Reviews

Hearing Truman Capote's voice-its pitch, rhythms, mannerisms-is a singular experience; the same could be said for reading his letters. They are newsy, capricious, full of endearments, a bit precious, funny, emphatic, occasionally duplicitous, and always, signature Capote. Written from his various domiciles-in New York, Sicily, the Greek island of Paros, Switzerland, Spain, and California-the letters went to friends and business associates, but rarely to family. His letters to Newton Arvin (his first love affair), a professor of literature at Smith College, and designer and photographer Cecil Beaton (a "darling friend") are full of affection and caring. Other correspondents include Random House editor Robert Linscott and cultural maven Leo Lerman. Capote's letters are often like shared conversation involving frequent tidbit opinions about the famous. Poised, poignant, persuasive, they center on his daily life and the life shared with Jack Dunphy (the man who anchored Capote's entire adult life) and their work-especially the time and effort invested in Capote's most publicized book, In Cold Blood. Recommended for public and academic libraries.-Robert Kelly, Fort Wayne Community Schs., IN Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

"Dead funny and crackling with gossip." -"Vanity Fair"

"Chatty, funny, affectionate and wildly interested in the big world-the bigger the better-Capote the correspondent is irresistible." -"Newsday"

"Capote's letters [are] as addictive as potato chips, often very funny and reflect a gift for empathy." -"Los Angeles Times Book Review"

"Here we see Capote at his witchy, bitchy best, leaving us longing for more." -"The Washington Post Book World"