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His Vision of Her
This new, second edition, contains a preface by the author. First published by Harper & Row in 1988, His Vision of Her is a cult classic that tells the story of obsessive love, shifting sexual identities, self-deception, and ambition in the New York City art world during the 1980s.
When Stephen, manager of a chic Soho bookstore, meets Gilberte, a beautiful, ambitious, young photographer just beginning her career in New York, he becomes obsessed with her. Stephen offers her a home in his loft when she has nowhere to stay, and he soon becomes her trusted consigliere and lover. Seduced by her own early success, Gilberte is determined to chase fame despite Stephen's attempts to keep her under his control and focused on her art. Gilberte's rapid rise in the art world is aided and abetted by her collusion with Kristine, the wealthy, status-hungry woman who steals her away from Stephen and becomes her patroness, and replaces him as her lover.
As the more volatile aspects of the relationship between Stephen, Gilberte, and Kristine play themselves out, the narrative explores the nature of love and jealousy, art and integrity. It remains as relevant today as it did when it was first published in terms of depicting the undercurrents and fascinating characters who inhabit the center and the margins of the New York art world.
When Stephen, manager of a chic Soho bookstore, meets Gilberte, a beautiful, ambitious, young photographer just beginning her career in New York, he becomes obsessed with her. Stephen offers her a home in his loft when she has nowhere to stay, and he soon becomes her trusted consigliere and lover. Seduced by her own early success, Gilberte is determined to chase fame despite Stephen's attempts to keep her under his control and focused on her art. Gilberte's rapid rise in the art world is aided and abetted by her collusion with Kristine, the wealthy, status-hungry woman who steals her away from Stephen and becomes her patroness, and replaces him as her lover.
As the more volatile aspects of the relationship between Stephen, Gilberte, and Kristine play themselves out, the narrative explores the nature of love and jealousy, art and integrity. It remains as relevant today as it did when it was first published in terms of depicting the undercurrents and fascinating characters who inhabit the center and the margins of the New York art world.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1988
About the author
GD Dess
2 books16 followersGD Dess is an author, essayist, and literary critic. His work has appeared in LARB, The Millions, KGB LitMag, Serpent Club Press New Writing, The Metropolitan Review, Compact Magazine, and elsewhere. He publishes on Substack at gdess.substack.com On Twitter @gdess On IG @desswrites
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 19, 2017
This gem was written during the eighties when NYC still had the Twin Towers, there were no cellphones or personal computers, people bought actual books in stores because kindles weren't invented yet, and AIDS was a new and terrifying deadly disease. So, this is a genuine period piece that is being re-released almost thirty years later.
The story takes place in NYC and is told from the perspective of Stephen, a middling-aged manager of a bookstore. He immerses himself in the NYC art culture and has collected artwork over the years which hang throughout his spacious loft. He moved to NYC from the midwest to be a part of the pulse of the country....the city that never sleeps...from the heartland to the heartbeat. The author brings to life the atmosphere of Gotham's late night diners, smokey bars, unbearably humid summers and frustrating traffic. Stephen's doing OK, but somehow always feels as if he's fallen short of "life's goals" as far as work, love and true friendships. Then again, he just lives each day as it comes, learning about and accepting himself for who he is.
Stephen is bisexual during the frightening advent of the AIDS epidemic, and seems to have more of a history coupling with men. However, the day he strolls into an art gallery and meets the young and beautiful photographic artist Gilberte, he is instantly drawn to her. They do a dance of attraction at this first meeting that does not culminate in exchanging numbers, but fate brings them in each other's path once again. This relationship transitions deliciously through helpful friendship, to ardent lovers, sometime loft mates and even co-workers as Gilberte fights to become relevant in the art community through the contacts she makes.
It took me only a couple of days to devour this treasure. This is a very beautifully written story of relationships, careers, self-analysis and sexuality set in eighties NYC.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
The story takes place in NYC and is told from the perspective of Stephen, a middling-aged manager of a bookstore. He immerses himself in the NYC art culture and has collected artwork over the years which hang throughout his spacious loft. He moved to NYC from the midwest to be a part of the pulse of the country....the city that never sleeps...from the heartland to the heartbeat. The author brings to life the atmosphere of Gotham's late night diners, smokey bars, unbearably humid summers and frustrating traffic. Stephen's doing OK, but somehow always feels as if he's fallen short of "life's goals" as far as work, love and true friendships. Then again, he just lives each day as it comes, learning about and accepting himself for who he is.
