In Cold Blood (Modern Library)
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Review
'The American dream turning into the American nightmare ... a remarkable book' Spectator
Product Description
Controversial and compelling, In Cold Blood reconstructs the murder in 1959 of a Kansas farmer, his wife and children. Truman Capote's comprehensive study of the killings and subsequent investigation explores the circumstances surrounding this terrible crime and the effect it had on those involved. At the centre of his study are the amoral young killers Perry Smith and Dick Hickcock, who, vividly drawn by Capote, are shown to be reprehensible, yet entirely and frighteningly human. The book that made Capote's name, In Cold Blood is a seminal work of modern prose, a remarkable synthesis of journalistic skill and powerfully evocative narrative.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
36 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is one of these books that everyone tells you is a classic. Personally speaking, that sort of recommendation always puts me off, but having seen and loved the film "Capote" I thought I should give the book a go and boy, am I glad I did!
The story is a harrowing one, and in the hands of a less skilled writer its telling could have become overwrought. Capote's greatest skill is his ability to keep his emotions in check, avoiding making judgements, just telling the facts as best he can and as a result allowing all of his characters to come to life on the page. The Clutter family are not canonized, but instead shown as real people, all with their own problems, hopes and fears. Smith and Hickock, though never excused by Capote, are shown as three dimensional, flawed human beings rather than two dimensional monsters.
Reading this book was an emotional experience. You are left feeling sad and shocked, yet with a sense of hope. It is a book that will stay with me for a long time and one that truly deserves to be called a classic.
The story is a harrowing one, and in the hands of a less skilled writer its telling could have become overwrought. Capote's greatest skill is his ability to keep his emotions in check, avoiding making judgements, just telling the facts as best he can and as a result allowing all of his characters to come to life on the page. The Clutter family are not canonized, but instead shown as real people, all with their own problems, hopes and fears. Smith and Hickock, though never excused by Capote, are shown as three dimensional, flawed human beings rather than two dimensional monsters.
Reading this book was an emotional experience. You are left feeling sad and shocked, yet with a sense of hope. It is a book that will stay with me for a long time and one that truly deserves to be called a classic.
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This really is essential reading for everyone over the age of about 14. A classic. Truman Capote recounts the story of the murders of four members of the Clutter family, one November night in 1959, and provides details of the events leading up to the murders, what the killers (Dick and Perry) did whilst on the run, their arrest, trial and punishment. I real a lot of books, but this is one of the best I've ever read and I couldn't put it down - despite knowing it doesn't have a happy ending for anyone, I wanted to know what actually happened to the Clutters and why. This book doesn't try to psychoanalyse murders - it tells the story in a factual way, but written like a novel, and it is fantastic, gruesome and tragic because it's true. Six people died as a result of that night - let Truman tell you how.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Truman Capote's 'In Cold Blood' is enjoying a resurgence of popularity thanks to the Oscar-winning film depicting the author's life and work during the writing of this phenomenal piece. At one point in the film, the character Capote makes the statement that when he thinks about how good this book will be, he can hardly breathe. Perhaps it is because it is part of our history now, I don't consider the book to be that good, but it was a work fairly close to groundbreaking in its impact - it was a new genre, the narrative telling of a non-fiction event as if it were a fictional novel.
The narrative centres upon the murder of a Kansas family by two men, Perry Smith and Dick Hicock, who are in many ways far from typical killers, much less cold blooded killers. The family, the Clutters of Holcombe, Kansas, are far from typical victims, nor is this the kind of place such a murder would be expected. Capote does a remarkable job at an even-handed analysis and narrative treatment of all the characters, from the family itself to the townspeople and investigators, as well as the murderers themselves. Perhaps it is because he found an area of identification?
This is a psychological thriller of a sort - at least it would be, were it not a true life tale. Getting into the minds of the criminals and the investigators was no easy task for Capote, but what comes forth on the page is very crisp and insightful reporting, without the kinds of embellishments one might expect from a figure such as Capote when dealing with middle-America folk.
The question of why for the killing is still never fully resolved, despite Capote's attempt to set out all the story and psychological detail. Perhaps this is as strange as the interest Capote took in the subject in the first place, as well as the effect it had on him, and those around him, ultimately - while Capote himself never again finished a major project after this, that is also true of his assistant, Nell Harper Lee, whose book 'To Kill a Mockingbird' (done about the same time as 'In Cold Blood') was also her last major writing.
A worthwhile book in many ways.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
compelling.
i really loved this book and would recommend it to anyone. Very interesting read giving insight into a tragic event.
Published 2 days ago by ambambino
Gripping, Heart-rending. A wonderful non-fiction novel.
Capotes' "In Cold Blood" is unusual in the sense that you get to know the outcome at the very beginning. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Neeps and Tatties
A great read
I got this book as a recommendation and I am glad I did. It does not count among my top genres but I enjoyed the story. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Bobby Ferguson
Simply Outstanding
Truman Capote writes such beautiful prose that I would have happily read this book even if nothing happened in it. Read more
Published 10 months ago by James Loscombe
well written, captivating
I saw the movie, Capote, which shows Truman Capote as a creepy criminal lover. It's a good movie. The book doesn't reflect the same creepy fascination and kind of admiration of the... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Daniel_writer
Rating the item not the story
I read this many years agoo and my interest in it has been revived by the recent movie treatments in particular 'Infamous' which I thought excellent. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Mr. R. S. Cook
There will be blood
Truman Capote's journalistic writing style isn't for me I'm afraid; his inability to abstain from veering off at tangents detracts from the actual story, and his slightly pompous... Read more
Published on 26 Feb 2010 by Captain Pugwash
Best Book
One of the best books I have ever read. Even although we know the outcome from the start, the writer managed to create amazing tension all through.
Published on 31 Dec 2009 by Carla Marx
Capote: In Cold Bloody
A classic book from a class author. Recommended read for those who love real life.
Published on 28 Oct 2009 by C. Mctominay
A level Course work
My daughter needed this for her A level course work.She is pleased with it thankyou
Published on 10 Oct 2009 by J. L. Taylor
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