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The Rape of the Muse
Rand Taber, one of The Times' 25 artists under 25 to watch, has painter's block. He needs to get out of New York to work again. Introduced to Harris Montrose, an artistic giant and eccentric who has secluded himself in Providence, Rhode Island, Rand becomes
Montrose's studio assistant.
Rand has a front-row seat on the deteriorating relationship between Montrose and his life-long friend, the sculptor Simon Pruhar. When Montrose puts Pruhar in his new picture, The Rape of the Muse, and publishes it in Vanity Fair, his oldest friend sues for libel.
Rand's journey, as he falls for a woman who pushes him to paint again, is one of artistic inspiration, love and betrayal, hero worship and disappointment.
This novel is based on a true artworld rivalry and courtroom drama.
Montrose's studio assistant.
Rand has a front-row seat on the deteriorating relationship between Montrose and his life-long friend, the sculptor Simon Pruhar. When Montrose puts Pruhar in his new picture, The Rape of the Muse, and publishes it in Vanity Fair, his oldest friend sues for libel.
Rand's journey, as he falls for a woman who pushes him to paint again, is one of artistic inspiration, love and betrayal, hero worship and disappointment.
This novel is based on a true artworld rivalry and courtroom drama.
- GenresArt
206 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2011
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 23, 2017
The book had some moments of decent dialogue. The protagonists thoughts leading up to the fight with Schuyler were a highlight.
June 24, 2014
This isn't the kind of book that every reader would enjoy, but, I did. It's a book about complexity - the complexity of what makes art, what makes friends, lovers, success, etc. I think Stein writes this story beautifully and evocatively.
The story is about a trial between two artists for libel and punitive damages, when one artist, Harris Montrose, is accused of using the countenance of another artist, Pruhar, without his permission, in a work of art that depicts Pruhar in the act of a violent crime. The picture, called The Rape of Muse, is featured in a Vanity Fair article, and includes the suggested likenesses of two other characters in the story, Rand, who is Montrose's assistant, and Binny, Rand's quirky lover. Montrose also failed to get their permission.
Stein moves fluidly between the slick world of New York gallery shows, where important art, and those who climb the social ladder to look at it, are all important, and the sleepy New Haven suburb where Montrose, as has been sculptor, living off a huge inheritence, has a studio. Rand, recently touted as one of "25 to watch under 25" by the NY Times, has found himself in a creative dry patch, after breaking up with a recent girl friend. At loose ends, he follows up on a lead from his art school teacher Burr, and decides to join Montrose in New Haven as his assistant, but not before meeting the exotic and beautiful Binny at an Art show in NY.
We find Montrose in New Haven, working on his new medium - computer art. Montrose is fickle - a southern gentleman one moment, and then, a cruel, canterkerous jerk at the next. He seems to be becoming increasingly annoyed with Pruhar, a long time friend, who teaches Art at Yale, and has made a lifetime career of making and working connections to some effect. Montrose doesn't feel Pruhar is living up to his talent, and creating Art - which Montrose feels is Beauty.
But what is Beauty? And what is art? What defines love and friendship, and how can you tell when what one has created is a thing of real value, of lasting Beauty.
Based loosely on a true case that happened in the 80's, I think Stein does an excellent job of melding the aesthetics of the art world up against the aesthetics of relationships and the measures of success. While not necessarily a riveting page turner, I think this book is quietly important, using a vignette to say something deeply true about life and all it's accompanying messiness.
I'd recommend this book to people who like deep dramas and allegories. A fine read.
The story is about a trial between two artists for libel and punitive damages, when one artist, Harris Montrose, is accused of using the countenance of another artist, Pruhar, without his permission, in a work of art that depicts Pruhar in the act of a violent crime. The picture, called The Rape of Muse, is featured in a Vanity Fair article, and includes the suggested likenesses of two other characters in the story, Rand, who is Montrose's assistant, and Binny, Rand's quirky lover. Montrose also failed to get their permission.
