The Pleasure of My Company by Steve Martin
This is a novel about loneliness and the effects of mental disease.
Daniel Pecan Cambridge is a very smart man whose age varies depending on how he feels when he is asked. He lives in a normal appartment in a normal neighborhood. His life is, normal, except that he is plagued by silly fears and needs which seem odd to most of his neighbors. He cannot cross curbs so he is forced to navigate the city by finding driveways which connect with the street but only if there is another driveway directly across allowing him to get back onto the sidewalk. The total wattage of light in his partment must equal, at all times, 1125 watts.
He lives his life to serve these little pecadillos and for the most part is happy. He is, however, lonely and longs to be in love with one of the three women in his life: Zandy the pharmicist at Rite-Aid, Clarissa his therapist or Rachel, a real estate agent he often sees from his window.
Steve Martin gives a warm glow to all the characters in this book much as in Shopgirl, his earlier novel. His characters are never really good or bad but simply human. They all seem to be looking for love and happiness with some achieving this goal and others failing.
Martin seems to be finding his voice. Many of the themes in this work are similar to Shopgirl, yet in the end this book is much more plot driven which in the end makes for a much more enjoyable read.
There is nothing profound in this book. If you're looking for a deeper meaning read something else. If you're looking for something to make you feel more in touch with the human race then you've found your book.
Daniel Pecan Cambridge is a very smart man whose age varies depending on how he feels when he is asked. He lives in a normal appartment in a normal neighborhood. His life is, normal, except that he is plagued by silly fears and needs which seem odd to most of his neighbors. He cannot cross curbs so he is forced to navigate the city by finding driveways which connect with the street but only if there is another driveway directly across allowing him to get back onto the sidewalk. The total wattage of light in his partment must equal, at all times, 1125 watts.
He lives his life to serve these little pecadillos and for the most part is happy. He is, however, lonely and longs to be in love with one of the three women in his life: Zandy the pharmicist at Rite-Aid, Clarissa his therapist or Rachel, a real estate agent he often sees from his window.
Steve Martin gives a warm glow to all the characters in this book much as in Shopgirl, his earlier novel. His characters are never really good or bad but simply human. They all seem to be looking for love and happiness with some achieving this goal and others failing.
Martin seems to be finding his voice. Many of the themes in this work are similar to Shopgirl, yet in the end this book is much more plot driven which in the end makes for a much more enjoyable read.
There is nothing profound in this book. If you're looking for a deeper meaning read something else. If you're looking for something to make you feel more in touch with the human race then you've found your book.
Sparkie Arbuckle
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