141 reviews for:

Answered Prayers

Truman Capote

3.3 AVERAGE

capote65's review

3.5

Well, obviously, in its current state, it's certainly not his strongest work, but Answered Prayers was a fascinating read. Chronicling the tribulations and hot gossips surrounding New York City's uppercrust, the story is messy, petty, chaotic, sometimes confusing, and often unkind. It showcases the side of Truman that was insecure and vindictive but also reminds the reader how perceptive and analytical he is. It's easy to see why his friends were so hurt; he could see right through his high society friends who thought themselves both inpenetrably mysterious and superior and it knocked them down a few pegs, but I don't think he intended to be as cutting as he was. In his own words: "All a writer has for material is what he knows. At least, that's all I've got--what I know. I didn't mean to hurt anybody. I didn't know the story would cause such a fuss." It's some of Truman's strongest writing and most insightful observations, it just feels rudderless and unformed. 
sailorsilica's profile picture

sailorsilica's review

4.25
emotional funny relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Truman Capote shares semi-autibiographical, catty, and hilarious stories of his gay adventures with east coast high society. I've never seen such colorful and hilarious ways to describe the rich old ladies and men he slept around with. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

rahowe's review

3.0
medium-paced

Not very impressed. It felt disconnected, banking on shock value to hide some serious issue with the author or the story itself. The few parts that have been left to us feel like they lead nowhere.

I have read similar stories before, such as "Wild Detectives" by Roberto Bolaño, but this story comes together and makes huge sense once to finish the whole story. Answered Prayers doesn't. Maybe if Capote would have finished the story it would have made sense, but as it was in the making for over ten years, as far as I know, and this is what was left, one can't but wonder if the story escaped the author, or whether it was ever there to begin with.

lehmane's review

5.0
dark fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

It had been a long time since I last read anything by Truman Capote and I thought I would have a go with this short book. Capote’s style and rhythm are captivating, fast-paced, and crisp. I had forgotten that. Despite the often sordid and ugly aspects of the high society crowd portrayed in the book the language and pace was captivating. Many real celebrities are named and obviously some are implied to tell the tale. The three chapters are obviously an incomplete story and one wonders how it would have been put together. The chapter “Kate McCloud” hints at more content but nothing seems to exist. In some ways I think one should read the editors notes after reading the book. Not my usual choice of content but I found it very entertaining. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
pati_c's profile picture

pati_c's review

4.0
funny fast-paced

I went in only knowing about the controversy about the swans, loved everything that came before. Such talent with words. Amazing. It made me want to re-read his other books.

jrussomanno722's review

3.75
funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

hyperchaucer's review

3.0

Fuck em up Truman!

ramonaanne's review

2.0
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I thought that I was going to like this way more than I did. His writing was descriptive and edgy. The editors note in the beginning helped to understand a little more about the missing chapters. However, he name dropped a lot of people that I was familiar enough with but it felt very choppy and gossipy
fitzfitty's profile picture

fitzfitty's review

4.0

3.5