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angelaf's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I thoroughly enjoyed the art discussions and insight into the art market offered in An Object of Beauty. However, the remainder of the book just wasn't for me. All of the characters are unlikeable, and the novel has a harsh, edgy tone that rarely works for me. I honestly should have DNF'ed early on, but soldiered on because of the art content. Read if you enjoy: unlikeable characters, character-driven novels, art market
murph_the_serf's review against another edition
3.0
I expected more given Steve Martin's first two novels but this book gets so bogged down in the art world I lost interest many times. Martin's love and knowledge of the fine art world shines through but he goes off on trips describing works of art or detailing how an art sale operates. It was an interesting glimpse at first but after three quarters of the way into the book I wasn't looking for yet another lesson on a specific piece.
I absolutely loved Martin's first two books but I felt like I was being taught a lesson that I didn't ask for in this one. It still had aspects to appreciate (he's that good of an author) but overall I was not thrilled.
I absolutely loved Martin's first two books but I felt like I was being taught a lesson that I didn't ask for in this one. It still had aspects to appreciate (he's that good of an author) but overall I was not thrilled.
tangodiva's review against another edition
2.0
Started out really good but fizzled at the end. I enjoyed the mockery chapters on Miami's Art Basel.
I had many friends who worked the art world in the 1990s. I wish I could say this rang a little more true, even though it is clearly a satire.
I had many friends who worked the art world in the 1990s. I wish I could say this rang a little more true, even though it is clearly a satire.
dlabau's review against another edition
4.0
It just isn't fair that an actor as talented as Steve Martin can also write. I liked this book.
littlegreens's review against another edition
3.0
At first I loved the book, but as it continued on I found it to be a bit repetitive and boring. The characters are flat and it didn't have anybody to relate to. Albeit glamorous, I retract any recommendations I made to read it.
kristianawithak's review against another edition
4.0
Yes, that Steve Martin. I had no idea he knew so much about art.
It is interesting to read about the financial crisis in a novel that also frames 9/11 in its discussion of the art world.
It is interesting to read about the financial crisis in a novel that also frames 9/11 in its discussion of the art world.
stephanie_opp's review against another edition
2.0
After really enjoying Shopgirl and The Pleasure of My Company, I guess my expectations were just way too high for this. Bah.
alyssa_104's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It can drag at times