A beautiful post of appreciation and literary analysis … on the first 3 paragraphs of one of my favorite books.
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As you may remember, I am a big fan of In Cold Blood. Capote has an amazing facility with language and mood. That he chose to write the story of this murder, in that setting, was unpredictable, or, at least, not an obvious choice. The emotional ordeal almost ruined Capote, and his subsequent descent into a life of excess was unfortunate. He wasn’t responsible with his enormous talent. While he had other moments of brilliance, I don’t think he ever wrote anything after In Cold Blood that was nearly as good. Anyway, I enjoyed the discussion at the link.
The book gives me chills. My favorite piece of writing of his is, actually, The Grass Harp – ouch … ouch!!! … but in terms of accomplishment and scope – In Cold Blood is one of the all-time great books. Even more great because it came from such an unexpected source!!
Oh, I like The Grass Harp quite a lot. I just meant Capote didn’t write anything AFTER In Cold Blood that I thought had writing that was as strong. Flashes here and there, yes, but nothing as complete. BTW, I have never seen the movie they made of The Grass Harp with Sissy Spacek, and, I think, Piper Laurie(sp?). Have you seen it, and, if so, what did you think of it?
Yeah – for whatever reason – Capote just got rid of EVERY NOTE of sentimentality in In Cold Blood, paring down his prose to that elegiac keening – but also able to be cold, clear, and specific … it’s like it’s a different writer almost, isn’t it??
I never saw the movie – I’m too afraid. I love the story too much. :)
I mean – I never saw the movie of Grass Harp.
I understand. The casting makes me think of Carrie, although I like both actresses at times.
“Cover your dirty pillows.”
shiver.
Makes me feel dirty and yukky.
the movie is moving because the story is strong as is the cast…but the directing is pedestrian..i belive it was Walter Matthau’s son.