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)

Great story well told

classic story. of course. very famous. but very well narrated and an enjoyable listen.

Heard how great it was but didn't know what to expect

To start off this book will be bittersweet to most, couldn't help but dislike the main influence in the book but I didn't want to stop listening. There's something beautiful about a story heading in (what you think) is the wrong direction but loving every step of the way. Def recommend!

Unforgettable main character, ambivalent.

This was crude, heartbreaking, witty. A main character that lived in her very own terms, in liberty, with no attachments at all, nor to people, lovers, society, a true free-woman enduring life. I wonder if she was foolish, or wise, if she decided this or if she just let life pass, like in a current of a river. Still, this is an unforgettable story.

Never love a wild thing

When a book has been made into an iconically famous film, and when that film is playing through your head as you listen to the book, your reactions to the book can be a bit confusing. On the one hand, the film got the story all Hollywooded up, fleshing out the narrator character to give him more to do, and adding some artificial sweetener to Holly to make her more palatable the audience. The callousness of the real Holly was a bit disconcerting with dear Audrey in my mind’s eye.

In spite of movie scenes floating through my head, I was able to appreciate the sharpness of Capote’s writing, and the enigma that is Holly Golightly who so carefully hides who she is, possibly even from herself. She expects to be taken care of but also to have things her own way, envisioning herself as a 'wild thing'. Without the Hollywood dressing Holly’s behavior is more consistent with her character, infusing the story with cynicism, poignancy and a sense of lonely inevitability. The outcome is a story much more organic than the film.

Worthwhile listen

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes. I am glad I listened - it was short, the narration was awesome, and Capote is an amazing writer in the way he describes situations and people.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

The ending was fitting I thought, however it was still somewhat of a let down in that I felt there was no real closure.

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

He did great voices and you really felt like he was the main character.

Was Breakfast at Tiffany's worth the listening time?

Yes it was. I just had a hard time getting through some of it because I kinda hate Holly's character, and seeing as she is a main focus in the book, I had a somewhat love/hate relationship with the story.

Great short classic. Superb narration.

I don’t know what I expected from this book, but it was very different than I had imagined it to be. I’ve never seen the movie, so I went into the book knowing the bare bones from the description. It’s a good thing this was on sale or I may not have found myself hypnotized by the narration of Michael C. Hall or the literary genius of Truman Capote. Also, this book is so short that even if you dislike the book, not much time is wasted.

The narrator, Holly’s man neighbor who is a writer, finds himself in a sort of friendship with Holly (the main character). We get to see Holly’s life from the neighbor’s point of view and it is an interesting point of view. She is a socialite, a party girl and the neighbor hears the parties and even gets to attend one. For how young Holly is (18 or 19?), she seems to be very intelligent, albeit shallow, and this comes across in the way she speaks. At times I couldn’t quite picture a young girl like this coming across with so much wisdom at times, but it was easy for me to forgive Capote because the book was written so well. Holly also seems very lost and doesn’t seem to comprehend consequences at times and this was spot on for a girl her age. Holly thinks she knows how to find what she is looking for… thinks she knows how to find that place you call home. The narrator who is sometimes called “Fred” (even though that’s not his real name) is a likable personality and I cared about what happened to him, but mostly I cared about what happened to Holly. There were surprise twists to the story that added drama and I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to spoil anything for other readers, but this classic is worth a listen in my opinion. I got lost in the story and narration. Michael C. Hall was just that good and I hope he narrates a few more books.

On a side note, I guess Capote wanted Marilyn Monroe to be cast as Holly in the movie and I think maybe he was right. The persona of Marilyn seems to fit the character of Holly more than Audrey Hepburn.

What.

I have to say, often when I listen to classic stories I have a hard time seeing the appeal.

There is practically no plot. This is really just the exploration of a character, Holly Golightly, who certainly is an interesting woman. I personally feel the whole energetic, aggressive, promiscuous, confident, erratic female character is overdone, but I suspect it was not at the time this book was written.

There really are only two characters that matter: Holly, and the protagonist, who is rather a cardboard bore and possibly a Mary Sue (being an author). He is into Holly, much like every other man that ever meets her, and does rather little about it. Most of the novella is spent waiting for something to happen. Perhaps this is meant to be more of a character-driven essay than an actual story.

The story is dull. Holly is fascinating, but even in such a short tale one can only talk about her for so long. But at least it is short, so if you're curious about this classic, go ahead and give it a try.

Cute little book

I only read this book now for the first time, All I can say about it is that it was "cute". I don't know what I expected, but it was enjoyable

Surprised!

I was a little lost in the beginning filled with descriptions of the many eccentric characters. Yes, everyone is odd yet intriguing especially Holly. Then, nearing the end of the book, the story is very riveting. You finally see why any of it matters. Still, I am thankful the book was short! And note to self: reinvent yourself. Always keep the adventure alive! Thanks, Holly!

It will be a while before I listen agai

it was decent. it's definitely character driven as the plot isn't much. I wanted to care more about the characters but just... didn't? i may need to give it a relisten a few years down the road and slow it down since I usually listen at at least a 1.75x speed.