Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote

March 13th, 2014 Kimberly Review 66 Comments

13th Mar
Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote
Breakfast at Tiffany's
by Truman Capote
Narrator: Michael C. Hall
Length: 2 hrs and 52 mins
Genres: Classics
Source: Audible
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Narration: 4 cups

Golden Globe-winning actor Michael C. Hall (Dexter, Six Feet Under) performs Truman Capote's provocative, naturalistic masterstroke about a young writer's charmed fascination with his unorthodox neighbor, the "American geisha" Holly Golightly. Holly - a World War II-era society girl in her late teens - survives via socialization, attending parties and restaurants with men from the wealthy upper class who also provide her with money and expensive gifts. Over the course of the novella, the seemingly shallow Holly slowly opens up to the curious protagonist, who eventually gets tossed away as her deepening character emerges.Breakfast at Tiffany's, Truman Capote's most beloved work of fiction, introduced an independent and complex character who challenged audiences, revived Audrey Hepburn's flagging career in the 1961 film version, and whose name and style has remained in the national idiom since publication. Hall uses his diligent attention to character to bring our unnamed narrator’s emotional vulnerability to the forefront of this American classic.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote is a classic written in 1958. This iconic tale has been captured on film and pleasured audiences on Broadway. My first introduction to Breakfast at Tiffany’s was the movie starring Audrey Hepburn and the title immediately brings to mind the song, ‘Moon River”. Mini review: a brief glimpse into the quirky life of Holly Golightly and her impact on those whose path she crosses.

The tale takes place in New York City and mainly occurs in an old brownstone apartment building. We learn the story of Holly Golightly through Fred a writer who lives on the floor above her. This is not a love story in the romantic sense, but fall in love you shall. Capote through Fred shares Holly and her escapades to us. At first glance, you may find her shallow, conceited, and an over the top scammer.  Holly Golightly is such a complex character. She is one you loathe and love all at the same time. Capote does an excellent job of peeling back her layers and allowing us to see both the flawed character and the hopeless dreamer. Capote writes as if he is sitting next to you on a train sharing this story and he brought it vividly to life. I fell in love with Holly, despite it all and so do the other characters. It is funny because we know we should turn and walk away. I adored Fred and Joe Bell. Fred dreams of making it big as a writer and is an observer. The tale moves at an even clip with climatic moments that brought us joy, anger and tears. While I didn’t like Holly Golightly, I couldn’t help, but love this quirky woman.

Michael C. Hall was the narrator for the audio version. He is best known for his work in Six Feet Under and Dexter. I am a huge fan of both shows so you can imagine how unnerving it felt to have an undertaker/serial killer reading to me. Those feelings were quickly dismissed as I succumb to his rich tone. Hall did a wonderful job sharing Breakfast at Tiffany’s with me. I actually felt like we were sitting in a pub, and he was sharing a story about a period in his life; a memory if you will. You know the Pub I am talking about? The one with those comfy leather chairs and cozy library feel? The warm fire blazes as the glasses of wine reflect the fire. I felt content and comfortable in Hall’s hands as the tale unfolded. He did a wonderful job giving each character voice, especially that of Holly.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s shares characters who stick with you and Hall brought them to life.

 

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

66 Responses to “Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote”

  1. Lindy

    I love the movie of Breakfast at Tiffany’s! I’m a huge Audrey Hepburn fan and own all of her movies! I’m glad to hear that you really enjoyed this classic, as well as the narrator!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      “In the hands of a serial killer/mortician has a whole new meaning to me now” indeed it does Anna!

  3. Cyn

    This is totally one of those books where I’ve always been like “yes, I should read this sometimes, one day…” haha. I might check out the audio book since it’s only ~3hrs! Some audio books are so long, I can’t handle it. Glad to see you enjoy this! Thanks for the review (:

  4. Lauren

    Wow, I had no idea Michael C. Hall did audiobooks, that is so cool! I’ve been wanting to read this because I love the movie. I’ll definitely have to do it on audio now. Great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am not sure if this is something he will do more of, but I know they have been doing a thing where famous actors/actress read classics for audio.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am glad you read this one, I really enjoyed the audio

  7. Candace

    I watched the movie YEARS ago but I like the idea of the audiobook! I barely even remember the movie so I’m curious about the story now!

  9. Naomi

    Great review Kimberly!! I haven’t read or watched Breakfast at Tiffany’s but it’s good to see you enjoyed it.
    I haven’t listened to a book before, but it would be cool listening to something like this knowing who the narrator is… Serial Killer indeed 😉

    Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yeah, it was weird at first, but he has a soothing voice.

  10. Sophia Lin

    Considering my history with classics… o_o NOPE.

    But I honestly thought it was about Breakfast at some place called Tiffany’s, or a person named Tiffany, XD

  11. Mary

    Yet another movie I’ve read without reading the book. I think I need to remedy this. It’s a bit of a depressing story, though. I did like Holly, though.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yeah it is not your typical love story, but Holly gets ya.

