Publisher: Vintage
Publication Date: September 1993 (50th Anniversary Edition)
Categories: Classics, Literary
Source: My own copy (A Christmas gift!)
Description:
In this seductive, wistful masterpiece, Truman Capote created a woman whose name has entered the American idiom and whose style is a part of the literary landscape. Holly Golightly knows that nothing bad can ever happen to you at Tiffany’s; her poignancy, wit, and naïveté continue to charm.
My Thoughts:
I came to this a virgin of all things Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I hadn’t read the book, I haven’t seen the movie! I was glad to dive in without any bias. I had no expectations.
Ah ha! It turns out that I did have expectations. I just didn’t know it.
Maybe it’s her name that did it to me? Holly Golightly. Now, doesn’t that sound like a name that belongs to a very sunshiney girl in a sunshiney story?
Maybe the pictures and clips of Audrey Hepburn in the film version gave me the impression that this was an easy breezy tale?
Whatever it was I certainly got more than I bargained for from this novel.
I wouldn’t call Breakfast at Tiffany’s dark but it was deeper and more reflective than I expected. I enjoyed the mood of this book and I adored how complicated the characters were.
Bravo Mr. Capote. Now? I have to see this film!
The Relentless Reader 
The movie is FABULOUS. I heart Audrey Hepburn. I haven't read the book yet, but I've heard it is a little darker than the movie.
LikeLike
I've had this one sitting on my shelves ever since I read In Cold Blood – which just floored me. Like you, I wouldn't know what to expect, so I'm glad you read it first, because now I know that its a deep and reflective story (which I like). Great post! Maybe after I read the book, I'll finally watch the film.
LikeLike
The movie is fabulous. Enjoy.
LikeLike
That is my understanding, that the book is grittier. I'm looking forward to getting to the movie one of these days 🙂
LikeLike
In Cold Blood! What a fantastic read! I read that one years ago but it has certainly stuck with me.
LikeLike
Thanks Ryan, I'm looking forward to it!
LikeLike
You need to see the film and I need to read the book! I agree with Ryan that the film is fabulous.
LikeLike
Well let's do it then Terri! Deal? Deal!
LikeLike
Only Capote I've actually read is Other Voices, Other Rooms. Good Southern Gothic. Still have images from this one even years later.
LikeLike
Deal!
LikeLike
In Cold Blood is amazing, you should check that one out too!
LikeLike
I should! It is one of a bazillion books on Mt. TBR and has been there FOREVER. *embarassing*
LikeLike
OK! I know nothing about this aside from what you've just mentioned. I will also admit that I have never seen a movie with Audrey Hepburn or all the way through anyway. I know, I know. I should be ashamed. I have to read this now. I'm been wanting to read Capote for a long time so this sounds like the perfect introduction!
LikeLike
I saw the film first which has sort of kept me from reading the book. Although, I think you're right that there's more there than one might bargain for. I like Capote's writing a lot and need to jump on this one. 😀
LikeLike
Other than dressing up as Audrey Hepburn for Halloween and that song from the 90's called 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' I am a total virgin, as well. But it is on my classics club list, so I will be reading it at some point!
LikeLike
I've only seen the movie, but I so need to read the book!
LikeLike
Holly Golightly sounds like a porn name to me. Hahaha! I have this on my CC list, too–Capote is lucky to be getting a second chance from me.
LikeLike
I'm the same as you were a few days before: I haven't read the book, I haven't watched the film, but I have to do it. Everybody says this little novel is great, I have to discover it!!One of the reasons I haven't read it is because I read In cold blood and I didn't enjoy the book very much (I feel alone in the world when I say this, because it's suppose to be one of the best books ever… but I didn't like it!).
LikeLike
The film is brilliant. The story does seem quite light when you see screenshots, I was surprised by it too (only seen the film so far, though). Glad you liked it!
LikeLike
I've seen the movie, but I really want to read this book. Capote has been on my tbr list for a long time. Perhaps 2013 is the year!
LikeLike
That's kind of funny. Usually having no expectations is a good thing. I haven't read the book yet, but I love the movie. Maybe seeing the movie will help with my enjoyment of the book! I think you'll enjoy the movie no matter what you thought of the book. But I'd be interested to know your thoughts once you see it!
LikeLike
Don't be ashamed, you aren't alone! 😀 This Capote is tiny too, you could pull it off in an afternoon I bet!
LikeLike
I believe this is only the 2nd of his that I've read. There were some other short stories in the back of my edition but I'm saving those for readathon time 🙂
LikeLike
I feel like I should go listen to that song again. I'm wondering if there are some lyrics that went over my head back in the day!
LikeLike
I believe you do! 😀
LikeLike
Omg. It does!! Great, lol. You aren't a Capote fan I take it??
LikeLike
Don't feel alone Isi 🙂 We're all different and we all have different taste!
LikeLike
I absolutely have to get my hands on the movie! Thanks Charlie 🙂
LikeLike
I hope 2013 is the year for you! I'm going to recommend this to everyone when Dewey's Readathon comes around again. It's short..perfect readathon material.
LikeLike
I really didn't *think* that I had expectations but the pop culture references to the movie have weaseled into my mind over the years, even though I never saw it!
LikeLike
I think you do expect a happy person with the name Holly Golightly. Now you make me want to read the book and watch the movie.
LikeLike
The movie is fairly light, not necessarily happy, but I always think Holly lives up to her name in the movie. Now I'll have to read the book this year.
LikeLike
I never tire of watching the movie. Now I must read the book!
LikeLike
Great article! Thanks for sharing and more power to you!
LikeLike
This is one of those books that I keep thinking I want to read but I have yet to pick it up. The only Capote I've read is In Cold Blood but after reading your review I put in a request for this one at the library.I'm also a virgin about this one. Haven't seen the move. The only thing I know is Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly. Looking forward to reading it.
LikeLike