Title: An Object of Beauty
Author: Steve Martin
Genre: Literary Fiction
Age Level: Adult
Publication: November 2010
Source: Crazy Book Tours
Author: Steve Martin
Genre: Literary Fiction
Age Level: Adult
Publication: November 2010
Source: Crazy Book Tours
So, yes, I read An Object of Beauty, THE Steve Martin's (actor, comedian, writer extraordinaire) newest upcoming release. Several years ago, I read and adored his novella, Shopgirl (which was also made into a movie), so I was super stoked about this book... but it was kind of a letdown.
Summary: This tells the story of Lacey Yeager, a young, beautiful, charming, and seductive young woman in New York City, and her climb to success in the art world, through means of manipulation, seduction, and greed. She begins as a lowly gallery employee at Sotheby's auction house, sorting through art in the basement, but eventually works her way up to owning a gallery.
My Thoughts: I really had high hopes for this book but it was, for the most part, disappointing. While the writing was beautiful, eloquent and sophisticated, the story was slow, dragging, and anti-climatic. Lacey could have been fascinating, but we are closed off to any of her inner thoughts and ideas, as the story is narrated by an old college friend of hers who views her life from the outside. It seems I waited almost the whole time for something, anything, to happen, but nothing ever really did.
This book could have been scandalous and explosive, but even Lacey's scandals and crimes are dulled down and not made exciting at all... they are just sort of glossed over... Lacey did this and that and blahhh. I mean, there were these exciting things happening once in a while, but there was no sense of excitement whatsoever. I feel like even the author was bored writing about them. Did this story have potential? Absolutely. Like I said, the writing itself is quite brilliant - Steve Martin certainly has a way with words, and he definitely did his art research... but there is simply no enthusiasm, no spice, and it is all rather dull.
Summary: This tells the story of Lacey Yeager, a young, beautiful, charming, and seductive young woman in New York City, and her climb to success in the art world, through means of manipulation, seduction, and greed. She begins as a lowly gallery employee at Sotheby's auction house, sorting through art in the basement, but eventually works her way up to owning a gallery.
My Thoughts: I really had high hopes for this book but it was, for the most part, disappointing. While the writing was beautiful, eloquent and sophisticated, the story was slow, dragging, and anti-climatic. Lacey could have been fascinating, but we are closed off to any of her inner thoughts and ideas, as the story is narrated by an old college friend of hers who views her life from the outside. It seems I waited almost the whole time for something, anything, to happen, but nothing ever really did.
This book could have been scandalous and explosive, but even Lacey's scandals and crimes are dulled down and not made exciting at all... they are just sort of glossed over... Lacey did this and that and blahhh. I mean, there were these exciting things happening once in a while, but there was no sense of excitement whatsoever. I feel like even the author was bored writing about them. Did this story have potential? Absolutely. Like I said, the writing itself is quite brilliant - Steve Martin certainly has a way with words, and he definitely did his art research... but there is simply no enthusiasm, no spice, and it is all rather dull.
I wasn't even aware that Steve Martin wrote novels until I read your review! I may not try reading this book, but I might go for your recommendation for 'Shopgirl' though, so thanks for bringing this to my attention.
ReplyDeleteI get so bummed out when a book I was excited to read turns out to just kinda flop. Better luck next time, though, right?
ReplyDeleteThis sounded fun; sorry it was disappointing. Shop Girl was fun.
ReplyDeleteThis does sound disappointing. It sounds like this could have been a memorable character.
ReplyDeleteI read another of his, The Pleasure of My Company, and that was a good little book. It's about a guy who's reclusive and has OCD and how he overcomes all of that. It was funny though, because that sounds all serious, doesn't it? I'd recommend that one. I didn't read Shopgirl, but I did like the movie. This one doesn't sound that great. Sorry you were disappointed.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear that you enjoyed Shopgirl as I've had that on my TBR list for some time. It doesn't sound as if this book would be something I would be interested in reading but thanks for sharing your thoughts on it. I love an honest review!
ReplyDeleteI love his Shopgirl too. And the movie was great. It's a let down to know this one not as good as Shopgirl.
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered about his books. Maybe I should try Shopgirl instead.
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad this book didn't live up! I loved Shopgirl :) great review, as per usual!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful and honest review. I have not read any of Steve's books but may try Shopgirl sometime.
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm a new follower.
ReplyDeleteI've heard that contrary to his wacky image, Steve Martin is a serious person and a patron of the arts. If I recall correctly he has one of the biggest art collections of new artists.
http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
I enjoyed Shopgirl as well.
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