Michael's Book Babble

The only reason why I knew Breakfast at Tiffany's existed when I was younger was because I knew there was a movie out with the same name. I never really had an interest in seeing it since it was billed as a romantic comedy. When I grew older, I learned it was actually a novella written by Truman Capote. I think I stayed away from it because I assumed it was a comic love story, very much like the movie.

Thankfully, that was not the case. Not at all.

I listened to the audiobook for Capote's In Cold Blood and loved it. I had a feeling that Breakfast at Tiffany's wasn't going to be at all what I expected. And to my favor, it wasn't. Because if you read the novella, it is not at all a romantic comedy (or at least I don't see it that way). While the narrator is infatuated with Holly, it never really becomes that. It's more of a deep friendship, although the narrator is clearly in love with her (just not in a romantic or sexual way--if that makes sense). And there's more to Holly than what appears at the surface, and that's what makes this a fascinating story. The story is pushed forward with a lot of dialogue (which is something I always love when it's done right). It isn't plot-heavy, but there are surprises.

The audiobook is narrated by Michael C. Hall, and he does a phenomenal job. He gives characters different voices, so it's easy to keep track of who's talking. It's a very short listen, only a couple minutes shy of being 3 hours long.

If you've avoided Breakfast at Tiffany's because of assumptions made based on the film, you shouldn't worry. The prose is straight to the point and the dialogue is great. I'd still like to see the movie at some point, if only because it's a classic. I know it'll be extremely different. This is a winner from Capote. I'll never forget it.

5 stars