Breakfast at Tiffany's is a 1958 novella by American author Truman Capote. Set in 1940s New York City, primarily on the Upper East Side, the story unfolds through the eyes of an unnamed narrator, a young writer who becomes fascinated with his captivating neighbor, Holly Golightly. A young woman from rural Texas, Holly reinvents herself in New York’s café society. Described as an “American geisha,” she lives off the generosity of her wealthy male companions. Despite her seemingly frivolous lifestyle, Holly is portrayed as a complex character, embodying both independence and a deep-seated vulnerability.
The story unfolds through the narrator's recollections of Holly, triggered by an old friend's discovery that rekindles memories of their past encounters. Throughout the novella, Holly becomes intertwined with a series of colorful characters and engages in quirky routines, like her weekly visits to a mafia-connected prisoner under the guise of harmless social calls. As their friendship deepens, the narrator uncovers the layers of Holly's personality and mysterious past. The story reaches a climax when Holly's enigmatic and carefree existence is shattered by her brother's death and subsequent legal troubles. She makes an abrupt decision to leave for Brazil, symbolically liberating her nameless cat in a gesture of seeking a true sense of home and belonging.
The novella's publication was met with acclaim, with critics praising Capote's elegant prose and vivid characterization of Holly Golightly. Her name and style have become ingrained in American culture, with the 1961 film adaptation starring Audrey Hepburn as Holly cementing her status as an iconic literary and cinematic figure. Capote's masterful portrayal of Holly's complex persona and the novella's bittersweet ending continue to captivate readers and literary scholars alike.
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About the author
Truman Capote
Truman Capote was American novelist, screenwriter, playwright, and actor. His works, including the novella Breakfast at Tiffany's (1958) and the true crime novel In Cold Blood (1966), have been recognized as literary classics and adapted into more than 20 films and television productions.
Capote was born Truman Streckfus Persons on September 30, 1924, in New Orleans, Louisiana. His childhood was marked by the divorce of his parents and a geographically fragmented upbringing, which instilled him with a deep sense of isolation and an early resolve to pursue writing. His professional journey began with a job at The New Yorker, followed by a prolific period of writing that produced several acclaimed works. His first novel, Other Voices, Other Rooms (1948), launched him into the literary spotlight. While Capote provoked controversy for his unique blend of provocative journalism and literary style, particularly for In Cold Blood, which he termed a "non-fiction novel," his flair for storytelling and knack for creating vividly complex characters won him critical acclaim.
His literary achievements were accompanied by a colorful social life among high society, though his later years were marred by struggles with substance abuse and public scandals. Aside from his contributions to literature, Capote's open discussion of his sexuality and his flamboyant public persona played a role in advancing the visibility of gay authors in the mid-20th century. Truman Capote passed away on August 25, 1984, in Los Angeles, California, leaving behind a complicated legacy of groundbreaking literary contributions, a celebrated social life, and a series of personal conflicts that continue to intrigue the public.
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