Oh, darling Truheart! How I loved this book about Truman Capote, the colorful character who penned books you may know (In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany's, to name two). I did not know much about Truman's life beyond the fact that I couldn't think of him without a shiver after reading In Cold Blood during AP English growing up. I knew he was odd, short with a squeaky voice, but had no idea he was such a boozing, drug user genius and so well connected with the social set of New York, and beyond, in the golden era of the 60s and 70s.

Swan Song has a deliciously gossipy, ultra exclusive feel to it that brings the reader into the heart of the social circle as 'the Swans' recount their embracing of Truman, letting him tag along with them as they travel the world, and how their openness regarding the events in their lives lead to them disowning him. Nothing could be more dangerous than an author who feels he needs to craft another bestseller but is short on material. Hey, why not use the secrets shared in confidence by your closest friends? As we come to find out, there is an amazing amount of scandalous material at his finger tips and the temptation is too great.

I didn't know anything about the social movers of this time - Babe Paley, Slim Hayward, Lee Radziwill, CZ Guest, the dreaded Pamela Churchill and many others were quickly googled as I read to see who they were and if the stories held within Swan Song's pages were true. The content on these amazing women was so beautifully delivered it made Truman's treacherous tell-all chapters in Esquire that much more painful. Though Truman acts despicably, the reader cannot help but pity him as his life crumbles post publishing.

This really is heartfelt tribute not just for the bazaar little Truman but for the many women who bared their souls to him during their acquaintance. Swan Song is a glorious triumph I cannot endorse enough. It dazzles, not just from the stunningly described locales and events but from the stern stuff these swans are made of.

Fictionalised treatment of Truman Capote’s betrayal

I should stress that the 2-star rating is my personal view which seems to be out of kilter with the bulk of other reviewers who loved it.

For me, I couldn’t get into it at all. The writing is good making it quite literary, but it lacks pace and didn’t grab me at all. It covers Capote’s betrayal of his friends towards the end of his life, through a publication disclosing their secrets. I have no idea whether this happened, but it makes for an interesting storyline.

It is rare for me to give up on a book, but in this case, I just couldn’t summon up the energy to carry on reading. There is no discernible plotline in the early part of the book and the whole thing seems ephemeral and lacking in substance.

It can’t be a bad book, due to its critical acclaim, but the subject matter left me cold.

For anyone interested in the genius of Hollywood this could well be a gem.

Pashtpaws

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

An absolutely riveting story. I enjoyed this very much alothough is different to my usual genre. Very well written xx

My thanks to NetGalley and publisher Random House UK, Cornerstone, for the ARC.
Now then - this book really is just 'something else' - in a class of its own - a really major piece of historical fiction, though based on thoroughly researched fact.
It's as fascinating, amusing and witty as Truman Capote was when infiltrating the lives of his Swans - his collection of ladies and their families who fell over themselves to provide him with confidences and gossip, travel and luxury. Truman was a feted writer, the best of best friends to the ladies he adored and admired for their own back-stories of hardships overcome to elevate them to the top of society. He was wealthy in his own right and he had access to Hollywood stars, Princesses, publishing moguls and even the periphery of the White House - a whole world of secrets.
But, once you break a best friend's confidence there is no turning back. This he did. There's a long spiral of descent as the alcohol and drugs which had been so much of the 'fun', in the hedonistic days gone by, gradually take their toll.
I was totally immersed in the conversations; an eavesdropper in a lounge or a restaurant, at an extravagant Ball, on a yacht sailing the Mediterranean or at a mansion in Palm Springs. Then, the 'after' emerges where all that is left is a diminutive boy in a man's body, seeking unforthcoming forgiveness.
An extremely poignant ending - really, really well-written.

I can't say in all honesty that I found this book an easy read, in terms of really short conversational sentences and quick jumps to seemingly unconnected passages, Additionally I found some parts of the closing chapters - although they obviously have high literary merit - rather confusing in their fantasy portrayals.
Nonetheless, albeit that this read was a complete departure from my usual genre, I do admire the sheer weight of work that this has taken to produce.
Thank you Kelleigh Greenberg-Jephcott.