I read In Cold Blood a few years ago and it changed the way I choose books. Before then, I'd never had any interest in non-fiction. It was through Capote that I realized that a good writer could make even the worst subject matter interesting and engaging. I had a similar experience when reading The Executioner's Song by Norman Mailer last year.
That said, I can't say that I get much enjoyment from Capote. He was clearly an immensely talented man who wrote complicated and believable characters, even when they are doing unbelievable things. However, he doesn't really move me. I don't feel a personal connection to his characters, nor do I tend to care greatly about them.
When I finished this book I didn't feel accomplished, grateful or contemplative. I simply shut the book and moved on to the next one. I think Capote is better left for me to read when I'm trying to avoid overly affecting books.
As you've likely noticed by now, I typically post my favorite quotes from the books I review. However, there was nothing in this book that was quotable. That isn't to say that the prose wasn't tight as hell - in fact that's mostly the problem. For a work to be quotable out of context, it needs to relate to greater truths in life rather than simply to the story that's being told. Capote doesn't do this, which, again, isn't to say that he's not an amazing writer. He simply doesn't let a word into his work that isn't completely necessary and relevant to the story.
7/10
YTD:
Books read : 5
Pages read : 1,486
Currently reading : Empire Falls - Richard Russo & Woodstock Nation - Abbie Hoffman & Rabbit Redux - John Updike
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