Call number
Genres
Publication
Orb Books (1996), Reprint, Paperback
Pages
210
Description
Once upon a time there was a kingdom that lived in darkness, for the sun, the moon and the stars were hidden in a box, and that box was hidden in a sow's belly, and that sow was hidden in a troll's cave, and that cave was hidden at the end of the world. Once upon a time there was a studio of artists who feared they were doomed to obscurity, for though they worked and they worked, no one was interested in the paintings that stood in racks along their studio walls. Steven Brust's fantasy novelThe Sun, the Moon, and the Stars is a tale of two quests, of two young men who are reaching for the moon. And the sun. And the stars.
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1987
Physical description
210 p.; 8.4 inches
ISBN
0312860390 / 9780312860394
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User reviews
LibraryThing member iayork
Literary Metafiction, Lite: All books are unique, but this one is a little more unique than most. It's one of my favorites, but what it is -- and what it isn't -- takes a little explaining.
It's written by an author best known for his swashbuckling fantasy stories, but this book bears little
It was first published in a series of modern retellings of classic fairy tales, but the fairy tale element is minimal here, so again, if that's what you're looking for, you'll be disappointed.
On the surface this is a story about painters and the visual arts, young artists struggling to make a living post-college, but that, too, is deceptive. Some knowledge of and interest in painting will certainly add to your enjoyment of this book -- particularly some of the clever section headings, which are titles of well-known paintings. On the other hand, the book does not require such knowledge, which may make the very broad level of treatment given to art history and visual theory frustrating for people who come to the novel expecting these to be the focus.
What the book is, as the main character Greg says explicitly, is an attempt to understand something of the process of artistic creation. And while it's ostensibly about painting, the book is written by a writer, so it's no great leap to understand much of the content as about writing. It's a metafiction, a writing about writing. But because the story is about a somewhat similar artistic pursuit, painting, it's an easier to understand metafiction than, say, Borges or the like. When we see how Greg's painting develops -- from his moods, from past works and influences, from the story he tells, from his surroundings and situation -- it's easy to understand how these things may be true for any artistic pursuit.
Two more things need to be said. First, in addition to the above, the story itself is quite entertaining. There are a number of fully realized characters that have different, often conflicting, opinions, and the way the story plays out has a level of drama that is not at all in keeping with the dry and intellectual tone one might expect when words like "metafiction" are tossed around. Yes, some of the characters aren't perfect, but we're talking about artists here: people with both the arrogance to believe their work is good enough to be thrust on society, and yet the sensitivity to need support and acclaim for their work. They are not perfect, yet they are thoroughly real.
Second, this book can be quite inspirational. The central story revolves around Greg's attempt to paint on the biggest canvas he yet has attempted: to conquer what he thinks of as The Monster. While on a literal level this book is about painting and as mentioned can more properly be understood to be about writing, really as a reader it has applicability to any large creative project we may choose to undertake. It's a book that can be appreciated on many levels: intellectually for the metafiction, inter-relationships and references; as entertainment for the drama; and as inspiration for the inner artist in us all. For all these reasons it's among my most beloved and most often re-read books.
It's written by an author best known for his swashbuckling fantasy stories, but this book bears little
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resemblance to Brust's other fictions. There is a hint of Vlad's cockiness and introspection, a bit of the philosophical debate found in Freedom and Necessity. But it is not speculative fiction of any sort -- science fiction, high fantasy, urban fantasy, historical fantasy, etc. If that's what you're looking for, look elsewhere. It was first published in a series of modern retellings of classic fairy tales, but the fairy tale element is minimal here, so again, if that's what you're looking for, you'll be disappointed.
On the surface this is a story about painters and the visual arts, young artists struggling to make a living post-college, but that, too, is deceptive. Some knowledge of and interest in painting will certainly add to your enjoyment of this book -- particularly some of the clever section headings, which are titles of well-known paintings. On the other hand, the book does not require such knowledge, which may make the very broad level of treatment given to art history and visual theory frustrating for people who come to the novel expecting these to be the focus.
