This version of the book has been reviewed in English(177) by readers.
|
| |||||||||||
Buy from Amazon
What are readers saying about Shopgirl: A Novella?
|
A reader posted a review at 2009-11-28 18:21:11.
(Language: English)
 
I am so late to the party on this one. I read it today and loved it. I think it nailed the isolation of Los Angeles perfectly. Come on, it's Steve Martin! I need to find some more Steve Martin to read like now.
|
Yes (0) 
No (0) |
|
A reader posted a review at 2009-10-11 13:50:03.
(Language: English)
 
Surprisingly good! Didn't think a comedian gone writer could do much, but I was wrong. He did maybe a little too much telling, but there may be a style choice there. So, not bad!Not bad for a comedian gone writer. Funny, interesting, a little weird. Very Steve Martin. Might could have done a little more showing than telling, but I was impressed.
|
|
|
Peter posted a review at 2009-09-30 20:09:44.
(Language: English)
After enjoying Steve Martin's autobiography "Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life" and the novel "The Pleasure of My Company", "Shopgirl" is my favorite book by this multi-talented comedian: It features an engaging story, perceptive characterizations of the protagonists, and sharp descriptions of urban loneliness and isolation. (This review is based on the audiobook version, read by Steve Martin.)
|
|
|
A reader posted a review at 2009-09-18 12:37:18.
(Language: English)
It's one of my favorite books.
|
|
|
A reader posted a review at 2009-09-13 08:48:26.
(Language: English)
In reading Martin's book something occured to me: I felt like I was reading the work of someone who was writing a novel rather than writing a story. The prose-- which it surprises me so many people enjoyed-- seems to have a huge level of flatness to it. Martin's similes are rather mundane and though a few managed to work exceptionally well, on the whole very few stuck a cord. Most lack the punch typically associated with the devise-- be it for humor or imagery. They feel coloquial, more like Martin is trying to suggest what he means than to use them to add to the narrative. A crutch, perhaps. Worse, is Martin's expository exploration of his characters. Having taken some acting classes I know something of it, and I know that in the process you have to break down the characters that have been written so you yourself understand them like any writer worth his salt might. Martin obviously understands his characters-- he'd have to in order to write those page-long ramblings on what they DON'T KNOW-- but he lacks all degrees of subtly in his omnicient narration. It feels more like actors notes more than it does anything else. Martin presents the reader with a complete tray of ingredients instead of cookies. He fails to do the "bakers" job. And of course, there is the plot itself. After about thirty or forty pages in, does anyone really have a doubt as to how it's going to play out? Sure there's a surprise or two along the way (Tina) but they don't bump the inevitable outcome- do they? You could say it was just a fun ride, but really, it wasn't. Martin's book is readable, certainly, but it's lazy writing and hardly a prime example of a good book. I appreciate the efforts-- a definitive theme, and strong character building-- but if I wasn't on a 24 hour train ride I doubt I would have finished it.
|
|
|
A reader posted a review at 2009-08-18 19:31:49.
(Language: English)
An easy read; good story.
|
|
|
A reader posted a review at 2009-08-12 21:36:15.
(Language: English)
I couldn't figure out how this was going to be a movie, but the answer was voice-overs. I know, that's not a review. It's lots of internal dialogue.
|
|
|
Nataliya posted a review at 2009-08-12 13:21:33.
(Language: English)
I am still amazed that Steve Martin wrote this. A captivating read that went through a realistic set of people in realistic situations. Wonderful!
|
|
|
A reader posted a review at 2009-07-13 04:28:24.
(Language: English)
Loved this little book. Poignant, careful, and sensitive.
|
Share your views!
Similar books
