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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
Looking at the cover and title of this book, I was expecting a festive read and, given the time of year, I was delighted to be approved for this galley. These short stories, however, were more unsettling than they were festive. While I didn't leave this collection ready to bake cookies and sing Christmas carols, I wasn't disappointed because the writing in this book was just so good.
Capote was a masterful wordsmith whose writing can immediately put you into a time and place. The first 3 stories had recurring characters and were told from slightly differing perspectives which each revealed another layer - these 3 stories taken together were my favourite in the collection. The remaining stories were more on the surreal side, I didn't always know what was going on but one thing that remained constant and kept me grounded in the collection was the quality of Capote's writing.
There were some turns of phrase which didn't sit well with me due to their racist undertones and while I understand this would have been a product of the time Capote was writing in, it left me with a bitter aftertaste. I also struggled to concentrate at times when things got really weird. All that being said, I am glad I read this and if you're someone who wants an alternative to cheesy, schmaltzy Christmas books this would be an excellent choice which will transport you into the strange and wonderful worlds Capote creates.
Capote was a masterful wordsmith whose writing can immediately put you into a time and place. The first 3 stories had recurring characters and were told from slightly differing perspectives which each revealed another layer - these 3 stories taken together were my favourite in the collection. The remaining stories were more on the surreal side, I didn't always know what was going on but one thing that remained constant and kept me grounded in the collection was the quality of Capote's writing.
There were some turns of phrase which didn't sit well with me due to their racist undertones and while I understand this would have been a product of the time Capote was writing in, it left me with a bitter aftertaste. I also struggled to concentrate at times when things got really weird. All that being said, I am glad I read this and if you're someone who wants an alternative to cheesy, schmaltzy Christmas books this would be an excellent choice which will transport you into the strange and wonderful worlds Capote creates.
A couple of great short stories about the author's childhood Christmas memories. I really enjoyed them!
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Wistful and old-fashioned, Capote’s story reminds me of A Tree Grows In Brooklyn. It’s Truman Capote’s last Christmas remembrance of his friend, playmate and cousin, a sixty year old who is still a child. He writes about their childhood enterprises to earn money; by holding rummage sales, selling homemade jelly, running a small circus oddities show and winning a contest. He describes how they made holiday fruitcake and who they give it to and why. He describes their journey into the deep woods to chop down a Christmas tree and how they made each other kites as Christmas gifts. What makes this story so charming and sweet are the details. It’s a short story, so it takes less than an hour to read. I loved it. I’m going to add Breakfast at Tiffany’s to my reading list…
This is my fav Capote, hands down. It's a nice holiday story – short and sweet. It's something I read again every Christmas or so ...
lighthearted
medium-paced
wasn’t that interesting? i mean it was objectively nice but i didn’t like it that much
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
a short, delightful holiday story of Capote's memories of his Christmas when he was 7 years old and his 60-something distant cousin was his favorite friend and companion.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes