The Unfinished Novel and Other Stories

The Unfinished Novel and Other Stories is comprised of six short stories revolving around the arts: His Blue Period; The Bower; Beethoven; The Unfinished Novel; The Open Door; and The Change. Martin's writing is interesting and intellectual, however, I would hardly call the stories "vital and heartbreaking," as stated on the back cover. The book is an easy read (I finished in one day), but not...more

The Unfinished Novel and Other Stories is comprised of six short stories revolving around the arts: His Blue Period; The Bower; Beethoven; The Unfinished Novel; The Open Door; and The Change. Martin's writing is interesting and intellectual, however, I would hardly call the stories "vital and heartbreaking," as stated on the back cover. The book is an easy read (I finished in one day), but not necessarily light. I was impressed with how true to life Martin kept the characters; not with their characteristics, but with their thoughts, and how those thoughts, even when not clearly stated, progressed into action. Martin has an easy way of getting to the heart of the characters with out unnecessary background information, which kept me more interested in the circumstances that led each of them to where/how they were--and how they would become. The Unfinished Novel was perhaps the most raw--I think I disliked Maxwell the most of all Martin's characters, yet it stood out in my mind the most. It is also the longest, at sixty-two pages. My favorite was The Bower, involving a college theater acting teacher/director with one of her brilliant students. She falls for him without considering the possibilities and/or consequences. The irony and realization at the end pulled the story together so simply, you wonder why you didn't make the connection yourself. Gritty and artistic, The Unfinished Novel is a good choice when you would like an easy yet stimulating read.   hide