Breakfast at Tiffany's

By: Truman Capote

Narrated by: Michael C. Hall

Length: 2 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Golden Globe-winning actor Michael C. Hall (Six Feet Under) performs Truman Capote's provocative, naturalistic masterstroke about a young writer's charmed fascination with his unorthodox neighbor, the "American geisha" Holly Golightly. Holly - a World War II-era society girl in her late teens - survives via socialization, attending parties and restaurants with men from the wealthy upper class who also provide her with money and expensive gifts. Over the course of the novella, the seemingly shallow Holly slowly opens up to the curious protagonist, who eventually gets tossed away as her deepening character emerges.

Breakfast at Tiffany's, Truman Capote's most beloved work of fiction, introduced an independent and complex character who challenged audiences, revived Audrey Hepburn's flagging career in the 1961 film version, and whose name and style has remained in the national idiom since publication. Hall uses his diligent attention to character to bring our unnamed narrator’s emotional vulnerability to the forefront of this American classic.

©1950, 1951, 1956, 1958, 1978, 1979, 1984 Truman Capote. Copyright renewed 1986 by Alan U. Schwartz (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Critic reviews

"[Michael C. Hall] uses his diligent attention to character to bring our unnamed narrator's emotional vulnerability to the forefront of this American classic.... I felt content and comfortable in Hall's hands as the tale unfolded. He did a wonderful job giving each character voice, especially that of Holly." (Caffeinated Book Reviewer)

Excellent Performance

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The narrator demonstrated a vast range of skills in his storytelling.

What about Michael C. Hall’s performance did you like?

His ability to portray each character with depth and emotion.

Any additional comments?

Michael C. Hall's performance was fantastic. I have always loved this story, but this was my first time to listen to the book. Great "read."

Excellent Audiobook, Capote at His Best

This is an excellent audiobook performance of an excellent story by Truman Capote. I have read numerous works by Truman Capote and, for me, this represents Capote at his best. The audiobook is very well read.

The story was published in 1958 and is set in New York City during World War II. The story has a vague semi autobiographical aspect to it. The narrator protagonist is a young aspiring writer. I very much enjoyed this work. Thank You...

Excellent

Wow I loved this performance of this wonderful novella. Michael C Hall did an incredible job and it was almost to me like listening to Capote himself read it. A must listen!

Michael C Hall nails it

I loved the movie as a child but didn't really like the book. I decided to try the audiobook for fun and Michael C. Hall's narration is perfect. It made me look at the book and the characters in a whole new light and I enjoyed it much more. Definitely recommend a listen.

Wonderful audible

What about Michael C. Hall’s performance did you like?

On of the best performances I've heard. Great range with different characters, even female lead.

Classic excellence

This was my first experience with Capote - I knew of him, but had never read any of his works - something I will definitely amend.
While the story itself is engaging , Capote's descriptive narrative was fascinating. Amazing wordchoice. Delicious phrasing. Beautiful pacing. As a writer, I loved the structure and syntax, and as a reader I enjoyed the characters and story.

Michael C. Hall did a fantastic job with the narration - taking you into and out of the characters nimbly while deftly defining their unique voices.

An excellent performance of a spectacular short story.

The Girlfriend Experience

I never watched the movie but know so many women who loved it and idolized Holly Golightly. I wanted to read the book so I could understand what the fuss is all about. I don't get why women love stories like this or Pretty Woman. They are professionals of the oldest vocation. But the movie version of this from what I understand really glamorized Holly's character. In the book she is a rather snide, wild, shallow brat. The book is not told from her prospective but of that of her neighbor.

Michael C Hall does a fantastic job. Blew my mind to picture Dexter reading Breakfast at Tiffany's aloud.

Awesome narration!

I had never seen the movie, but I did love this book! Anthony Michael Hall did a great job narrating. I enjoyed the story of this fascinating young lady and the Hollywood background. Quick read and well worth the time. Audible 20 Review Sweepstakes Entry.

The Book was even better than the Movie

I think Capote's book was even better than the 1961 movie starring Audrey Hepburn. The movie would have been even better had it not strayed too far from the original novel.

Nothing like the movie

Nicely written, well performed and interesting. The movie; beside Audrey Hepburn - who considered the film not her best work - is a waste of time. Well the song 'Moon River' is a classic and so is the little black dress, with perks. I understand that Capote despised the film version.
This book is good, not great but a nice light read, or listen to. I think we all know someone in our lifetime similar to Holly Golightly and perhaps have fallen in love with them a little. "Fred", I don't think we ever find out his real name - not important, is of course ourselves looking back on youthful drama. In Seinfield TV sitcom it is claimed that Fred was gay (fifth episode for the sixth season. It aired on October 27, 1994), but I never found this in this book. Once again doesn't matter but it would explain why Fred never really pursued Holly, of course in the movie Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard -Paul Varjak (Fred) get together, well we are lead to that conclusion, but the book is more real and probably just as innocent as the movie although real. Can't explain that one, listen to the book and enjoy it.