Stein moves fluidly between the slick world of New York gallery shows, where important art, and those who climb the social ladder to look at it, are all important, and the sleepy New Haven suburb where Montrose, as has been sculptor, living off a huge inheritence, has a studio. Rand, recently touted as one of "25 to watch under 25" by the NY Times, has found himself in a creative dry patch, after breaking up with a recent girl friend. At loose ends, he follows up on a lead from his art school teacher Burr, and decides to join Montrose in New Haven as his assistant, but not before meeting the exotic and beautiful Binny at an Art show in NY.
We find Montrose in New Haven, working on his new medium - computer art. Montrose is fickle - a southern gentleman one moment, and then, a cruel, canterkerous jerk at the next. He seems to be becoming increasingly annoyed with Pruhar, a long time friend, who teaches Art at Yale, and has made a lifetime career of making and working connections to some effect. Montrose doesn't feel Pruhar is living up to his talent, and creating Art - which Montrose feels is Beauty.
But what is Beauty? And what is art? What defines love and friendship, and how can you tell when what one has created is a thing of real value, of lasting Beauty.
Based loosely on a true case that happened in the 80's, I think Stein does an excellent job of melding the aesthetics of the art world up against the aesthetics of relationships and the measures of success. While not necessarily a riveting page turner, I think this book is quietly important, using a vignette to say something deeply true about life and all it's accompanying messiness.
I'd recommend this book to people who like deep dramas and allegories. A fine read.
December 8, 2011
"The Rape of the Muse" is a wonderful novel, and it's authors passion for writing is clearly evident in his treatment of his prose, which is both lush and evocative. It is also abundantly clear that the author has a keen understanding of art, and is knowledgeable in the subject, so as to give his characters and his story credibility. That being said, this is also not your mainstream novel, and it's appeal may be limited to a few who may have interest in the subject of art, or perhaps those who may be interested in literary trials.
As for me, I will admit that I am neither cultured enough to have much knowledge of art, and although I enjoy the occasional fictional trial, I'm not one to care much for it. And yet, I actually enjoyed reading this book. It starts off slow, and can seem incredibly tedious at first - but once it gets interesting, it gets really interesting. Also, I think the story is difficult to keep up with because the story keeps switching from the past to the present, and not too gracefully.
The premise is interesting in itself - Harris Montrose, a well-known artist who has come out of obscurity with a new exhibition out of which one piece has been featured in Vanity Fair, is being sued by his artist friend Pruhar, for using him as a subject in his art in a negative light. Also featured in this piece is Binny, the girlfriend of Rand Taybor who happens to be an apprentice to Harris. We experience the trial through Rand's eyes and thoughts.
Harris's work is clearly the representation of his disdain for Pruhar selling out to "commercial art" with his pottery, while Binny happens to be featured as the alluring seductress representing the momentary distraction or temporary gain, that ultimately taints Pruhar's work as a true artist in the long run. Parallels are abound, in both the characters, and their work. If one really sits back and is able to pick apart the imagery and allegory set forth by the author, this book instantaneously becomes a dramatic piece, that sparks deep thought and meaningful conversation. The pitfall, however, is that the characters appear aloof and entitled, and appear neither likeable nor relatable to the average reader, which can make the novel seem dull and blasé. But if you really examine the characters, and what they represent rather than who they appear to be, you might find yourself within a maze of questions, each opening another cerebral door unto itself.
As for me, I will admit that I am neither cultured enough to have much knowledge of art, and although I enjoy the occasional fictional trial, I'm not one to care much for it. And yet, I actually enjoyed reading this book. It starts off slow, and can seem incredibly tedious at first - but once it gets interesting, it gets really interesting. Also, I think the story is difficult to keep up with because the story keeps switching from the past to the present, and not too gracefully.
