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

Never read this before. It surprised me. Obviously, a classic. wonderful narration, Dexter! Thanks for the freebie, Audible!

Great

Michael C. Hall did a great job. The story was much better than the movie’s.

Four stars might be unfair

It’s hard to disentangle one’s hopes for a famous work from the thing itself. This novel was very good. Not as good as Capote’s In Cold Blood, which was a different beast altogether. Worth the time to listen absolutely. Michael C. Hall was competent, but shows that acting one character and narrating many are separate talents, even when the many characters are all very obviously facets of Capote’s own quirky worldliness. Capote is fun to be around. Quick and intelligent, piercing and never surprised by the depths to which others fall, and only sometimes surprised by his own depth of feeling. I can see why he was a hit at cocktail parties. The book strikes me as too clever to be great. The work, I hope, of a young artist. Too performative, too taken with itself, and eager you be taken with it too. Droll. Best in short doses. A talent that’s great to meet at a party, but you don’t want to wake up to face it every day for thirty years.

Good

Good story and overall pretty good narration from the actors. Was a bit slow at first

interesting story

The narration is nice & the voice is easy to understand. A good story, interesting. Better than the movie.

Amazing

A beautiful story and a great performance by Michael C. Hall. A short little one day listen.

beautifully written, and outstanding narration

Truman Capote was an amazing writer with stunning descriptive insights into the world and fascinating characters, The narrator was simply outstanding —capturing so many personalities and accents.

Its a very interesting short story

Is a well written story I really enjoyed it.
The mystery of the main character keeps you hanging from the story.

Subtle yet Extravagant

Of course I have seen the movie and loved the subtle story and Audrey Hepburn and Moon River, but I never noticed the story was written by Truman Capote. An Audible banner ad pointed this out and got me to order this short novel. It was great. Narrated wonderfully by Michael C Hall (Dexter and Six Feet Under) this novel is more enjoyable than the movie. But this is a rare case where you should see the movie first. Having Audrey Hepburn in your head while reading this is definitely not a bad thing. The writing is beautiful, with full and interesting characters and a story that is subtle yet extravagant. I have always appreciated Capote’s writing, and appreciate it even more now. This is a book I will likely come back to, and share with others.

Fantastic!

Would you listen to Breakfast at Tiffany's again? Why?

Absolutely would listen to this again. The story never gets old and Michael C. Hall's narration was perfect.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Breakfast at Tiffany's?

Too many to count...I liked the scene where Holly and "Fred" spend a Sunday drinking at the bar. I love the simplicity of the metaphor of masks used in many ways, overtly and obliquely. The stolen masks at the store, a nice metaphor for Holly's stolen identity and "Fred's" assumed identity given to him by Holly. I enjoyed the hospital scene where Holly puts on her makeup as a sort of fortification or armor to help her read the letter of dismissal from her fiance. Makeup as armor or mask of another sort.

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

Everything. I love that he used different voices for each character, but didn't have to force it. Switching from voice to voice was smooth and not jarring in any way. His nuanced reading of the point of view character was even better than expected.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Well...there is already a pretty famous movie isn't there?

Any additional comments?

If you've read this story already, it is worth it just to hear Michael C. Hall narrate. Enjoy.