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)

Easy to listen to narration, engaging story

good character descriptions and steady plot movement, narration well done, too many unnecessary name drops that do not need to be kept track of

Nice to listen to

Starts exiting, but gets a little flat to the end! I guess that's why I never finished reading the book.

Gifted writer, characters and context feel true

I am really enjoying this book so far. Steve Martin is such an intelligent observer of human nature and human behavior, and he's a very good writer. It's hard to believe that a man can write women characters so convincingly, but as was the case with his last book, he manages to capture something elemental and true to female behavior, dress, ways of thinking. I'm not saying all women are like the main character in this novel (thank goodness!) but the main character rings true to me as a woman, as was the case with his last novel's female protagonist. He's a great observer of women's mannerisms and styles. I live in NY, and though I am not a scholar or collector of fine art, it seems to me he captures the NY art and gallery/auction scene as it was during this time period. It's a great, well-observed and well-described glimpse into a world that few of us have the money, time or life experience to enter and I'm finding the story line so far compelling, entertaining and suspenseful even if I wouldn't want to be friends with the main character. She has a certain magnetism and the suspense that carries the story along is equal parts what will she do next and what will happen to her. Clearly Steve Martin knows this world of NYC art, fashion, neighborhoods, personalities from the inside and it's a kind of a buzz hearing him describe things so aptly. I recommend it if you find these things interesting, or if you want to see the surprising literary range of a good actor and comedian.

Total Satisfaction

Steve Martin is a magical writer, who knew? If you love art, NYC, youthful attitudes and travel, you will love this book.

A study of the frailties of human nature

This is an interesting look at the life, motivations and character of an ambitious young woman. The reader is also treated to an inside look at the workings of Sothebys auction house. My book-club read this Steve Martin gem, everyone enjoyed it but no one liked the the main character . Although she is a beautiful girl on the outside she is less so on the inside. Selfish and ruthless she uses and discards people who care about her.

The audible listener should look up the pieces of art that are referred to in this book. It is fascinating to see the actual works that are described and are an important element.

As delicious as a perfectly mixed cocktail.

What I love about Steve Martin's writing is that it's a masterclass in using just a few words to create the most detailed, sensual and insightful prose. On the surface, this is quite a slight story, but with what can seem like a superficial glance, Martin mines deep into the characters's souls. At times, the prose was so beautiful I rewound to savour it again. He uses language and structure that perfectly echos the Manhattan art world that provides the setting and tone for the story. This is a cleverly constructed narritive too, the final chapter throws into question the narrator's motives and reliability. So I'm looking forward to listening to the book again with this new perspective. And as has been said by other reviewers, the narration by Campbell Scott is faultless.

Need pictures for audible users!

I enjoyed the book very much, however was dismayed to discover upon finding a hardcopy at a friends home that there were pictures that weren't available for audio users.

Excellent story

Any additional comments?

This book surprised me and I really loved it. It has a unique voice and I was completely enthralled by the story. Campbell Scott's voice was eerily similar to Steve Martin, so I think he was the perfect choice. I highly recommended this book.

Good read!

Never knew so much about the art world. I found it very engaging. I will now be eager to read his other book!

Steve Martin is funny yet a master in storywriting

Where does An Object of Beauty rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It seems so personally written as if it really happened to him. I was impressed because it sounded like he did his research in the Art World.

What did you like best about this story?

Campbell Scott!!! He can hypnotize me with his voice.

Which character – as performed by Campbell Scott – was your favorite?

This was written in
The third person so in essense, he seemed removed yet poignantly told .

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to the whole book in one sitting but I listened to certain excerpts I wanted repeating.

Any additional comments?

I love Campbell Scott! I
Must have 4-7 narrated by him. I actually sought his
Narratives for that very reason. I'm a big fan of his beautiful rhetoric and diction.