The premise is interesting in itself - Harris Montrose, a well-known artist who has come out of obscurity with a new exhibition out of which one piece has been featured in Vanity Fair, is being sued by his artist friend Pruhar, for using him as a subject in his art in a negative light. Also featured in this piece is Binny, the girlfriend of Rand Taybor who happens to be an apprentice to Harris. We experience the trial through Rand's eyes and thoughts.
Harris's work is clearly the representation of his disdain for Pruhar selling out to "commercial art" with his pottery, while Binny happens to be featured as the alluring seductress representing the momentary distraction or temporary gain, that ultimately taints Pruhar's work as a true artist in the long run. Parallels are abound, in both the characters, and their work. If one really sits back and is able to pick apart the imagery and allegory set forth by the author, this book instantaneously becomes a dramatic piece, that sparks deep thought and meaningful conversation. The pitfall, however, is that the characters appear aloof and entitled, and appear neither likeable nor relatable to the average reader, which can make the novel seem dull and blasé. But if you really examine the characters, and what they represent rather than who they appear to be, you might find yourself within a maze of questions, each opening another cerebral door unto itself.
September 29, 2011
A literary novel that reads like a painting, Michael Stein’s The Rape of the Muse is based on a true art-world rivalry and courtroom drama, but plays out like rich allegory, painted with haunting colors and the passions of man.
The Rape of the Muse is art—computer art to be exact, built with images layered and altered and bound together in form like a sculpted piece. The artist is a sculptor who’s lived in exile (in Providence) since his long-ago triumph on the New York stage. His assistant is a young man who’s lost his muse and might be falling for another. And his best friend, greatest ally and strongest supporter is either the quietly supportive wife or the unquiet, commercially savvy Simon Pruhar.
I could ask all the questions now I suppose—does commercialism rape the muse of true art? Is love the only true muse? And so on. But asking questions feels prurient after reading this novel—better let the reader follow the story, eyes drawn aside by surprisingly powerful descriptions that paint fine art, ears bent to the everlasting argument, thoughts turned to why?
The two sculptor friends now meet in court, young assistant playing the part of observer, filling in scenes with memories, then searching those remembered scenes for meaning. The muse turns out to be more than she confessed. The uncommunicative child parallels the artist whose vision stalls at man’s incomprehension. And the interpretation of image and words shifts and changes. In the end the “truth,” if such exists, of libel or allegory lies hidden in the eyes of a courtroom of beholders. The reader, like the observer, moves on, carrying interpretation “in accordance with his own values, beliefs, and lifestyle.”
Of all the books I’ve read recently, this is the one I’d label as art and recommend most highly to my most artistic friends, a novel filled with parallels real and imagined that leaves the reader breathless.
Disclosure: I received a free bound galley of this book from the publisher, the Permanent Press, in exchange for an honest review.
The Rape of the Muse is art—computer art to be exact, built with images layered and altered and bound together in form like a sculpted piece. The artist is a sculptor who’s lived in exile (in Providence) since his long-ago triumph on the New York stage. His assistant is a young man who’s lost his muse and might be falling for another. And his best friend, greatest ally and strongest supporter is either the quietly supportive wife or the unquiet, commercially savvy Simon Pruhar.
I could ask all the questions now I suppose—does commercialism rape the muse of true art? Is love the only true muse? And so on. But asking questions feels prurient after reading this novel—better let the reader follow the story, eyes drawn aside by surprisingly powerful descriptions that paint fine art, ears bent to the everlasting argument, thoughts turned to why?
The two sculptor friends now meet in court, young assistant playing the part of observer, filling in scenes with memories, then searching those remembered scenes for meaning. The muse turns out to be more than she confessed. The uncommunicative child parallels the artist whose vision stalls at man’s incomprehension. And the interpretation of image and words shifts and changes. In the end the “truth,” if such exists, of libel or allegory lies hidden in the eyes of a courtroom of beholders. The reader, like the observer, moves on, carrying interpretation “in accordance with his own values, beliefs, and lifestyle.”
