In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
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Book Reviews of In Cold Blood
Book Review: SOME OF THE BEST WRITING YOU WILL EVER HEAR
Summary: 5 Stars
I have spent much of my life planning to read the great novels but as of yet just have never found the time. Recently I discovered a wonderful alternative is listening to audio books. As of today I have now heard a number of great works but Capote's novel is in a class by itself. The writing is amazing. He owns the English language. Never does he settle for a second best way to describe a thing but writes with the precision of a master craftsman. Describing the deceased mother, whose eyes remained open, Capote refers to them as "death dulled eyes". Speaking of the shrubs he speaks of their "camel-like indifference to drought". Every sentence, every phrase, from cover to cover, is both poetic and gripping. Unlike many authors who begin strong and then begin to dull as the chapters progress, Capote keeps the freshness of his prose up throughout the work.
Simply put, this novel is on level beyond what most of us have ever read. And I must note that the reader on the audio version is intimately involved in the text. The reading in no way detracts from the power of the novel, but actualy enhances it - if that is possible.
This is one of the top 3 books I have ever heard or read - a masterpiece!
Book Review: still fabulous decades later; audiobook is well done
Summary: 5 Stars
The story is well known, as is the story of Truman Capote himself. I was curious after seeing "Capote", and there are clear distinctions between the two. The movie gives far more emphasis to Perry Smith, whereas the book articulates the dominance of Dick Hickock over Perry in many ways, excluding the actual killings. Even so, Capote clearly presents Perry more sympathetically than Dick, a key point of debate ever since. The audiobook makes an excellent companion for the movie, and it's an easy listen than can be done over time, as there isn't much suspense, given the results are known.
Capote's writing was fabulous, and not too dated. A few parts dragged, whereas the passage of time also provided an interesting window into a time and society that is long gone in America. Capote's effectiveness with all these "good people" so different from him is still quite an accomplishment.
Scott Brick's voice is very distinctive, and may not match what some listeners have in mind. At first, I thought he was not the right choice, perhaps because I envisioned him from some other books (he's an excellent match on "Blade Runner", for example), but then his narration grew on me and I was fully satisfied.
Book Review: Best Audiobook I've Ever Listened To
Summary: 5 Stars
I'll say this up front: I don't like audiobooks. I'm not a fan of a reader trying to imitate multiple characters (particularly of the opposite sex) but I'd heard raves about Scott Brick. This audiobook was available at my local library so I gave it a go. First of all, Brick's voice is mesmerizing. He paces his words, gives them a rhythm and allows you time to weave a picture in your head as he's reading. I made it thru 75% of the CDs but the only thing I didn't enjoy was the length of time it was taking to finish since I knew I could read faster. I finally got impatient and picked up the hardcopy of the book and to my amazement, recognized whole passages, word-for-word, of Brick's rendition. Actually, his oral presentation was better than the written word but I finished anyway. As for the book itself, I wrote a longer review elsewhere on the site but suffice it to say, Capote is quite wordy and devotes most of the book as a memorial of Perry Smith, not the Clutters. If you've seen either of the Capote films ("Infamous" and "Capote"), the book's nuances are more intriguing. If I ever decide to try another audiobook, I'll make sure it's read by Brick. Recommended.Book Review: Capote's masterpiece with excellent narration
Summary: 5 Stars
Truman Capote's chilling account of the awful events in Holcomb, Kansas in November 1959 are retold here with a wonderful narration by actor Scott Brick who adds to his reputation as one of the best readers of fiction and non-fiction works. It is said that Capote never took notes during his research of this book which is all the more remarkable because of the many people he interviewed while writing the story. Brick's reading details the planning and travel to Holcomb, the murder of the Clutter family, the flight of Richard Hickock and Perry Smith to Mexico, their petty thievery and squabbles, to their arrest and confessions of their crime. The trial, prison life and final hours close out the dark, somber story. During the pursuit of the two men, readers also get to know Kansas FBI agent Alvin Dewey and his three men who never despair in their pursuit of Hickock and Perry. Capote's book remains a classic work of American non-fiction, and listners are fortunate to have reader Scott Brick deliver a great performance that recalls a family's horror that November night of more than fifty years ago.Book Review: Gripping!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book hasn't really dated since it was written. With the exception of a few references to the years, it could be set in a present-day world. Capote takes us on a through the lives of the Clutter family before they were brutally murdered one Saturday night. He intertwines the lives of their killers and the men who found them and the result is a gripping, nail-biting tale of a brutal crime and the people involved. From time to time you have to remind yourself of the fact that all this really happened...
The audio presentation of "In Cold Blood" is particularly memorable as the narrator, Scott Brick, is one of the best readers I have ever heard. He brings Capote's book to life, complete with voices and accents. Coupled with excellent writing, Brick keeps us tense and excited throughout the book. I spent many evenings not wanting to get out of my car at home as I didn't want the book to end.
If you're new to audio books, this is an excellent one to start with.
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