In Cold Blood
Capote’s non-fiction novel tells the story of a small town rocked by the brutal murder of a family. As Capote details the investigation of the murder, it is the question of why it happened that haunts readers.
In Cold Blood is one of Truman Capote’s most talked about works. Prior to this landing on my radar sometime around 2018, I hadn’t read any of his work- not even any excerpts. So when someone suggested this book (a friend of mine who is a librarian actually), I wasn’t really sure what to expect. The only thing I really knew about Capote was that they had made a biopic about him (which I hadn’t seen) starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman (RIP big dogg). A quick search showed that the movie actually dealt with the time Capote spent investigating the murder detailed in In Cold Blood. I liked Hoffman as an actor (I will never not shoot a basketball while screaming ‘RAIN DROP;’ just try to stop me). And if PSH was invested in this Capote fellow, then I figured I should probably give it a go. Besides- who am I to turn down the suggestion of a librarian?
In Cold Blood details the killing of a Kansas family during the late 50’s, and the search to find the killers and understand their motives. Though the book reads like a good ‘whodunit’ mystery, it’s actually based on true events. The fact that it was based on true events was one of the things that drew me into the story after reading a brief summary of the book. Capote creates a narrative based off of not only the discoveries being made during an active investigation, but also on his interviews conducted with the killers after being captured. As the events unfold, you are forced to question: was there more to the events than what was reported initially by the media? Were the killings really committed senselessly- in cold blood? (AHHH, there it is, get it!?)
The story is definitely a nail biter, and it’s hard not to get lost in it. It’s an easy read as far as the language and narrative flow is concerned- but it does contain some very dark content. But you already knew that, friend, didn’t you? The details of the murder leave a pit in your stomach that can be a bit hard to swallow. And yet, it’s so hard to put down. It’s very well written and- honestly, you’re just gonna have to get over that pit in your stomach because its definitely worth the read. I am invested in Capote and looking forward to reading his next work when I get a chance (my list is ridiculous, btw).
What was the book missing? The only thing I can think of was maybe hearing more on Capote’s perspective of things. A final chapter written where Capote expresses the way things impacted him and if it affected him as much as it affected me as a reader. Though having his perspective could throw off the narrative of the book (something done superbly), I am still curious to hear his thoughts within the work.
Rating: I give this book 9 out of 10 “Raindrops!!” I wish it was a bit longer so I had more to enjoy.
If you are looking for a movie that is similar, I would obviously start off with the movie Capote. Again, it’s Phillip Seymour Hoffman, FFS. In the same vein as far as movies, Zodiac starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo is a great atmospheric piece to dive in to. Based on the Zodiac killings, it’s a slow burning thriller that- though dull at times- is hard to look away from. Especially with John Caroll Lynch’s amazingly creepy performance.
As for readings you might want to check out, you can look into more by Capote (which I will also be doing). He wrote Breakfast at Tiffany’s, who I am sure needs no introduction (I mean, you’ve probably at least heard of the movie starring Audrey Hepburn). He also wrote a semi-autobiographical book titled Other Voices, Other Rooms that sounds bonkers. If you are looking to branch out from Capote, maybe check out To Kill a Mockingbird, a classic story I’m sure you haven’t read since the 5th grade (read that shit again, son).
What other non-fiction narratives haunt your memories? Shoot them my way!
Until next time…
-M