Reviews with content warning for Adult/minor relationship - Breakfast at Tiffany's and Three Stories

If you have seen the 1961 film, just be prepared this novella of which it is based is vastly different. Holly Golightly is a very modern woman for its 1958 publication. As much as I adore Audrey Hepburn and I think she did great with the script she was given, I like this Holly so much more. Set in the 1940s, on the upper east side of Manhattan, an unknown narrator recounts meeting slender, Tawny haired, Holly and their time together. We meet Holly in 1943; she is nearly 19 years old. A tale of escape; the endless pursuit of searching for one's place in the world whilst trying to be true to who they are.

Michael C. Hall narrates and he is marvellous.

Spoilers ahead!!

I love Holly - she is hedonistic but not obnoxiously so. She has interesting views for the time; no doubt a reflection of the numerous ladies in Capote's circle :) She is of the opinion people should be able to marry whomever they wish, thinks most people are bi-sexual, she has had 11 sexual partners (it is implied this is somewhat in exchange for money, jewellery and her cafe-society lifestyle but also because she dam well wants too!). She regularly visits a man in prison - he gives her $100 each visit in exchange for her company and her passing on information to his mafia "family" on the outside. She gets pregnant by Jose but miscarries during her deep despair and grief over the death of her beloved brother Fred. She lives life to the beat of her own drum and will not be tied down to anyone or anything. I love her voice, the free-spirit, open-mindedness she has. The sad truth is that this is mostly influenced by circumstance beyond her control - her and her brother were orphaned in Texas and went on to live with a man called Doc and his children. He then marries her before she is even 14 yrs old! No wonder she ran away and sought out a world of carefree fun and glitz with little regard for sensibility and responsibility. She likes her freedom and regular mentions her dislike for animals being caged. Tiffany's is the only place she feels calms her anxiety and restlessness. The last we hear from her is in 1956 where she was in Africa and a statue was made in her likeness.

Brilliant!

Content Warnings

hannahruth_bookworm's review against another edition

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fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

This is a horrible, racist, sexist story. Avoid at all costs.

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kimveach's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

After watching the second season of Feud, I felt I needed to read something by Capote besides "In Cold Blood." I enjoyed "Breakfast" and the other short stories. Most of his fiction was a thinly veiled autobiography. His way of looking at people and his ability to turn them into interesting characters were intriguing. Now, I need to rewatch the movie to see how it relates to the book.

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timmytunter's review against another edition

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lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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violargento's review against another edition

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Loveable characters? No

3.5

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helena_chris's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

Fine character description, no plot just vibes

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kerrence30's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Surprising how dislikable a character can be, which I was disappointed by. I can appreciate the story itself, and the way a character is developed enough to promote such a negative reaction, which is what the star rating is given for. The story and succinct telling is captivating, however I cannot move past my innate dislike for Holly Golightly, her strange fascination with masculine gay women, her flagrant disregard for the feelings of the other characters, mocking disloyalty.

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caribbeangirlreading's review against another edition

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fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Full disclosure - I have never watched the movie adaptation with Audrey Hepburn. However, I did go into reading Breakfast at Tiffany's with pre-conceived notions. I expected this to be a lighthearted novella. It was not. For starters, Truman Capote sure does love him some racial slurs. And Holly Golightly was just a sad train wreck of a character. But also, boy was this campy and very, very gay.

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