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Breakfast at Tiffany's  By  cover art

Breakfast at Tiffany's

By: Truman Capote
Narrated by: Michael C. Hall
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Editorial reviews

Editors Select, February 2014 - Although very familiar with the iconic film, I'd never actually read the novella Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote. When I heard that actor Michael C. Hall (Six Feet Under) was narrating it for Audible, I jumped at the chance to listen. Capote's classic is simultaneously darker and more wistful than the film, and the famed Holly Golightly a little more calculating than charming. Michael C. Hall delivers a mesmerizing performance, giving each character their own unique voice. Hall's cadence perfectly matches Capote's words, and he forced me into my own whirlwind friendship with Holly. I'd never before experienced a narrator who seemed to so completely understand an author's intentions – the effect was magical. —Katie, Audible Editor

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)

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What listeners say about Breakfast at Tiffany's

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Wow. Just wow. <3

Michael C. Hall! Ugh!! <3 I’m usually not the type to write reviews, but it was amazing. I’m the kind of person who when I watch a movie of something or know the plot ahead of time, I can’t really enjoy the material that I’m watching and or reading. This was one of the rare exceptions. I think that lovers of the movie and others who don’t know anything about the story can get something out of this. The writing is stunning. Michael C. Hall did a fabulous job of making the characters his own. I didn’t find myself comparing it to the iconic movie at all. I just was able to get lost in Capote’s beautiful text and Hall’s amazing performance. Bravo. 10/10 would recommend.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fabulous Romp

A sweet tale of a somewhat zany young woman and the men who loved her.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Sometimes Rough, Mostly Intoxicating

Aside from the ableist/racial/homophobic slurs used thoughtlessly, the story works well. The narrator is clear about Holly’s flaws, in addition to how she makes the men around her feel. Not all stories about manic pixie dream girls (yes, that’s what Holly is) are that sincere. This isn’t about a girl helping a man learn to love life; it’s about a deeply screwed-up woman who is just a vortex of emotion.

Also, nothing against Michael C. Hall, but it would be nice if we could get through an adaptation of the story without a white guy being asked to do a Japanese accent.

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Nothing like the movie

More of a short story than feature film. There is no moral, no rhyme or reason to the characters, ~another typical Truman Capote quandary. I have never been able to digest that he was a celebrated author. He’s more of a big personality that came along at an opportune time when off the wall people with their psychosis were hip. Narrator is very good.

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I wish there was A sequel

What a great story. I love the characters are very complex yet entertaining. Michael C Hall, did the best he could narrating But the tone and energy just wasn’t there when really trying to do the whole holly thing. Again, not a bad listen just hope the narrator but I had a little more energy that’s it but it wasn’t too bad. I would definitely recommend I can’t wait to watch the movie now

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Curiosity quenched

Would you try another book from Truman Capote and/or Michael C. Hall?

Looking forward to my next book by author or narrator.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

maybe more enjoyable would have been the ambiguous ending implying a glimmer of Holly growing into something interesting

Which character – as performed by Michael C. Hall – was your favorite?

male lead / narrarator

Was Breakfast at Tiffany's worth the listening time?

Yes

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • ml
  • 12-14-14

An iconic tale masterfully told.

Not the movie version, rather the original version. A grittier flavor than the movie and all the tastier for it.

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A slice of life on the edge

That Truman Capote sure knows how to write! Go ahead hey give it a whirl.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Eh - not a fan, but probably should be

I primarily bought this book because I feel like I just should. I never saw the movie, had no idea what it was even about (shame shame). I wouldn't have even finished it if not for Michael C. Hall (huge fan).

I barely followed along, had no connection to any of the characters. Barely understood the relationships between them. I know its probably a classic, but I guess I like mindless listening of modern books.

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What a story i want a part two...

I'm surprised it took me this long to listen to this amazing book! Michael C Hall sounded great!

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