Capote's Women
The book behind TV's FEUD: CAPOTE VS THE SWANS
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Hodder & Stoughton
Published:13th Jul '23
Should be back in stock very soon
SUNDAY TIMES 'SUMMER BOOKS' CHOICE
'A genuinely fascinating account of a great writer and his muses.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Loved it! Fabulous book about a extremely complicated and complex character.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'You won't want to put this down.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'There are certain women,' Truman Capote wrote, 'who, though perhaps not born rich, are born to be rich.'
These women captivated and enchanted Capote - he befriended them, received their deepest confidences, and ingratiated himself into their lives. From Barbara 'Babe' Paley to Lee Radziwill (Jackie Kennedy's sister) they were the toast of mid-century New York, each beautiful and distinguished in her own way.
For years, Capote had been trying to write what he believed would be his magnum opus, Answered Prayers. But when he eventually published a few chapters in Esquire, the barely fictionalised lives (and scandals) of his closest female confidantes were laid bare for all to see. The blowback incinerated his relationships and banished Capote from their high-society world forever.
In Capote's Women, New York Times bestselling author Laurence Leamer investigates the true story of the renowned author and his famous friends, weaving a fascinating tale of friendship, intrigue, and betrayal.
'DREAM HOLIDAY READING. . .' SUNDAY TIMES
'ABSOLUTELY PERFECT POOLSIDE READING' THE TIMES
'BARRELING AND WELL-RESEARCHED' MAIL ON SUNDAY
'A JUICY, ENGAGING READ' SUNDAY INDEPENDENT
The real-life stories behind the female friends he gossiped about in his final, unfinished novel - who include Jackie Kennedy's sister - make for a wicked read in the hands of the gifted Laurence Leamer. * Irish Examiner *
'A glittering insight into the high society world of Capote's swans. The ruthless betrayal of the muse by the artist leaves you breathless.' * Anna Pasternak *
'Deliciously gossipy... Leamer's snappy prose makes Capote's Women a juice, engaging read...'
* Sunday Independent *Engagingly gossipy, Leamer provides extensive behind-the-scenes peaks into Capote's tangled social life. * Kirkus *
Leamer showcases his knack for telling a rattling good tale in this vivid look at Truman Capote's failed attempt to write 'the greatest novel of the age.' . . . This juicy story delivers. * Publishers Weekly *
In this delicious dissection of the writer and the women he befriended, Laurence Leamer uncovers what it meant to let Capote into your inner circle, how each of these women found friendship and frustration with him, and what happened when he committed the ultimate betrayal. * Town & Country *
Babe Paley, Slim Keith, C.Z. Guest... they were the stars of '50s and '60s society. They were also the women Truman Capote loved, flattered - and betrayed. A fascinating look at their world. * People *
There are portraits by Cecil Beaton, dresses by Courrèges , champagne by the bucket.... Leamer works hard to squeeze every last bit of excitement and glamour from these ingredients. * Guardian *
'He writes with considerable panache.' * Telegraph *
By weaving the details of Capote's life in and out of the fascinating origin stories of the most admired women of the 1950s and 1960s, Leamer reminds us that beauty, wealth and privilege-not to mention talent-aren't enough to guarantee a happy ending. But oh, what fun can be had along the way! * Melanie Benjamin *
Like Capote, Leamer has a great eye for the telling detail, the perfect bon mot. * Sunday Times *
'Catty, scandalous and pacy.' * TLS *
ISBN: 9781399721196
Dimensions: 236mm x 162mm x 36mm
Weight: 600g
368 pages