The Complete Stories (Penguin Modern Classics)

Capote fiction seems generously sown with throwaway lines that you feel compelled to keep safe. Something uniquely diaphanous but tangibly meaningful, like a ghost that summons the self, and vice versa.The detailed review of this book — and many other works by Truman Capote are posted elsewhere under my name — is too long to post here.Above is one of its observations.

This is a quite exceptional collection of stories covering the greater part of Capote's literary career, the last coming only two years before his death. While no doubt he will always be better known and more valued for "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "In Cold Blood". These stories deserve a wide audience. It's tempting to say that the stories grow in depth and complexity as their author ages, but even the earliest ones have a haunting resonance that seems to reach out beyond the local circumstances and particularities. There is a natural ease and lucidity in the writing, a sharp eye for detail and a sure ear for dialogue. It would be good to name favourites and mine is probably "Children on their Birthdays", but as soon as I am drawn to the features of one I'm pulled to the distinctive qualities of others. At the heart of all are human relationships and none fails to illuminate this major theme.

The book arrived well-packaged and unblemished a full three days before the earliest time given in the order details. The condition was exactly as described. The only reason it didn't get five stars was that the cover was not the same as the one in the description—an annoying discovery sometimes—but as my newly-arrived copy showed a 2005 Penguin Modern Classic layout and cover it certainly wasn't a great issue this time.

I found that I liked Truman Capote's style and descriptions . He writes with feeling. His stories are well crafted and thoughtful. Well worth the money - I will buy more books by him.

An excellent collect of his stories. Each one a lesson in showing his expertise as a storyteller and writer. Really enjoyed them.

I wish I'd read years ago.

Bought as a present for my dad as he liked breakfast at tiffanys

Although the stories are well written, they were not really of my choice, but may suit others.