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 in the movie poster above, 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?
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I love these movies, regardless, though I’ve never read the books. Checked. I’ll make sure I get them.
Happy holidays, my dear, and all the best. As for me, it’ll be just family time. Unfortunately, we’re not going anywhere but hopefully next year will be more carefree and less challenging.
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thanks much for the kind wishes, Bojana – & now it’s the day after. it was a simple day with much to be grateful for. may 2021 be kinder…
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Let us hope.
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Great film. Truman was a great writer.
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[…] “About A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote […]
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daal, I’ve never heard of this one from Capote but love his other works so look forward to watching this! Sounds like a gem and thank you for sharing! 😀
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Like you, I appreciate “A Christmas Memory”. It paints a picture of lost innocence. Capote’s later work is more jaded. I must confess, however, I did not know the origin of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. I’ll have to go back and read the original! Thank you, Daal. Blessings, A. ❤
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