Customer Reviews

Shopgirl: A Novella

5 star:		(116)
4 star:		(105)
3 star:		(51)
2 star:		(28)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

Steve Martin is best known for his work as a performer, but Shopgirl definitely proved that he can write, too. The story is beautifully told in a narration that is both detailed and close to the feelings of the characters. Despite being a short read - I finished it in a day - it definitely left a huge impression on me. I fell in love with Mirabelle, Ray and Jeremy, enough to make me very curious about the movie version.

I am always doubtful when the book's jacket tries to sell me a book with comments such as "'with consequences that are both comic and hearthbreaking"'. This time though, it was true. I laughed, turned a page, felt sad, turned a page, laughed again. The humor is ironic and, at the same time, incredibly true.

The narrator never digs really deep in the characters thoughts, but rather use the details of their actions to express who they are. He also underlines how the characters, even when in the wrong, don't necessarily do it to hurt each other; this explores another side of relationships, where even when you think things are clear, misunderstanding may happen.

On my next book-shopping trip, I'll certainly look for more of Martin's writing.

Steve Martin is a gifted writer. I saw the DVD first and loved it so much that I read the book. The book was just as great. Steve Martin writes with emotion, quirkiness, and depth. He has great understanding of relationships and what life is about. I highly recommend his other book as well, The Pleasure of My Company.

It's a very bitersweet look at broken hearts and modern life. I found it difficult to stop reading though, and was dissapointed it was as short as it was.

Still, it's one of my favourite modern novels.

Its an alright book. Not what I expected from Steve Martin.

I have to admit, I did not like this book. I found my self easily distracted while reading. The story line in general was just okay. Without giving anything away, I feel like two of the characters weren't even developed enough for their parts in the story. Perhaps there was some underlying meaning that I missed, but I would not recommend this book.

Comedian Steve Martin provides a tongue-in-cheek novella that mirrors his subtle stage and screen comic personality. In Mirabelle, we have a young woman who stumbles through life while highly underestimating herself. Martin creates a believable world wherein Mirabelle, her coworkers, her love interests, and even her rival, struggle through circumstances to which many of us can relate. A quick and entertaining read for those who don't enjoy wading through books that are as thick as brick walls.

Older rich guy is attracted to young beautiful depressed girl. Treats her to his lifestyle. She thinks he cares about her, falls in love. He is just using her, she gets hurt. What a depressing story. And what is with Mirabelle's jealous co-worker shaving her pubic hair by rinsing her razor in the toilet? Is this just to point out how gross and unattractive she is on the inside, and undeserving of the attentions of the very selective Ray Porter? Basically an empty, heartless, meandering story. Can't recommend.

"Shopgirl"
Steve Martin
$30.00

Steve Martin is a stand up comedian, actor and writer. Steve has stared in many films and has so far written two novellas "Shopgirl" and "The Pleasure of My Company". Steve was born in Waco, Texas, USA, in 1945.

"Shopgirl", is the story of a girl called Mirabelle, who works in the glove section of the prestigious Neiman Marcus department store in Beverly Hills. Mirabelle, is a fragile and self-conscious woman who experiences depression. Mirabelle lives a simple life, but one that is not very fulfilling. Mirabelle, believes that she can receive affection by having sex with her friend Jeremy.
One day, while gazing and daydreaming at her glove counter and wishing that she were working in the perfume section, a man walks in looking for a pair of gloves. This man is Mr Ray Porter, single, rich and about twenty years older than Mirabelle. After another boring day at work Mirabelle arrives home from the department store, at her door lays a gift and an invitation to dinner.
During her long relationship with Mr Ray Porter, Mirabelle, becomes more and more dependant. Mirabelle, realises after some time that she is in fact being used, as Ray is only learning from this relationship in order to prepare for the "real one" to come along.
"Shopgirl", documents Mirabelle's journey of life and her travel along the road of recovery and self-discovery.
This novel is written in second person narrative, this allows the characters to be equal but the characters thoughts cannot be heard. It also does not allow the reader to relate or sympathise with the characters. This novella would best suit a female reader between the ages of 16 to 26, as a female reader of this age group would relate more to the main character.

I bought this book while on vacation at the beach based on the cover, scarlet, which caught my eye, and the author, Steve Martin, an actor I love.
I opened up the book, quickly scanned a few pages and slapped down $14 because I did not want to purchase Life of Pi which was the book I needed to read for Book Club. (Shoulda put down the money for Pi Patel.)

Shopgirl is well written. I often re-read passages, savoring the beautiful, lithe imagery Mr. Martin weaves. But bottom line, I came away not fond of Mirabelle. At all. I found her incredibly frustrating. She was flat. Lonesome and bored and boring. She was friendless, debilitated by her depression, and consummately childish. I wanted to slap her.
I couldn't understand why someone like Ray Porter would put up with her for so long. And she with him. So incredibly needy and dependent and without a back bone, she was.
Jeremy is just the biggest oaf.
Lisa is just the skankiest 'ho.
Is this truly what people in L.A. are like?
An interesting sub-plot involves Mirabelle's family in Vermont which is never resolved.

This was an interesting look into a shopgirl's "normal" life. Neatly written, following along the lines he describes in the story of Ray's obsession with neatness and order. I liked this story I could not put it down without thinking, I need to see what happens next...I like the book size, nice, neat and comfortable to hold.