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mimiep's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
marcsmithnj's review against another edition
5.0
One main takeaway from these three stories by Truman Capote is the enduring power of childhood memories and the bittersweet nature of nostalgia. Each story is a poignant reflection on a particular holiday and the ways in which it is celebrated or remembered by the main characters.
Through vivid descriptions of people, places, and events, Capote brings to life the innocence, wonder, and joy of childhood, as well as the pain and longing that can accompany the passage of time. In particular, "A Christmas Memory" emphasizes the importance of sharing love and kindness with those we care about, while "One Christmas" and "The Thanksgiving Visitor" explore the complexities of family relationships and the struggle to find acceptance and belonging.
Overall, these stories encourage readers to cherish their own memories and relationships, while recognizing the inevitability of change and the need to appreciate the present moment.
Through vivid descriptions of people, places, and events, Capote brings to life the innocence, wonder, and joy of childhood, as well as the pain and longing that can accompany the passage of time. In particular, "A Christmas Memory" emphasizes the importance of sharing love and kindness with those we care about, while "One Christmas" and "The Thanksgiving Visitor" explore the complexities of family relationships and the struggle to find acceptance and belonging.
Overall, these stories encourage readers to cherish their own memories and relationships, while recognizing the inevitability of change and the need to appreciate the present moment.
carolpk's review against another edition
5.0
The Hook - A review by my GoodReads friend Mike. I could not say it better than him. You can find Mike’s reviews at
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3025547-mike
be certain to search his shelves for A Christmas Memory
The Line - The first two paragraphs will draw you in:
”Imagine a morning in late November. A coming of winter morning more than twenty years ago. Consider the kitchen of a spreading old house in a country town. A great black stove is its main feature; but there is also a big round table and a fireplace with two rocking chairs placed in front of it. Just today the fireplace commenced its seasonal roar.
A woman with shorn white hair is standing at the kitchen window. She is wearing tennis shoes and a shapeless gray sweater over a summery calico dress. She is small and sprightly, like a bantam hen; but, due to a long youthful illness, her shoulders are pitifully hunched. Her face is remarkable—not unlike Lincoln's, craggy like that, and tinted by sun and wind; but it is delicate too, finely boned, and her eyes are sherry-colored and timid. "Oh my," she exclaims, her breath smoking the windowpane, "it's fruitcake weather!"
The Sinker - I chose to read The Modern Library edition, A Christmas Memory, One Christmas, & The Thanksgiving Visitor to have the experience of all three special remembrances of Capote’s holidays. I loved them all but particularly was drawn to A Christmas Memory. It strongly evokes the feeling of coming or going home, the smells, the sounds and sights of a busy kitchen as preparations are made for Christmas Day. It’s all about the memories. Perfect gift to yourself or for someone you love.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3025547-mike
be certain to search his shelves for A Christmas Memory
The Line - The first two paragraphs will draw you in:
”Imagine a morning in late November. A coming of winter morning more than twenty years ago. Consider the kitchen of a spreading old house in a country town. A great black stove is its main feature; but there is also a big round table and a fireplace with two rocking chairs placed in front of it. Just today the fireplace commenced its seasonal roar.
A woman with shorn white hair is standing at the kitchen window. She is wearing tennis shoes and a shapeless gray sweater over a summery calico dress. She is small and sprightly, like a bantam hen; but, due to a long youthful illness, her shoulders are pitifully hunched. Her face is remarkable—not unlike Lincoln's, craggy like that, and tinted by sun and wind; but it is delicate too, finely boned, and her eyes are sherry-colored and timid. "Oh my," she exclaims, her breath smoking the windowpane, "it's fruitcake weather!"
The Sinker - I chose to read The Modern Library edition, A Christmas Memory, One Christmas, & The Thanksgiving Visitor to have the experience of all three special remembrances of Capote’s holidays. I loved them all but particularly was drawn to A Christmas Memory. It strongly evokes the feeling of coming or going home, the smells, the sounds and sights of a busy kitchen as preparations are made for Christmas Day. It’s all about the memories. Perfect gift to yourself or for someone you love.
iamjudgedredd's review against another edition
4.0
A very short (107 small pages) collection of three seasonal short stories. I read In Cold Blood a few years ago and loved it. Both literary, and yet tragicall real. As such when I saw this small volume in a second hand bookshop I was intrigued. I put it back on the shelf. When, three months later, I was at a different bookshop just after Thanksgiving I found another copy in a different second hand bookshop, I felt the universe telling me to read it.
I'm inclined to recommend that you read the stories back to front (the last last one is a Thanksgiving Story, and the first two Christmas ones).
Touching, intimate, and melancholic nostalgia is crammed into every word. I really liked it. Only takes a couple of hours to read at most. A great winter read.
I'm inclined to recommend that you read the stories back to front (the last last one is a Thanksgiving Story, and the first two Christmas ones).
Touching, intimate, and melancholic nostalgia is crammed into every word. I really liked it. Only takes a couple of hours to read at most. A great winter read.
kittymamers's review
4.0
elu esimeseks Capoteks kõlbab küll. vana aja Alabama ja ilma lumeta jõululood (üks on tänupühadest ka). lapse silme läbi jututustatud, natuke nagu "Tappa laulurästast". suurt midagi neis lugudes justkui ei juhtugi (ühes tehakse jõulukooki, ühes läheb laps suurde linna oma isale külla ja ühes toimub perekondlik tänupühalõuna koos ootamatu külalisega), aga väga hästi kirjutatud on küll. täitsa selline tunne, nagu oleks ise seal tolmuses Alabamas.
järelsõnast selgub, et sellist elu Capote lapsena tõesti elaski ise.
järelsõnast selgub, et sellist elu Capote lapsena tõesti elaski ise.
phoebe912's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
aubaby's review against another edition
5.0
I loved these three stories. Put me in the Christmas spirit and a sweet reminisce about a southern Christmas.
sharonus's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
mattypallett's review
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Not quite the jolly festive read I was looking for but still a beautiful and devastating selection of short stories.