An Object of Beauty

A Novel

By: Steve Martin

Narrated by: Campbell Scott

Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Lacey Yeager is young, captivating, and ambitious enough to take the New York art world by storm. Groomed at Sotheby's and hungry to keep climbing the social and career ladders put before her, Lacey charms men and women, old and young, rich and even richer with her magnetic charisma and liveliness. Her ascension to the highest tiers of the city parallel the soaring heights - and, at times, the dark lows - of the art world and the country from the late 1990s through today.

©2010 Steve Martin (P)2010 Hachette

Critic reviews

"Martin compresses the wild and crazy end of the millennium and finds in this piercing novel a sardonic morality tale." ( Publishers Weekly)

"[A] clever, convincingly detailed depiction of NYC’s art scene." ( Booklist)

Art World Savvy; Fun Story

As an artist and museum volunteer acquainted with the New York based art world, I had fun listening to this book. Steve Martin clearly knows art and has been a good sport on the round of interviews introducing his book. I loved that he made mention of the legendary art book dealer and expert, Peter Krauss, a really cool guy. It's just delightful to follow the creative exploits of this author, already high on my list for his comedic, movie and banjo! accomplishments.

I love this book & and I love the narration

I loved Lacie Yager.
I love Campbell Sott.
I love Steve Martin.

I have listened to this book several times.

Narrator lessens the audiobook. Why not Martin??

Besides the great works that Martin has written (imo), the biggest joy was hearing him narrate his own works, his voice, the nuances and inflections he gave to it.
I was so looking forward to listening to him narrate another of his fiction works, then I saw Campbell Scott was the narrator. If I was asked to choose one narrator who I would NOT wish to read this book, it was be him...his voice is near monotone and offers no inflections or change of tone between characters.
First of all...Why didnt Martin himself narrate it??? He has done such an excellent job before...and then why, out of all the fine narrators out there, did they choose the one who has the least expression in his vocie?
Ive tried to get into the audo version, but its so hard, I know its a fine novel, but my rating reflects the audioversion of the book, not just the writing itself, as a true review of an audiobook must reflect the entire produciton, and this one is severely lacking in the performance department.
I would so love for another edition with Martin reading it to come out...I would pay double for that.

Worth the listen, not as good as his other novels.

Overall, this is not a bad listen by Steve Martin. I do think that his other two books Shop Girl and The Pleasure of My Own Company were more clever. The two were definitely more satisfying in the end (not that a happy ending is a requirement). I think it is a great "recent history" piece and an interesting look into a world I do not know much about - fine art collecting. The main character of Lacie was well-developed, but you still feel like you do not quite know her; I think this is intentional. There also is a nice snapshot of before and after 9/11 New York City which frankly I did not see coming.

hmmm

Narrator was excellent, love his voice. Story , while very educational with regards to the art/ art gallery world- was woven well , I think it was (as I read in a previous review) hard to get attached to a main character that isn't really likeable.

This is a great book

Great story. Great performance. I have read this book and listened to it more than once. Steve Martin and Campbell Scott both shine!

An Object of Beauty

Steve Martin's an excellent writer, with a meticulous eye for detail and nuance. And his own brand of wit and humor had me laughing out loud several times.

The story is rather shallow, though, with an endless supply of characters running here and there, buying and selling "objects of beauty" and shmoozing in the service of same. Characters appear and disappear without warning or context, and they seem to have nothing to think about except the current prices for art in the New York galleries, and of course the sexual escapades that go along with all the trafficking. Said trafficking takes place much of the time in restaurants, of which there is ample description as well.

It appears that Steve either has a very thorough knowledge of art history, or he has researched the vast subject extensively.

I'm not a fan of books that have a lot of conversation, and this book is overloaded - have to say I did not finish. Just became too tired of all the vanities and trivial chit chat. But it's all entertaining if you like that sort of thing.

Steve Martin Delivers again

Steve Martin once again delivers a great book. Who knew the actor could do the research required to deliver a compelling story of the art world and how it works and also an interesting love story as well.

Steve Martin's a GREAT writer!

Would you listen to An Object of Beauty again? Why?

Campbell Scott has the perfect voice for this story set in New York's art world. I could listen again just to hear his voice!

What other book might you compare An Object of Beauty to and why?

This has the same pace as Party Girl.

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved the ending, it wraps up the story nicely and leaves you a little melancholy.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Steve Martin always has lines that you want to bookmark and find a way to use in casual conversation...not that I can pull it off.

Everything worked!

I liked the story and I loved the narration. Campbell Scott, (who costarred with Martin in the David Mamet film "The Spanish Prisoner"), was a perfect choice for this novel: low-key, ironic and urbane. This type of story is a joy...nothing catastrophic occurs, but many things happen. The inside look at art gallery commerce and the art collecting culture was priceless. As a backdrop for a story narrative, it was perfection. I wished it would go on longer.