Why I Was Convinced to Get and Read Truman Capote's Short Story Book (Maybe You Should Too)

Among the various factors that influence my decision to purchase a book, the cover design is of secondary importance. Obviously, the foremost are the writer’s personality, the story’s summary, impact on cultural heritage, awards or nominations received, and so on, if we have a sophisticated conversation. But we are not, and I should confess, sometimes I appreciate buying and reading books because of their catchy details. It can be an intriguing title, the sound of pages rustling, or such a stylish picture on the cover.

So, the Penguin Modern Classic editions got me, and I want to buy the entire collection. It’s unfair that if you read French, you can collect amazing Gallimard vintage editions, and there aren’t so many well-known and affordable selections for others, don’t you agree? Oh, don’t you mind; it’s only my little jealous complaints. I’m lucky to know and keep in my library precious examples by some of the most stylish publishing houses. And for sure, I’ll show them after reading; they deserve to be known by a larger number of readers.

Let’s get back to Truman Capote. The first thing that comes to mind is “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” An iconic movie with iconic actors in iconic outfits. Compared to this, the story on paper may seem plain, but not in our case.  When I saw how chic and elegant this cover is, I decided that it’s finally time to read the original story.

I already knew that the scenario was written with some changes for Audrey Hepburn, but there is a huge difference both in the character of the writer and the ending of the most dramatic moment. Though I promised no spoilers, I keep all this a secret. Truman Capote wrote not a fairy tale but something more realistic. At least, I’m happy for Cat.

Oh, but the main surprise was hiding in the author’s other stories. In this edition, we have “House of Flowers,” “A Diamond Guitar,” and “A Christmas Memory.” I didn’t expect to find such a diversity of marginal characters and places. The Caribbean island of Haiti, where an illiterate, pretty girl lives; a prison in the middle of a forest where a convicted murderer carves dolls; and small rooms where a poor orphan and his grandma create for each other small but heartwarming gifts and memories. 

I remember not to spoil, so, to make a long story short, they have one common subject: life can be tough and unfair, obstacles can be different, but love (for a friend, partner, relative, etc.) makes everything better. Unfortunately, not for Truman Capote's real life.