It was a pleasure (The Pleasure of my Company - Steve Martin)

Member Name: MisterReview

Product:	The Pleasure of my Company - Steve Martin
Date:	31/07/09 (30 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A good solid read

Disadvantages: none

You will know Steve Martin better from various films, mainly as a comedy actor. And if you are already familiar with him you will know just what a talented man he is.

For me his portrayal of characters shows a great understanding of not only what the scriptwriters, directors and producers want of him, but also an extended understanding of the characters he has to play.

To the good actor this should come naturally, but I always feel the funny man, always has that edge - the comedy actor's career can very often be, nit so much spoiled, but perhaps unfulfilled with a constant casting of funny roles.

And what has this got to do with a book that Steve Martin has written.

Well it is that understanding I feel Martin has of mankind, which has led him to a book with a complex character such as Daniel Pecan Cambridge the protagonist of this book. The character has compulsive-obsessive tendencies (an understatement perhaps). Add to that, that the character is somewhat introverted and you already have a formula for someone who, not so much doesn't get on with the world, but perhaps it would be kinder to say that the world doesn't get on with him.

Daniel, as one might imagine, is not entirely happy with his personality and behavioural traits and is somewhat keen to become normal.

This he chooses to do through his friendships, interactions or whatever you want to interpret his sharing the world with certain people, but women in particular, or should I say particular women - the lady in the pharmacy, his neighbour, his therapist and the estate agent he falls in love with. His granny pokes her head around the metaphorical door every now and then as well.

This will be an excellent read for anyone who is, or anyone who is trying to understand someone who suffers or lives with the particular personality traits of the protagonist

Sometimes, when we see an expert in one field attempt something in another it is inevitable that they are going to fail miserably.

I think Steve Martin has made an excellent transition from acting to writing.

Summary: Entertaining and educational in a sideways kind of way