What the book is, as the main character Greg says explicitly, is an attempt to understand something of the process of artistic creation. And while it's ostensibly about painting, the book is written by a writer, so it's no great leap to understand much of the content as about writing. It's a metafiction, a writing about writing. But because the story is about a somewhat similar artistic pursuit, painting, it's an easier to understand metafiction than, say, Borges or the like. When we see how Greg's painting develops -- from his moods, from past works and influences, from the story he tells, from his surroundings and situation -- it's easy to understand how these things may be true for any artistic pursuit.
Two more things need to be said. First, in addition to the above, the story itself is quite entertaining. There are a number of fully realized characters that have different, often conflicting, opinions, and the way the story plays out has a level of drama that is not at all in keeping with the dry and intellectual tone one might expect when words like "metafiction" are tossed around. Yes, some of the characters aren't perfect, but we're talking about artists here: people with both the arrogance to believe their work is good enough to be thrust on society, and yet the sensitivity to need support and acclaim for their work. They are not perfect, yet they are thoroughly real.
Second, this book can be quite inspirational. The central story revolves around Greg's attempt to paint on the biggest canvas he yet has attempted: to conquer what he thinks of as The Monster. While on a literal level this book is about painting and as mentioned can more properly be understood to be about writing, really as a reader it has applicability to any large creative project we may choose to undertake. It's a book that can be appreciated on many levels: intellectually for the metafiction, inter-relationships and references; as entertainment for the drama; and as inspiration for the inner artist in us all. For all these reasons it's among my most beloved and most often re-read books.
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LibraryThing member nmhale
A book from Mount TBR read and off the list. Hurrah! I was motivated by a book challenge, but I've been meaning to read this fairy tale retelling for quite some time. I bought it as part of a series of retellings called "The Fairy Tale Series" because some of the other books in that series were so
This is one of those retellings that sets a very modern tone, rather than trying to be similar to the original, or setting it in a typical fantasy landscape. In fact, the fairy tale portion of the story is a symbolic underpinning of the main action of the story, which is completely realistic. Normally this might disappoint me, because I like fantasy, but the plot was compelling enough that I didn't mind.
The story is about a group of struggling artists that are experimenting on whether or not they can support themselves while doing their art. Five of them own a studio where they work on their individual projects. The narrator, Greg, is one of these brave souls, a painter, who lives with his girlfriend and also lives on her support. At the start of this novel, things aren't looking too good for the artists. They can barely afford rent for the studio, much less their own homes and bills, and no one is having any shows or selling any of his or her work. Greg decides on one last grand gesture and takes out "the Monster", a huge sheet of canvas that he hasn't braved before.
The format of the story is unusual, and I liked it. Each chapter is divided into six sections. The first is a flashback from Greg's personal life, the second is a little philosophical rambling on Greg's part about different aspects of art theory, the third is the piece that is happening in present day with Greg and his artist buddies in the studio. the fourth is specifically all about the painting work that is being done on the Monster, the fifth is the fairy tale, and the sixth is another look at art, usually a metaphoric reflection on his life and the fairy tale and how they are intertwining. With such a layout it takes a few chapters to grasp the story and start to piece it together; Brust builds his story up in layers just like Greg builds up his painting in brush strokes. The first person narration is personable and engaging enough that I didn't mind taking a few chapters to sort through the plot line.
How does the fairy tale figure into all of this? The artists take turn entertaining each other on art breaks, and Greg's form of showmanship is telling stories. The Hungarian fairy tale is his current story (which I was really glad to find out when Greg finally revealed that information, as I was very curious about the connection) and its influences creep into his painting of the Monster. I love the way the story has a lot of symbolic crossovers between the fairy tale, his painting, and his life. A complex web Brust weaves for us.
The writing is tight and the dialogue is crisp. The descriptions are concise and sensuous. It reminded me of literary short stories, in the sense that you get the feeling that every line has a purpose, every description has its place in the story. His style grabbed my attention right away. When I read, I felt like I was involved in the artistic process. This book is as close to painting as the written word can come. While this may not be like most fairy tale retellings, it is a great novel, and well worth attention.
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compelling. I didn't really know what to expect, as the original fairy tale was based on a story from Hungary with which I was unfamiliar, and the synopsis was brief. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the novel. This is one of those retellings that sets a very modern tone, rather than trying to be similar to the original, or setting it in a typical fantasy landscape. In fact, the fairy tale portion of the story is a symbolic underpinning of the main action of the story, which is completely realistic. Normally this might disappoint me, because I like fantasy, but the plot was compelling enough that I didn't mind.
