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4.11 AVERAGE

reidob's profile picture

reidob's review

3.0

A sweet little story, more a short story than a novel, about Capote's relationship with a much older and somewhat feeble-minded cousin when he was about seven years old. This is pretty fluffy stuff without a great deal of substance, but a pleasant, quick read.

A wonderful Christmas book written as only Truman Capote could. I am so happy that he chose to share this particular memory with the world. It's a memory worth re-visiting each year. I usually hate fruit cake. But if I could have one made by Capote's sweet aunt, I think I might actually like it.

A quick & easy read for the holidays.

Three short stories in this novel: two about Christmas and one about Thanksgiving. Each story began in a similar fashion describing Capote's youth. They are not more thought provoking than heart warming. Still, the fluid style is to be complimented. Capote was a talented writer.

readtotheend's review

5.0
reflective relaxing medium-paced

Perfect book to kick of my holiday reading. This was nostalgic and beautiful. It's a short story so you can definitely fit this into your reading schedule and I urge you to do so. It's tender, sweet and a bit sad but it hit me in all the feels.  Buddy and Miss Sook are characters that will stay with me. I think this will be something I pick up each holiday season. 
adventurous dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

It’s the most perfect book. I read it every year. I sob every time.

For me, an outstanding introduction to Capote's writing. I am disappointed in myself for not giving him a shot sooner. This was a touching and incredibly well-written trio of short stories that made me want to explore more of Capote's books and learn more about the man as well.

The stories are very basic, and I get that- Capote is trying to make himself sound like he's writing from the aspect of a child, but it comes off forced sometimes and the stories are shallow. It's 28 pages of fluff description and plot with the last two pages containing the actual message. I get these are classics but they just weren't my favorite.

nancyadelman's review

5.0

I saw a film based on this story and have been looking for it ever since. It's just a small twenty page story but it really captures holiday life in mid-20th century America. It's a really simple story with economy of characters and a simple plot. It is a sweet story that I plan to revisit. You should too!
_izzi_'s profile picture

_izzi_'s review

3.75
emotional reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No