Of all the books I’ve read recently, this is the one I’d label as art and recommend most highly to my most artistic friends, a novel filled with parallels real and imagined that leaves the reader breathless.
Disclosure: I received a free bound galley of this book from the publisher, the Permanent Press, in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2011
The author, Michael Stein has a passionate, exuberant style of writing which flows through his words to the reader. He has a beautiful way with prose.
The story was based on actual events, yet became somewhat boring after awhile. It goes back and forth between the courtroom and the backstory; both are potentially fairly interesting, but only for a short while. It fizzled out. I wanted to love this book, even immensely like it, but couldn't seem to get there. It was pretty lukewarm for me.
With the talent Michael Stein has, I would consider reading another work by him.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free through Goodreads. (Thank you Cathy Suter from The Permanent Press for the opportunity to read this book). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The story was based on actual events, yet became somewhat boring after awhile. It goes back and forth between the courtroom and the backstory; both are potentially fairly interesting, but only for a short while. It fizzled out. I wanted to love this book, even immensely like it, but couldn't seem to get there. It was pretty lukewarm for me.
With the talent Michael Stein has, I would consider reading another work by him.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free through Goodreads. (Thank you Cathy Suter from The Permanent Press for the opportunity to read this book). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
November 21, 2011
The blook flap would have you believe that this story takes place (mostly) in Rhode Island, but it's actually New Haven, CT. Nevertheless, Stein tells a compelling story about the way artists and artisans make their way in the world--both in and out of the Manhattan scene.
Peripheral female characters, except for Elizabeth/Binny (the Muse), whose description from the narrator's POV makes her seem a bit flat, but there's a quick twist in the last chapter that can explain that choice. Courtroom testimonies flesh out the witnesses a bit more (including the narrator, Rand Taber ands his employer) leading up to the understandable conclusion, but the questions about Beauty still remain.
Peripheral female characters, except for Elizabeth/Binny (the Muse), whose description from the narrator's POV makes her seem a bit flat, but there's a quick twist in the last chapter that can explain that choice. Courtroom testimonies flesh out the witnesses a bit more (including the narrator, Rand Taber ands his employer) leading up to the understandable conclusion, but the questions about Beauty still remain.
December 7, 2011
Coming from the art world, I really enjoyed this book. It took me a little while to really get into the story but when I did I couldn't put it down. I found the characters to be interesting and unique and enjoyed the fact that there really was no "happily ever after" at the end. It was more like "and life goes on." It took a semi-deep look into friendship, lust, and humanity. I'm not sure if the story can truly be appreciated by those disinterested in art but for those who are, it is a good read.
November 24, 2011
"The Rape of the Muse" fully explores the answers to the question of what makes art. It also delves into how we define success, whether by doing what we love without compromise or through lucrative commercial endeavors. Perhaps most importantly, the author, Michael Stein, probes human frailty by examining love, friendship and loyalty. Just maybe, sometimes how others see us is more important than how we see ourselves. I was entranced throughout "The Rape of the Muse". It is...Beautiful.
November 9, 2011
I really wanted to like this book but it was not my favorite. I didn't like any of the characters and some of the events I didn't understand why they were in the book, e.g.,the skinny dipping scene.
I was the First Reads winner of this book and I am grateful for being chosen. I will pass the book along to my book club members.
I was the First Reads winner of this book and I am grateful for being chosen. I will pass the book along to my book club members.
December 14, 2011
Stein tells a compelling story that is not blatantly a mystery but results in the same drive to read. This was a book that I had a hard time putting down, simply because I HAD to find out what would occur next! I would recommend this book to any adult who enjoys getting immersed in another's microculture and life experiences.
August 15, 2016
This is the best book I've read in quite some time: beautifully written and inspired by a real life legal case about libel and first amendment rights. Oh that all books were so captivating. Highly recommended.
January 23, 2014
Read it for book club. Didn't love it or hate it. Borrow this one, don't spend money on it.
Want to read
February 21, 2012I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews