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)

I wanted to like this more than I did

I love Steve Martin. His sense of humor is right up my alley. That's why I was so excited when I found out that he also writes novels. I picked up this novel with high expectations of something witty and profound, however I feel disappointed.

This was somehow written beautifully, yet somehow it still fell squarely into the shallow end of the pool. The main character, Lacey, was too perfect. And without trying to be offensive to someone that I have a lot of respect for, she was almost created in the mind of a young, inexperienced guy. She is beautiful, sexy, slutty, sexually enlightened, witty, smart, and successful. She is the perfect woman and has zero flaws, which makes for a boring story.

And interesting story about the mundane is created by the impact of the events on a flawed character. The change that character goes through and the tangible evolution spurred on by the events surrounding them. If the character starts perfect and ends perfect, then you simply have plain events being told you plainly.

After listening to this book I am under the impression that Martin (and the narrator) may have been highly influenced by American Psycho, but too timid to really stretch the boundaries of good and evil.

All in all, the book wasn't bad... it just wasn't great. And I wouldn't find myself suggesting it to many people. There were some parts that were enlightening and the art knowledge is interesting. But it wasn't enough.

I loved it!

I really enjoyed the reader. I was just a little disappointed at first, Steve Martin did not read it himself. But his voice came through loudly with his story line, one liners and little hidden jokes.

entertained while getting an art education

I really loved listening to this story. The narrator was perfect. I did have to keep running to my computer though to research all the artists and artworks mentioned--glad I did! While entertaining me with his interesting and well-written story, Steve Martin also introduced me to some visual art that I've fallen in love with.

An excellent 'read'

loved it. Steve Martin writes fiction you can feel. the only thing that would have made this Audible better if read by the Author.

Quirky, sophisticated listen

Any additional comments?

A sophisticated and dryly funny look at the cut-throat world of ART in Manhattan. A cautionary tale about acquiring it, selling it, and using it to move up the ladder of success. The narration by Campbell Scott is first rate, and the story, by Steve Martin, is superb.

The book is an object of beauty

Well written, compact, thought-provoking, and a tad funny. Especially interesting to anyone who's fascinated by the art world. Martins does a nice job writing about the art and trying to explain the essence of what compels us to love it.

Such Insight Into the Art World

Enjoyed the storyline and the characters, loved the insight into a world I would never have access to. Is there anything that Steve Martin can't do?

A beautiful and enigmatic story

Steve Martin as a writer may be just as phenomenal as Steve Martin the actor

I loved every word of this and fell into it like an old friend, everything written about New York, Lacey and the art works was precise and exhilarating. One of the best books I have ever read.

Who would've thought?

Steve Martin is a talented writer, director, musician, comedian, etc. He demonstrates his intelligence and cultured view of the art world and personal relationships as they exist in that world. The story gives the reader an educated view from the eyes of a young woman on the rise as a buyer and collector of fine art. What you get is some fascinating fodder about auction houses, museums, galleries, openings, and closings. It reveals ways in which this market can be so covert and back-biting, All this, and even some romance in the buying and selling of famous paintings.

New favorite. I love this book

Wonderful story we'll written. Easy read and totally enjoyable. I ha e already gone through the book 3 times and I dig it the same way. Highly recommend it.