I’m a big Audrey Hepburn fan but I was never much of fan of the movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” There didn’t seem to be anything to it, just a lightweight romantic comedy. I read an essay about the book, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” though and how it wasn’t really anything like the movie. It was darker, with an edge. That is more of what I would expect from Truman Capote. So this book has been on my TBR list for some time.
The book is really a novella. And indeed it is darker. Holly Golightly is basically a prostitute. I mean she accepts money from men as a price for her companionship, lots of men (about $35 to $50, to “tip the lady’s room attendant.”) She also gets paid about $100 a week for about an hour of work visiting a crime boss in Sing Sing and giving and receiving coded messages. The book is about the friendship between her and an unnamed narrator over the course of a year or so. They are both tenants in a brownstone. They guys like Holly and they spend some time together and she is a fun girl to be with.
Anyway, she gets in trouble because of the business with the crime boss, and the book ends pretty suddenly and no loose ends are tied up.
I loved the book. It has an edge to it. I just can’t see Audrey Hepburn playing a prostitute though.
I give the book at 3.5 stars out of five. Give it a shot. Your library has it. Won’t cost you a thing. I’ll be reading more Truman Capote. He is most famous of course for “In Cold Blood.” I am not sure that I’m up for it quite yet.
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I like reading Truman Capote! It’s torturous mind..
Heard about the book before..so nice
Audrey Hepburn was always a favorite for me too! Thanks for the review…I might give it a try.
Audrey Hepburn is one of the most beautiful women I can think of on screen. My step-daughter actually reminds me a great deal of her when her hair is done up fancy. 🙂
I agree with you about the movie vs. the book. While I enjoyed Audrey in the movie, the book has quite a lot more depth and intrigue.
I’m glad you finally read it! I enjoyed it a lot many years ago.
Yes, Audrey was always a real favorite of mine and I loved the movie. Guess I’m not surprised that Capote’s book has a dark side — I think he lives on the dark side, but you’ve stirred up my curiosity now so this one goes on my list! Hope you have a great weekend!
Sylvia
That’s my Audrey in the Background movie. I can’t see her as a prostitute, either. I will give it a try, for sure.
I haven’t read this book, but I’ll look for it at the library.
Have you read A Christmas Memory, by Truman Capote? It’s based on his childhood and doesn’t have the dark edge. It’s really more a children’s story, but I loved it.
Yes, the Audrey Hepburn girl-next-door image does not sound like the woman in the book. Gee, I’ve never read the novella! I just might have to read this one.