired. And "Mr. Ray Porter" seems nearly alien in the way he relates to women - a machine-like predator of sorts. While Martin tries to convey that both characters are still works-in-progress, still "becoming," they don't quite reach a level where you can actually like them or identify with them. Even Mirabelle's struggle with clinical depression doesn't make her a sympathetic character. I have always liked Martin as an entertainer, and also enjoyed his recent memoir (also a bit dark in parts), but, while Martin's writing is good enough, this novella simply remained a bit too grim to be an enjoyable read. - Tim Bazzett, author of SOLDIER BOY: AT PLAY IN THE ASABook 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.