Stephen is bisexual during the frightening advent of the AIDS epidemic, and seems to have more of a history coupling with men. However, the day he strolls into an art gallery and meets the young and beautiful photographic artist Gilberte, he is instantly drawn to her. They do a dance of attraction at this first meeting that does not culminate in exchanging numbers, but fate brings them in each other's path once again. This relationship transitions deliciously through helpful friendship, to ardent lovers, sometime loft mates and even co-workers as Gilberte fights to become relevant in the art community through the contacts she makes.
It took me only a couple of days to devour this treasure. This is a very beautifully written story of relationships, careers, self-analysis and sexuality set in eighties NYC.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 22, 2017
I was interested in this book because it is described as "classic lgbt" and features a bisexual protagonist in the 90s art world of NYC. I made it halfway, but felt pretty bored. The protagonist (a male working at a bookstore) was controlling and judgmental of the woman he is interested in. While there are interesting moments describing the art and culture of 1990s New York, they are too infrequent to keep my interest as the central story isn't doing it.
Thanks to the publisher who provided access to the title through NetGalley, as it appears to be heading toward republishing.
Thanks to the publisher who provided access to the title through NetGalley, as it appears to be heading toward republishing.
September 10, 2017
His Vision of Her by G.D. Dess was originally published thirty years ago. It was a different time. Or was it?
Stephen, the protagonist, manages a book store in Soho. Perhaps out of boredom, he begins visiting local art shows on his lunch hour. A new gallery that features photography catches his eye. A quick perusal convinces him that the photography is “mediocre at best.” However, he stays because one never knows if he might discover “a budding young talent.” This is exactly what happens. Stephen discovers Gilberte, a mysterious, young photographer. Stephen is obsessed.
Dess keeps his first person point of view locked into Stephen’s intriguing mind without the slightest slip. The novel is an intimate conversation. It is as though Stephen is there, telling his story to the reader. Instead of using quotation marks to set off dialogue, he uses dashes. This tactic makes it clear that the dialogue is indirect, that Stephen is repeating the words. Dess artfully avoids dialogue tags without ever once leaving the source of the words unclear. Instead of employing chapters, the author divides the novel into scenes which often include long sections of internal monologue where Stephen seems to be analyzing himself, but may actually be analyzing New York City society as a whole.
Dess bravely and ahead of his time ignores the standard bell curve plot line requirements. Instead, his line only has a few minor dips and highs as if to reflect Stephen’s stifling ennui and lack of realistic self evaluation. He states that he does not know who he is and that he does not know what he wants. He craves emotional closeness, but is unable to commit. Even his sexuality wavers in a constant state of flux.
Gilberte, on the other hand, knows what she wants; she is driven to achieve fame. This may be why Stephen is drawn to her. Perhaps he sees her as a representation of the drive and focus he lacks. Unfortunately, Gilberte lacks depth. Her quest for fame does not appear to include the lust for creative perfection that is the mark of a true artist. Instead of locking herself away in her dark room, she stands in front of mirror practicing facial expressions that will impress potential patrons. For Gilberte, it is all about money and parties and connections. She has no intention of starving for her art. These two flawed characters join and disconnect at the whim of Gilberte’s self-absorbed trajectory and the machinations of Katherine, Gilberte’s major patron.
The author’s style is exquisite and creates a vivid sense of place and time. His mastery of the language will cause some readers to experience spasms of ecstasy and others to search for a dictionary. His descriptions are lengthy but necessary to understand Stephen’s true nature.
A Vision of Her is not a quick read. It is not a good choice for those who seek explosive action or heart rending tension. It is, however, a great option for cerebral readers who enjoy examining the mind of a person attempting find himself in a world where the individual must struggle to discover personal meaning. Some readers may consider A Vision of Her historical fiction, especially those who haunted the New York City art scene in the eighties. Other readers will recognize themselves in Stephen and realize that they have much in common with him. Some things never change. Stephen’s malaise is universal and timeless.
Will Stephen find the emotional closeness his heart longs for, or will he give in to his inability to commit? Only time will tell.
https://rougeskireads.com/
Stephen, the protagonist, manages a book store in Soho. Perhaps out of boredom, he begins visiting local art shows on his lunch hour. A new gallery that features photography catches his eye. A quick perusal convinces him that the photography is “mediocre at best.” However, he stays because one never knows if he might discover “a budding young talent.” This is exactly what happens. Stephen discovers Gilberte, a mysterious, young photographer. Stephen is obsessed.
