I bought this book on a whim whilst looking for something to read on holiday. My only exposure to Mr Capote prior to this was the film 'Breakfast At Tiffanys' which I am not a particular fan of. I bought the book anyway and I am glad I did. This is short story writing of the highest calibre. Forthright, sometimes bordering on the corny (in a pleasing Americana way) and occasionally downright creepy (A Tree of night). The stories are presented in order of date from the 40's right up to the 70's and as such you are able to see the development of the author. Right from the start it is clear that here we have a rare talent. I really liked this and heartily recommend anyone to read it
A Master Storyteller (Rating 5 of 5)
» Fairuza Foch
Capote writes as if he invented the short story and knows all the secret ingredients to making one successful. Short stories are a notoriously difficult style to master, and yet the stories in this collection are written with the ease and grace of a genius. If you, like me, are easily distracted when it comes to reading and prefer things to be concise and to the point then look no furthur than this beautiful collection of short stories. Everything you want in a good story is there: humour, sadness, lucidity and melancholy, indeed, the very stuff of life itself. Beautifully written, sharply observed and original, this collection of short stories takes some beating. As an avid fan of short stories I have definately read my fair share and would go as far as to say that this is the best penned collection there is. I was hooked from start to finish. My particular favourites are 'House of Flowers' for its lush, lingering descriptions of the tropical scenery of Haiti and for its sweet (but not syrupy) depiction of first love. Others include 'Jug of Silver' for its affectionate small town wit and 'A Christmas Memory' for its depth of feeling and Capote's masterful delivery of prose, which characterises the rest of his writing. Definately worth a buy
A must read (Rating 5 of 5)
» Pius Mambo
Beautiful collection. Loved every one of them . A must read for lovers of short stories.The Usurper and Other Stories, Runaway, The Lady with the Dog and other stories feature in my list of short story collections that are pleasurable to read
(Rating 5 of 5)
