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jrmarr's review against another edition
3.0
A good and readable book, but not something that grips you when you've got a small baby at home. Took longer than it should have to finish, but an enjoyable tale of New York high society and the pitfalls of fame.
buddahbeam's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
ohemgee's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lilays43's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
hinesight's review against another edition
4.0
I always wanted to know what the horrible scandal was that poisoned Truman Capote's later years. Now I know. I'm not sure I'm the better for it, but now I know.
ldockham's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Digital audio book read by Cassandra Campbell and Paul Boehmer.
Benjamin turns her attention to New York City’s social elite in the 1950s and 1960s. These were women who were wealthy, coiffed and manicured and expertly made up, wives to powerful men, and patrons of the arts. They graced the pages of Vogue and Vanity Fair magazines, and their exploits were reported in the society pages weekly. Then Truman Capote became “best friends” with Babe Paley, the leader of this group of women whom Capote quickly dubbed his “swans.” He lunched with them, attended their cocktail parties, vacationed at their summer homes or on their yachts, entertained them with his outlandish gossip and listened attentively to the stories they shared. His star burned bright, culminating in the fabulous Black and White ball he gave in the early ‘60s. But Truman was a troubled man; and desperate for another bestselling book, he committed the unpardonable sin of betraying confidences by using the stories he had heard in a novel.
I was completely entranced and immersed in this deliciously gossipy tale. I vaguely knew some of the story, but not any of the details (I was just a child, but I remember seeing magazine coverage of the Black and White ball). Benjamin really puts the reader into this glittering celebrity world. I could almost taste the caviar and champagne.
Despite their wealth, beauty and fame, I felt sorry for these women, surrounded by “friends” (frenemies?) but mostly alone, lonely and unhappy. Capote and Babe Paley apparently had a special relationship. But he was so self-destructive he could not help but ruin everything. What a sad ending he had.
The audiobook is masterfully narrated by Cassandra Campbell and Paul Boehmer. They are accomplished voice actors who bring all these characters to life.
Benjamin turns her attention to New York City’s social elite in the 1950s and 1960s. These were women who were wealthy, coiffed and manicured and expertly made up, wives to powerful men, and patrons of the arts. They graced the pages of Vogue and Vanity Fair magazines, and their exploits were reported in the society pages weekly. Then Truman Capote became “best friends” with Babe Paley, the leader of this group of women whom Capote quickly dubbed his “swans.” He lunched with them, attended their cocktail parties, vacationed at their summer homes or on their yachts, entertained them with his outlandish gossip and listened attentively to the stories they shared. His star burned bright, culminating in the fabulous Black and White ball he gave in the early ‘60s. But Truman was a troubled man; and desperate for another bestselling book, he committed the unpardonable sin of betraying confidences by using the stories he had heard in a novel.
I was completely entranced and immersed in this deliciously gossipy tale. I vaguely knew some of the story, but not any of the details (I was just a child, but I remember seeing magazine coverage of the Black and White ball). Benjamin really puts the reader into this glittering celebrity world. I could almost taste the caviar and champagne.
Despite their wealth, beauty and fame, I felt sorry for these women, surrounded by “friends” (frenemies?) but mostly alone, lonely and unhappy. Capote and Babe Paley apparently had a special relationship. But he was so self-destructive he could not help but ruin everything. What a sad ending he had.
The audiobook is masterfully narrated by Cassandra Campbell and Paul Boehmer. They are accomplished voice actors who bring all these characters to life.