Dess keeps his first person point of view locked into Stephen’s intriguing mind without the slightest slip. The novel is an intimate conversation. It is as though Stephen is there, telling his story to the reader. Instead of using quotation marks to set off dialogue, he uses dashes. This tactic makes it clear that the dialogue is indirect, that Stephen is repeating the words. Dess artfully avoids dialogue tags without ever once leaving the source of the words unclear. Instead of employing chapters, the author divides the novel into scenes which often include long sections of internal monologue where Stephen seems to be analyzing himself, but may actually be analyzing New York City society as a whole.
Dess bravely and ahead of his time ignores the standard bell curve plot line requirements. Instead, his line only has a few minor dips and highs as if to reflect Stephen’s stifling ennui and lack of realistic self evaluation. He states that he does not know who he is and that he does not know what he wants. He craves emotional closeness, but is unable to commit. Even his sexuality wavers in a constant state of flux.
Gilberte, on the other hand, knows what she wants; she is driven to achieve fame. This may be why Stephen is drawn to her. Perhaps he sees her as a representation of the drive and focus he lacks. Unfortunately, Gilberte lacks depth. Her quest for fame does not appear to include the lust for creative perfection that is the mark of a true artist. Instead of locking herself away in her dark room, she stands in front of mirror practicing facial expressions that will impress potential patrons. For Gilberte, it is all about money and parties and connections. She has no intention of starving for her art. These two flawed characters join and disconnect at the whim of Gilberte’s self-absorbed trajectory and the machinations of Katherine, Gilberte’s major patron.
The author’s style is exquisite and creates a vivid sense of place and time. His mastery of the language will cause some readers to experience spasms of ecstasy and others to search for a dictionary. His descriptions are lengthy but necessary to understand Stephen’s true nature.
A Vision of Her is not a quick read. It is not a good choice for those who seek explosive action or heart rending tension. It is, however, a great option for cerebral readers who enjoy examining the mind of a person attempting find himself in a world where the individual must struggle to discover personal meaning. Some readers may consider A Vision of Her historical fiction, especially those who haunted the New York City art scene in the eighties. Other readers will recognize themselves in Stephen and realize that they have much in common with him. Some things never change. Stephen’s malaise is universal and timeless.
Will Stephen find the emotional closeness his heart longs for, or will he give in to his inability to commit? Only time will tell.
https://rougeskireads.com/
May 7, 2017
Is this living?
This book was first published in 1988 as a cult classic, and although we really don’t know why it didn’t become popular, and apparently isn’t being actively published now, it is available through Amazon selling for other companies. It is basically about a young man, Stephan, who is bisexual, ambitious although he appears to waste much of his time pursuing men and women who waste much time playing around, drinking and being discontented. The entire story is composed mostly of dialogue or thoughts and such actions that would develop as a result of this extreme discontent. For me, it was a waste of time to read. There was nothing about these lifestyles that appeal to me and I finally gave up. The writing is good, description of the characters are adequate, but it is a lifestyle that I would never be interested in, although I recognize that many people in big cities live like this. Consequently, I didn’t finish the novel. It is a segment of life that is not my cup of tea.
This book was first published in 1988 as a cult classic, and although we really don’t know why it didn’t become popular, and apparently isn’t being actively published now, it is available through Amazon selling for other companies. It is basically about a young man, Stephan, who is bisexual, ambitious although he appears to waste much of his time pursuing men and women who waste much time playing around, drinking and being discontented. The entire story is composed mostly of dialogue or thoughts and such actions that would develop as a result of this extreme discontent. For me, it was a waste of time to read. There was nothing about these lifestyles that appeal to me and I finally gave up. The writing is good, description of the characters are adequate, but it is a lifestyle that I would never be interested in, although I recognize that many people in big cities live like this. Consequently, I didn’t finish the novel. It is a segment of life that is not my cup of tea.
May 28, 2017
A specific kind of book about selfish, possessive, creative people living in an urban environment that appeals to me as a cautionary tale not without allure. Gilberte uses Stephen and Kristine to first survive and then succeed as an artist; Stephen makes Gilberte into his own creative project; Kristine uses Gilberte as a tool to build a life she imagined outside the boredom of wealth. These patterns repeat. No one perhaps ends up happy. Some of the language is a bit overwrought, but Dess's point of view on loneliness is particularly affecting. Although originally published in 1988, most if not all of what is revealed about the art world and New York City remains relevant. A pleasant discovery.