The story is about a group of struggling artists that are experimenting on whether or not they can support themselves while doing their art. Five of them own a studio where they work on their individual projects. The narrator, Greg, is one of these brave souls, a painter, who lives with his girlfriend and also lives on her support. At the start of this novel, things aren't looking too good for the artists. They can barely afford rent for the studio, much less their own homes and bills, and no one is having any shows or selling any of his or her work. Greg decides on one last grand gesture and takes out "the Monster", a huge sheet of canvas that he hasn't braved before.
The format of the story is unusual, and I liked it. Each chapter is divided into six sections. The first is a flashback from Greg's personal life, the second is a little philosophical rambling on Greg's part about different aspects of art theory, the third is the piece that is happening in present day with Greg and his artist buddies in the studio. the fourth is specifically all about the painting work that is being done on the Monster, the fifth is the fairy tale, and the sixth is another look at art, usually a metaphoric reflection on his life and the fairy tale and how they are intertwining. With such a layout it takes a few chapters to grasp the story and start to piece it together; Brust builds his story up in layers just like Greg builds up his painting in brush strokes. The first person narration is personable and engaging enough that I didn't mind taking a few chapters to sort through the plot line.
How does the fairy tale figure into all of this? The artists take turn entertaining each other on art breaks, and Greg's form of showmanship is telling stories. The Hungarian fairy tale is his current story (which I was really glad to find out when Greg finally revealed that information, as I was very curious about the connection) and its influences creep into his painting of the Monster. I love the way the story has a lot of symbolic crossovers between the fairy tale, his painting, and his life. A complex web Brust weaves for us.
The writing is tight and the dialogue is crisp. The descriptions are concise and sensuous. It reminded me of literary short stories, in the sense that you get the feeling that every line has a purpose, every description has its place in the story. His style grabbed my attention right away. When I read, I felt like I was involved in the artistic process. This book is as close to painting as the written word can come. While this may not be like most fairy tale retellings, it is a great novel, and well worth attention.
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LibraryThing member alethea
One of the early books in Terry Windling's Fairy Tale Series, this is an odd linked set of stories about a group of artists trying to make a go of their studio, and three brothers on a quest. I've never been entirely convinced it works as well as it should, but it's still a good read.
LibraryThing member sheherazahde
I was very disappointed with this novel. It dragged. Maybe it was meant to be a short story.
LibraryThing member the1butterfly
This story mirrors typical Hungarian fairy tales in that there are several sub-stories going on at once. We learn what is happening to Greg (the main character) and his friends at their studio, we learn Greg's ideas about art, we watch Greg's painting, and we are told a Hungarian fairy tale in
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between. It is never too much, and it stays interesting, even as Greg rants. Greg does come to some realizations, and things do come to a point, even though we're not entirely certain if they will or what it will be until we're there. The story was definitely not, however, a re-enactment or retelling of the fairy tale. Show Less
LibraryThing member Laurenbdavis
This is the first of Brust's books I've read, although it certainly won't be the last. He's a prolific writer, mostly in the sci-fic/fantasy genre, and I understand this book is a bit of a departure for him. It succeeds. It's an innovative and informative novel that weaves together an examination
The art-studio tale is narrated by Greg, and the voice is lovely -- funny and candid and sincere. We follow his thoughts as he works on a huge classicaly-inspired painting. He ponders what makes art what it is, technique, and authenticity. He maps the mental stages of creativity with a delightful lack of pretension.
Both characters, Csucskari and Greg, are on quests and each battle their own dragons. It's wonderfully told and thought provoking. Brust's voice is fluid and engaging. Recommended.
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of how five emerging artists (who share a studio) work together and perceive the creative process, as well as a Hungarian fairy tale concerning Csucskari, a taltos (priest-magician) on a journey to find the sun, moon and stars and place them in the empty heavens. The art-studio tale is narrated by Greg, and the voice is lovely -- funny and candid and sincere. We follow his thoughts as he works on a huge classicaly-inspired painting. He ponders what makes art what it is, technique, and authenticity. He maps the mental stages of creativity with a delightful lack of pretension.
Both characters, Csucskari and Greg, are on quests and each battle their own dragons. It's wonderfully told and thought provoking. Brust's voice is fluid and engaging. Recommended.
