In 'Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma,' Claire Dederer embarks on an intellectually stimulating journey through the moral labyrinth of appreciating art while scrutinizing the lives of its creators. Straddling both the MeToo era and the wider expanse of art history, Dederer challenges the reader to consider the complexities surrounding our consumption of art by individuals whose personal lives range from problematic to reprehensible. She probes whether genius can or should be excused for monstrous behavior and how one's love of art contends with moral indignation. Dederer juxtaposes the monstrosity of male artists against that of female artists, and she delves into the psyche of creation, asking if monstrosity is a necessary dark muse. 'Monsters' is a thought-provoking discourse poised to incite fervent dialogue about the delicate balance between moral judgment and aesthetic appreciation.