Confessions of a Shopaholic

Book Review: Confessions of a Shopaholic (Pengakuan Si Gila Belanja) by Sophie Kinsella

Edition Details:

• Translator: Ade Dina Sigarlaki
• Publisher: Gramedia Pustaka Utama (2015)
• Indonesian Edition: 360 pages
• Audiobook: Storytel
• Narrator: Lis Kurniasih (6 hours)
• My Rating: 3 of 5 stars
  ★★★☆☆

Blurb:

Rebecca Bloomwood is a financial journalist who writes about managing finances while secretly struggling with compulsive shopping. Her shopping addiction leads to mounting debts, and despite her attempts to control spending and increase income, she finds herself unable to stop. Her only solace is buying something for herself. However, a story touches her heart and awakens her sense of responsibility, leading to life-changing events triggered by an article she writes.

Review:

As an adult, I found Rebecca Bloomwood's character in "Confessions of a Shopaholic" quite immature. Her shopping habits seemed driven more by fantasy than genuine necessity, and her denial about her financial situation was astounding. The repercussions of her actions lingered long after (note: I listened to the audiobook), especially when she finally faced regret. Perhaps this behavior hints at a disorder that needs professional attention.

I was motivated to read this book because I enjoyed the film adaptation. It's rare for me to watch a film first before reading the book, but knowing there was a book, I decided to read it first to not miss out on the details. Although not my usual genre, I found the book surprisingly light and accessible.

One notable difference from the film was the setting. The book takes place in England, while the film shifts the setting to America. Understandably, the filmmakers tailored the setting to their audience. Interestingly, Luke, portrayed by a British actor in the film, retained his British identity. I also appreciated Isla Fisher's portrayal of Rebecca in the film.

Plot-wise, the book felt like a slow climb followed by a rapid descent toward an anticlimactic ending. In contrast, the film's plot was more engaging, with a quicker buildup of conflict that kept the pace lively and entertaining. The film's ending also felt more satisfying compared to the book.

In summary: "Confessions of a Shopaholic" the book <<<<<< the film.

About the Author:

Sophie Kinsella has achieved remarkable success, selling over 40 million copies of her books across more than 60 countries and translated into over 40 languages. She first gained acclaim with her Shopaholic series, initially published under her real name, Madeleine Wickham, while working as a financial journalist. Sophie Kinsella was born in London, studied at Oxford, and now resides in London with her family.

Overall, while the book had its merits, particularly for its exploration of character depth, the film adaptation managed to enhance the story's humor and pacing, making it a more enjoyable experience for me.