  12. Melissa (Books and Things)

    I have to admit, as much as I love Audrey Hepburn, I’ve never been a fan of the movie. Hm… I might feel differently if I read the book. So curious and it is so short. Might be a good quick listen!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Well listening to Michael read to me certainly enhanced my enjoyment, but I liked the movie.

  13. Braine Talk Supe

    And I say what about, breakfast at Tiffany’s… singing an old 90’s song there… yeah, this a classic. Love the movie, the book however… the language is too ‘formal” for my ignorant mind to read in an even pace LOL

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I get what you are saying, and I think that is why I enjoyed the audio so much.

  14. Katherine

    This is one of those books that I’ve always meant to read but never have. The audio book sounds like a good way to go about it though!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I really enjoyed listening to this. Thanks Katherine 🙂

  15. Christy

    HA! I love that Michael C. Hall narrated this. How fun. I’ve watched the movie, but haven’t read the book.

  18. Rashika

    I am probably the only person on Earth who hasn’t watched Dexter. I keep meaning to.. and someday I will but for now.. it’s on ‘hold’.

    I’ve only heard of the movie and didn’t know it was a book until now. EEK. Yes. I am behind.

    Although the fact that we have a scammer definitely gets my attention (I like con artists 😛 :P)

    I am glad you enjoyed this!

    Great Review, Kimba!! 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I loved how complex Holly was, thanks Rashika 🙂

  19. Kimberly

    I read this one just after I started blogging in 2011, I’m glad you had better luck with it than I did. I just couldn’t get into the writing but maybe I should give the audio a chance and review it to see how I like it better. Plus Michael C. Hall reads it? He’s AWESOME! I’d listen to it just for him lol 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I think the audio helped, and can see where this would be better as a movie or audio 🙂 plus Michael helped!

  20. Jenea

    This is a classic that I would love to read and I think the audio version sounds like a good way to do it. Wonderful review.

  21. Victoria (aka Zemfirka)

    Neat! I’m picky about audiobooks or rather the narrators. The narrator can really make or break the book for me. Glad you enjoyed this one! I’ve only ever saw the movie. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I think they can make or break a book Victoria 🙂

  22. Debbie Haupt

    Thanks Kimba, wow you know I try to revisit at least one classic a year usually as part of my in person book club. I think you just picked next years classic 🙂
    This year was Rebecca By Daphne Du Maurier
    Deb

  23. Laurel-Rain Snow

    I have not yet read this book, but I enjoyed the movie with Audrey Hepburn.

    I like Capote’s writing style (In Cold Blood), so I am eager to see how he shows us the character of Holly Golightly by “peeling back her layers.”

    Thanks for sharing.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It is a fast listen, and Hall did an excellent job

  25. Jenny

    So glad you enjoyed this one Kim! It’s a bit out of my reading comfort zone, but I always think I need to expand my horizons a bit and try something new. Sounds like this could be a very interesting place to start!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      You should try the audio, especially if this is out of your comfort zone 🙂

  26. kindlemom1

    I love Hepburn but for some reason this is one of the few movies of her’s I never watched.

    Maybe it was because I needed to read the book first. 😉

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I enjoyed the movie 🙂 you could probably catch it on Netflix or the classic channel 🙂

  27. Glass

    So, um… I haven’t read this yet. I know, I should, but I just can’t make myself. I’m glad you enjoyed it this much – that’s extra push for me.
    Great review.

  28. Lupdilup

    Great review! I already got it thanks to your recommendation. I’m big fan of the shows too. I can’t believe how much is packed into such a short audiobook. I’m looking forward to listening.

    Thank you Kimba 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks, Loupe. It was an easy listen and having Hall as my dark passenger made it pleasant.

  29. Jeann

    Great review of a classic Kimba, I should really check this out sometime! I actually don’t know what the story is for this book but I know it’s an icon now.

  30. Jessica

    So you pretty much just convinced me to try out an audio book. Even as distractible as I am, I’m pretty sure Michael C. Hall could hold my attention, and I have ALWAYS wanted to read this book. Excellent review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes I had no trouble listen to Michael read to me..LOL

  31. Maja (The Nocturnal Library)

    I had no IDEA that he narrated this, but I went ahead and bought a copy right now. The Awakening narrated by Kim Basinger is today’s daily deal so I bought that too! I love these classics narrated by famous actors. IT’s a wonderful way to get more people to read them.
    This story is a favorite, of course! Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Missed you!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Maja *tackle hugs you* I hope you enjoy this as much as I did 🙂

  32. Angie

    I have always been interested in reading this book. I also love that you felt like you were hearing someone’s story. I would like to read this one!!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Angie, I really enjoyed the audio version of this tale

  33. Melliane

    you know what? I never tried an audiobook for now. I’m a king of distracted girl and I’m afraid to just forget that I’m listening it. And well, I don’t know if I should try an English one or a French one… I think I’m ok at writing (or I hope so…) but speaking? not sure, and I don’t know if I could understand everything.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I would say in your native language, since both training your mind to listen and translate may be too much. The first few times I tried I struggled and then bam! It all clicked and now I am loving audio books.