Steve Martin's Shopgirl

• Shopgirl: A Novella by Steve Martin
• Available from Hyperion Books
• 130 Pages
• Originally Published: October, 2000
• ISBN 0-78688-568-8

When one thinks of literary genius, the name that leaps to mind isn't necessarily 'Steve Martin', yet, after reading Shopgirl, a novella written by the comedy veteran and released in 2000, there can be little doubt that's exactly what he is. A writer of considerable talent and understanding, perhaps overlooked because of his fame as a funny man, Martin delivers a beautiful story that touches the heart without pushing too hard.

She Works at Neiman's in the Glove Department, Selling Things That Nobody Buys Anymore...

Shopgirl is the bittersweet tale of a young woman, Mirabelle, a shopgirl and part time artist, unknowingly struggling to find herself and her place in the world. Along the way on her road to self discovery, she attracts two very different men: slacker Jeremy and millionaire Ray.

Mirabelle is the sort of character you feel the desire to protect. A protagonist that makes you want to take care of her and make sure nothing bad ever happens to her. Any young woman who's ever tried to figure out where she belongs will find a friend in Mirabelle.

Jeremy and Ray, who could be considered the villains of the piece for their clumsy treatment of Mirabelle's heart, are instead just as sympathetic as the heroine. They aren't bad guys, they're just human, and that's okay. They mean well, even if they don't do well, and though their actions are highly questionable at times, the honest desire to do the right thing is clear.

Mirabelle and her two pursuers grow beyond their original flaws throughout the story, each learning a valuable lesson through the others and becoming better, more complete people for it. Shopgirl presents the idea that no matter what happens to you, no matter how horrible or how wonderful, simply take the experience, learn from it and move on.

Shopgirl Touches its Audience Without Pressing

Through the interactions and neuroses of the three main characters--through their struggles, grief and eventual growth--we get to take a look at several aspects of ourselves, some of which aren't always comfortable but still in need of examination. Shopgirl is an unvarnished look at the imperfections of well meaning people, and ends happily, but not unrealistically. There is no fairy tale ending, but instead an ending of cautious optimism and hope.

The narrative itself is meaningful without getting preachy; beautiful without being flowery; touching without getting sappy. In short, Shopgirl shines as an example of a modern classic.

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