Review of Confessions of a Shopaholic: The Book vs. The Movie

In today's struggling economy, most of us can relate to Rebecca Bloomwood, the main character in Sophie Kinsella's best-selling book Confessions of a Shopaholic, and her plight of overdue bills and excessive debt. A quirky character who ironically writes for Successful Savings magazine, Rebecca is both savvy and naïve when it comes to dealing with the events in her life.

In both the book and the movie, Rebecca has an overwhelming urge to shop despite her increasing overdue bills and over-the-limit credit cards. Working in the financial industry gives her the opportunity to meet Luke Brandon, the handsome British man from a wealthy background. Her vivacious and unique personality immediately catches Luke's attention. Amidst her somewhat unbelievable and ironic success as a financial writer, Rebecca struggles to outwit the debt collectors who always seem to be just one step behind her, particularly the unwavering Derek Smeath.

But that's where the similarities end. In the book, which takes place in London, not in New York, Luke Brandon is not Becky's editor at Successful Savings. Rather, he is the head of Brandon Communications and works with the financial institutions that Becky writes against. A tricky situation occurs when Becky reveals an investment firm's plot that has ruined the financial lives of average British citizens and Luke is forced to take sides. The book is both a fun novel and a quick-read.

In the movie, Rebecca, played by stunning Isla Fisher, explains her obsession with shopping as a form of emotional therapy. The department store mannequins speak to her, urging her to fulfill her greatest shopping desires. Suze, Rebecca's best friend, demands that she attend Shopaholics Anonymous, where she meets crazed shoppers just like herself. Eager to join the ranks of the top fashion magazine of Alette, Rebecca interviews for a position at the publisher's lesser-known financial magazine and, consequently, meets Luke Brandon, played by handsome Hugh Dancy. Their attraction soars, and despite Luke's cheesy pre-kiss line of "She's not you," the couple has definite chemistry. A typical romantic comedy, the movie will delight viewers with its moments of pure laughter and sweet romance.

Whether you choose the book or the movie, you will be pleased by the light-hearted humor, lovable characters, and fun romance. Because of the numerous differences between the two, if you enjoyed the escapades of Rebecca Bloomwood, you will appreciate the opportunity of choosing both.