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LibraryThing member TheDivineOomba
I wish there was a 3 1/4 rating. This book, while interesting, was filled with annoying stereotypical types. The main character is too whiny about what art is, and is not. Also, couldn't the narrator get a part time job to help with bills, instead of relying on his girlfriend to pay for
I also found that the Hungarian folk tale doesn't really match the story of the starving artists, although I enjoyed this secondary story is quite wonderful.
So, to conclude. Interesting premise. Solid writing. Annoying characters. That is all.
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everything?I also found that the Hungarian folk tale doesn't really match the story of the starving artists, although I enjoyed this secondary story is quite wonderful.
So, to conclude. Interesting premise. Solid writing. Annoying characters. That is all.
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LibraryThing member selfnoise
A neat diversion from Brust's usual fantasy novels. An exploration of the difficulties of being an artist, intermixed with a Hungarian fairy tale.
LibraryThing member ragwaine
Ok, but kind of boring, painters would probably enjoy it much more.
LibraryThing member BobNolin
Well, count me in as at least one other who thought this one should've remained unpublished. Certainly the "fairy tale" portion seemed tacked on merely to merit inclusion in a book series. As a male and an artist, I wasn't impressed, either, with this story. Perhaps if there had been a hint that
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the author was writing tongue in cheek...or just a bit of a wink to the reader, like, "yes, I know, I was a snuffling little boor back then, wasn't I?" But it seems the man really does believe he has important things to say about Art, sad to say. It's an adolescent-era novel written by someone who had obviously still not grown up at the time of the novel's writing. Rather embarrassing to read, actually. Show Less
LibraryThing member TadAD
This is not Brust's best work.
LibraryThing member sumik
I read this book ages ago. And I enjoyed it. It is one of the books in the Fairy Tale Series that came out in the '80s. I have to admit that I really loved those books.
And I don't enjoy Brust's other books nearly as much as I feel others do. Not sure why.
And I don't enjoy Brust's other books nearly as much as I feel others do. Not sure why.
LibraryThing member macha
A Hungarian folktale of great detail, told in bits over the course of the book and proceeding in parallel to the journey of the contemporary artist who tells it, this one's about the creative process. An original structure for a retelling too, and how unusual is that?: no magic in it except the
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maker's magic in creating art. I liked it lots, and Brust is at his best when he's got a demanding structure to work to. so here there's the creative process of solving the riddle of the folktale, the intricacies of making art on canvas, and the trick of writing the book - without in any of these cases knowing where the exercise is gonna take the taltos trickster/magician, the artist narrator, or the intrepid writer. Show Less
LibraryThing member threadnsong
This re-telling of this fairy tale is what I would classify as meh." I recall a self-focused artist, the description of a painting he was doing, and how his loft mates were involved in his artwork piece. There were women involved with whom he was infatuated, hence his bringing Her the Sun, the
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Moon, and the Stars." Show Less
LibraryThing member zot79
I read this based on the recommendations from several authors. I share their high opinion about the insights it portrays into the creative process and the creative mind. There isn't much story here, but the characterizations and the framing devices keep things moving and interesting.
I give it high
On the other hand, the writing might be a little too self-aware, even for a first-person narrative. It's also somewhat awkward and clunky at times. There's nothing I can really put my finger on. Maybe it just felt a little dated. For something written in the 1980s, it had more of a 1970s feel.
I'd still recommend it, especially to creative types: writers, artists, musicians. The ruminations and discussions on what art is and how it is produced are thought provoking and worth the read. I might even re-read this, as other authors do, when I need reminding of why we do art.
I give it high
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marks for overall theme and structure. The intermingling of the current tale with a Hungarian folk tale and even the subject matter of the painting the narrator is working on is pretty brilliant.On the other hand, the writing might be a little too self-aware, even for a first-person narrative. It's also somewhat awkward and clunky at times. There's nothing I can really put my finger on. Maybe it just felt a little dated. For something written in the 1980s, it had more of a 1970s feel.
I'd still recommend it, especially to creative types: writers, artists, musicians. The ruminations and discussions on what art is and how it is produced are thought provoking and worth the read. I might even re-read this, as other authors do, when I need reminding of why we do art.
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