Gentle and cruel, personal and universal — writer / novelist / artist / actor / personality Truman Capote captured the holiday season to a “T”-ruman in his “A Christmas Memory.”
A lifelong bestie of another of my beloved authors, Harper Lee of “To Kill a Mockingbird” renown, Truman grew up queer during times when that wasn’t allowed. Hell, it’s still not allowed, not really despite the two-steps-forward/one-step-back strides that humanity has been making lately.
I happened upon Truman’s “A Christmas Memory” by chance. It’s part of his book, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s: a Short Novel and Three Short Stories,” the whole volume of which is mind-blowing. His print version of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is nothing less than enchanting for how it captures the heartbreaking nuances of love and friendship, particularly between a gay man and a straight woman. (Incidentally, another book I adore along those same lines is “The Object of My Affection,” by Stephen McCauley. That novel as well is much more profound in print than in the film.)
Please don’t judge “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” by its movie version. It’s stunning because of Audrey Hepburn, her iconic dress by Hubert de Givenchy, and so forth — but its racism toward Asians is deplorable. Moreover, it’s nowhere near as deep as the fabulous book. Unfortunately, Truman seems to have actively prostituted his masterpiece novella to Hollywood. Why? Was it due to his tragic and increasingly alcoholic life?
The story in its p.r.i.n.t.e.d. form reminds me of how this whole pandemic situation has upended our holiday season, yet in some ways “righted” them. This year I’m extra thrilled that my dear ones are in good health. I’m happier for the smaller gestures. Living “sheltered-in-place,” I’m reminded that even though we can feel alone, we never really are.
No matter how poorly we feel and badly we are treated, one kindred face can make all the difference. Here in this vintage video, Truman doesn’t tell us this — his story enables us to feel it…
How are your holidays unique this year?
I love Capote’s Christmas Story and his writing in general. I’ve never read, however, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Thanks for giving me a nudge to do so. You might want to check out a book called The Swans of 5th Avenue. It’s billed as fiction but it’s closely tied to Capote’s friendships with many of the socialites from the NYC jet set scene of the 1960s and early 70s. I’ve read Capote’s biography but The Swans further broadened my conception of his talented and tortured personality. Glad to have found your blog.
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tx for the heads up, Carol
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Thank you for sharing!!.. I saw the movie but have not read the book… there are a good number of movies that have been “altered” somewhat for the audience… today we have a rating system.. 🙂
Every day here on the path is unique and one of a kind, and every day I follow my heart and heed the advice of Mahatma Gandhi; “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” (Mahatma Gandhi)… 🙂
Hope you and yours are having a wonderful holiday in spite of life’s challenges, and have a wonderful Happy New Year filled with peace, love and happiness!.. until we meet again..
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
(Irish Saying)
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thanks for stopping by & sharing your abundant joy, Larry 🙂
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