May 16, 2017
There was nothing inherently wrong with this book. The writing was good. The characters were complex and well-developed. The story kept a steady pace. It just did not turn out to be "my kind of book", per se. I made myself read the entire book, because I committed to do so, but it just wasn't suitably interesting for me, personally. That is not to say that someone else won't enjoy it immensely.
*I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from NetGalley & AuthorBuzz/Lone Wolf Books in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from NetGalley & AuthorBuzz/Lone Wolf Books in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
May 17, 2017
I'm not sure if there was a big cult following for this book back in 1988, but it has a new forward and is being released again.
Reading the blurb pretty much tells you the story. Most of the book is told through thoughts of Stephan, who just seems miserable.
There is a lot of insider information concerning the art world and behind the scenes in the lives of artists and most of it was interesting, but I really didn't care for it.
Maybe you will have a different experience.
Reading the blurb pretty much tells you the story. Most of the book is told through thoughts of Stephan, who just seems miserable.
There is a lot of insider information concerning the art world and behind the scenes in the lives of artists and most of it was interesting, but I really didn't care for it.
Maybe you will have a different experience.
November 3, 2017
I was interested in this book because it is described as a classic book rewritten which featured sexuality in a time that it felt was still forbidden to talk about. I can't say I enjoyed it all that much althought I did finish it. The main character Stephen manages a bookstore in Soho, finds a young, struggling photographer Gilberte and becomes obsessed with her as does his boss' wife, Kristine. Gilberte will go to any lengths to not continue to be the starving artist she currently is.
May 9, 2017
I found the preface to this book highly interesting (I admit to loving forwards as well), as it set the tone for a book that was first published 30 years ago and is filled with lots of fascinating factoids. The author’s honest explanation of the themes and dynamics of the narrative were, I found once I got into the text, expertly expressed. You may have to have some interest in how people make it in the art world (and not just the New York scene where the story takes place) to get full enjoyment out of this story. But I think the contradictions and dilemmas raised by the author, as far as the big questions surrounding art and authenticity and beauty are the same no matter where you live, and are as true today as they were when the book was first written. (The more things change, the more they stay the same.) Dess draws the three central characters compellingly. Stephen, the narrator, is certainly sympathetic. And there are wonderful psychological and social observations throughout. A extremely well written book.
I'll add that I actually read the author's most recent work first (Harold Hardscrabble) and it brought me to this earlier written text. They are too different in tone to compare, but I deeply enjoyed both.
I'll add that I actually read the author's most recent work first (Harold Hardscrabble) and it brought me to this earlier written text. They are too different in tone to compare, but I deeply enjoyed both.
July 11, 2018
His Vision of Her by G.D. Dess is a free NetGalley ebook
I was intrigued by this book because it was written in the 80's about a bisexual characters in a time when it was hidden in a place where it was not so hidden. While reading, it felt like this was taking place in present day, there were little things that would bring you back to the 1980's. Like mentions about the World Trade Center and the AIDS epidemic. A little about some of the 80's fashion.
You don't really like these characters, Stephen is self absorbed as is his obsession Gilberte. I guess when you are reading about the art world in 80's you should expect them to be self absorbed. I didn't really like Stephen, he was controlling and judgmental. I really wanted to like him and feel for him when it came to his "love" for Gilberte, but it was just, in the end creepy. I could not make myself like Gilberte, I get she was an artist who would do anything to be famous, it wasn't about her art but about fame.
The rest of the characters were not very memorable.
Writing was great, but I don't really get the hype.
I was intrigued by this book because it was written in the 80's about a bisexual characters in a time when it was hidden in a place where it was not so hidden. While reading, it felt like this was taking place in present day, there were little things that would bring you back to the 1980's. Like mentions about the World Trade Center and the AIDS epidemic. A little about some of the 80's fashion.
You don't really like these characters, Stephen is self absorbed as is his obsession Gilberte. I guess when you are reading about the art world in 80's you should expect them to be self absorbed. I didn't really like Stephen, he was controlling and judgmental. I really wanted to like him and feel for him when it came to his "love" for Gilberte, but it was just, in the end creepy. I could not make myself like Gilberte, I get she was an artist who would do anything to be famous, it wasn't about her art but about fame.
The rest of the characters were not very memorable.
Writing was great, but I don't really get the hype.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews