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The Unfinished Novel and Other Stories
In this vital and heartbreaking collection of stories, Valerie Martin, the bestselling author of Mary Reilly and the internationally acclaimed Property, turns an unflinching eye upon artists—driven and blocked, desired and detested, infamous and sublime, as they struggle beneath the tyranny of Art to reconcile their audience with their muse.
A painter who owes his small s...more
A painter who owes his small s...more
Paperback, 224 pages
Published
December 18th 2007
by Vintage
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Without trepidation or hesitation, I declare this a very good short story collection and wholeheartedly recommend it to devoted lovers of art and literature.
In The Unfinished Novel, Valerie Martin not only displays expert craftsmanship, but she also concocts truly identifiable, interesting characters with extremely engaging plots.
It's rather common knowledge that hardcore bookworms have flirted either with the idea of writing something themselves or with some other artistic e...more
In The Unfinished Novel, Valerie Martin not only displays expert craftsmanship, but she also concocts truly identifiable, interesting characters with extremely engaging plots.
It's rather common knowledge that hardcore bookworms have flirted either with the idea of writing something themselves or with some other artistic e...more
Valerie Martin's compendium of tales about artists and relationships is, unfortunately, rather uneven. Some of the tales are gripping and leave you wanting more, while others seem to slog along (particularly the title piece for the anthology). The good thing about this book is that it examines all manner of human relationships across sexual orientations, ethnicities and ages. I just wish the work had been more consistently good, because the well-written tales were delightful although they poi...more
The first two stories in this collection are very strong, quietly devastating in their effects. Perhaps because they were so strong, I felt disappointed with the later ones, especially the novella-ish title story and the last story, as they both went on too long, I thought, though I did enjoy their endings -- not devastating this time, but more accommodating to the experiences the characters went through.
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Lovely set of stories about art, academia, and relationships. "The Unfinished Novel" was a bit messy and drawn-out and "The Change" was probably my least favourite, which is not to say that I even disliked it. My favourite is a toss-up between "Beethoven" and "The Open Door". Reading this was a bit of a test for whether I should look up more Valerie Martin, and it passed.
You can really start to see the themes of Martin's work: creepy but sympathetic male narrator, mid-life female sexuality and its vulnerabilities, unfinished artistic work and artist angst, horrors of middle-aged women's decline.
Don't read these short stories all the same day unless you are feeling overly cheerful and need to bring yourself down a notch. Heavy stories of regret and loss, most related to creativity and art, but beautifully rendered.
I spent the whole morning in bed with this book on one of the worst days of my life. I found it to be comforting and contemplative, even if a couple of the stories in it feel a bit rushed.
I just read 'The Change', and wonder how I can send out xerox copies.
The stories collected in this volume are sometimes engaging but often bland portraits of aritsts (mainly writers and painters, one actor) and the small dramas of their lives.
My favorite moments from the book: the character of Myer Anspach, the egotistical painter from the first story of the book, and the descriptions of his paintings (which sound friggin awesone); and the portrait of Rita, the troubled and, presumably gifted writer from The Unfinished Novel, the story that gives th...more
My favorite moments from the book: the character of Myer Anspach, the egotistical painter from the first story of the book, and the descriptions of his paintings (which sound friggin awesone); and the portrait of Rita, the troubled and, presumably gifted writer from The Unfinished Novel, the story that gives th...more
Superb.
Kristen
marked it as to-read
Valerie Martin is one of the authors that I'm escorting at this year's Texas Book Festival (you! sign up to volunteer! today!), so I figured I better read at least one of her books. This is the one I chose. Keeping my fingers crossed that I like it. My other author is Jane Hamilton. I chose her book "A Map of the World."
only reading the story entitled "the unfinished novel," but it's already better than _property_. i think what annoys me the most is that she spends too much time trying to establish her status as an authority on new orleans. too obviously constructed. whatever.
Collection of well-written short stories, almost all loosely having to do with traditional forms of creative expression (painting, theater, writing). Didn't blow my mind or anything but enjoyed reading them.
To read my review and interview with the author, please click on this link:
[http://www.timeoutny.com/newyork/Details.do?page=1&xyurl=xyl://TONYWebArticles1/554/books/arts_and_labor.xml]
[http://www.timeoutny.com/newyork/Details.do?page=1&xyurl=xyl://TONYWebArticles1/554/books/arts_and_labor.xml]
This is a collection of short stories about artists that I thought was great. The range of characters is terrific, their worlds well made and interesting.
Martin is a master of tone and character - these stories are dazzling creations.
Solange
added it
Interesting mix of short stories...definitely not as riveting as 'Property'
Fine short stories with a focus on how human foibles affect the artistic life.
the first story in this is one of my favorites.
Really good.
Carol
marked it as to-read
Fergie
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Jacquie
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Steve
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