Monday, November 03, 2008

Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote


Not sure how many of you have seen the movie version of "Breakfast at Tiffany's", but I saw the movie before reading the short story by Truman Capote and they are quite different. But different in a great way! The short story is about Holly Golightly and her relationship with her neighbor (the narrator). Throughout the story they became good friends and you soon realize that the narrator hasn't seen Holly in 15 years and that the beginning of the story is actually the end (and I typically love books like this). Holly is a bit flighty and lost, but seems to catch the attention and adoration of those who encounter her. She is constantly wondering, roaming, searching for a place to belong. However, Truman Capote leaves us not knowing quite what has happened to Holly - did she ever find a sense of home or peace?
When I was searching for a picture of the book cover online I stumbled across a review of the book that seems to sum it up quite well (better than I ever could):
"Holly is the epitome of wild things, for what place does a wild thing belong but in the wild? It puts forth the question but not the answer of where a wild thing belongs when there is no wilderness left. But the cat, a wonderer who found a home, gives us some hope, that a wild thing can find a place to belong, and not be caged. It is a motif that Capote exposes with a charming tale and a truly unforgettable character. "
And that about does it! You can easily read this short story in a few hours and it's defintely worth the read! Enjoy!

2 comments:

Dave said...

Becky, thanks for the nudge to read Capote's work. I read "Breakfast at Tiffany's" a couple of years ago and thought it was well done on a number of levels. I've not yet read "In Cold Blood" but your entry reminded me that Capote at his best is well worth visiting. I'll read it sooner rather than later.

Becky said...

Great! Glad I could inspire. Oh, but you MUST read "In Cold Blood." Do you guys own it? If not, let me know and I'll bring it home at Christmas, I think you'd really like it. And, by the way, nice picture! Lookin' good!