Funny Man's Book

Title: Shopgirl
Author: Steve Martin
Publisher: 40 Share Productions, Inc.
Year Published: 2000
Rating: A

I’ve always been a fan of Steve Martin as an actor. When seeing his movies, I expect to laugh. But when I first picked up Martin’s novella Shopgirl, I didn’t know what to expect. What I found was a tender, honest story about almost-love. Martin’s way of exploring the thoughts and feelings of a twenty-something woman and middle-aged man in the same story is impeccable. He toggles between the two with ease, making the story comfortable and engaging for the reader.

The most profound aspect of the novella is the omnipotent voice of the narrator. The honesty is cutting and often without passion. This does not mean there is no passion in this story. But the stoicism is soothing and lets the emotions of the characters speak for themselves.

This is a brilliant piece of work, and I cannot wait to read more by this incredible actor – and now I can say – amazing writer.

For the Love of Freud

Title: Mr. Muo’s Travelling Couch
Author: Dai Sijie
U.S. Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf*
U.S. Publication Year: 2005
Rating: A

* Originally published in France as Le complexe de Di by Gallimard, Paris, in 2003.

I’ve truly grown to love Asian writers. This writer happens to be Chinese-born but lives and works in France. Either way, the culture and wit of Asia and its artists have overwhelmed and enthralled me. Mr. Muo’s Travelling Couch included.

Dai Sigie’s second novel Mr. Muo’s Travelling Couch follows the experiences of the title character as he goes back to China after studying psychoanalysis in France. He idolizes Freud and uses Freud’s theories to achieve what he wants in his many escapades. The irony of Muo’s practice is that he is a virgin. He constantly analyzes others according to Freud’s sexually driven theories, yet he’s never had sex himself.

Mr. Muo’s character is lovable and pitiable at the same time. His quiet, intelligent manner makes the predicaments he finds himself in that much more laughable. This book is filled with intelligent introspection and unconscious humor. Muo’s falling in and out of love, passing through danger, frustration after frustration, contribute to the character’s complexity.