January Modern Classic: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

[mmack]

Just starting the thread so that we can sign in.

I enjoyed it, if 'enjoyed' is the right word. It's a v good blend of horrible violence and some exquisite prose.

I read it earlier this year. Very good. Reminded me very much of something else which escapes me now (pointless point there).

I just realised that this thread makes no sense if you don't know it's a follow-on from another thread.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/adult_fiction/2252584-Would-anyone-like-to-join-me-in-a-modern-classics-challenge-for-2015

Bumping. Has anyone started reading it yet?

Not yet as I have Shantaram to finish but will get cracking soon as that is done!

I have a book to finish first, but am hoping to start soon!

I've remembered what it reminded me of or, should I say, what reminded me of it. I won't say though as I'm interested to see whether anyone else makes the same comparison.

Just ordered a copy from the library.

If you have Netflix the film 'Capote' is on there and it's amazing. Well worth a watch after you have read the book. It follows Capote as he writes In Cold Blood.

Right just collected library copy. Let's go.

Waiting for mine to arrive.

Perhaps everyone could join hands and send positive vibes to my mailbox?

I`ll lurk and join in this thread as it moves along if you dont mind, I read this about 10 years ago whilst I was in the US, it left a major impression on me and will be interested to see what other people think.

I've finished it - had an unexpected day off!

I was, at first a little daunted at it being a 'true crime' novel. It's not a genre I have read much of, nor one I would be drawn to.

Having said that, it was an engaging read and being able to google details of the actual case added another dimension.

Turning to the book itself, Capote does a very good job of painting an (idealized?) picture of small-town American life in contrast to the counter-culture of the antagonists. I enjoyed the scene-setting in the earlier chapters and Capote's writing style.

I'm reluctant to go further, but have a few observations and thoughts for when everyone's finished the book.

Marking place. I'm a big true crime fan so I'm looking forward to reading it.

Thunderbirds are go!

Starting now.

I read this a little while ago, interested to hear other peoples views, I hadn't read a true crime novel in this kind of format before

I have read this several times for work.

I wonder if anyone reading this has also listened to The Serial on This American Life?

Have you noticed any parallels in the narratives structure? Style?

bought it yesterday and only managed about 20 or so pages as I was going out last night but was pulled in from the start, as Clash said true crime is not a genre I have ever been drawn to.
I'll update when I've read more!!

Will start this this week, so marking my place on the thread!

Read it last year for another book group - thought it was beautifully written. I concur about reading a bit about Truman life as he was writing this, and also watching Capote, as it's fascinating (Not to mention a masterclass in acting by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman). Will look forward to seeing what other people think of the book when they've had a chance to read it.

TheWordFactory Haven't listened to Serial but I wouldn't be surprised if it was influenced by this - it would be hard not to be.

music I will watch that movie - thanks for that suggestion.

I would heartily urge anyone (everyone?) to listen to The Serial. It is utterly compelling.

And like ICB, is structured in a non linear fashion that allows different aspects of the crime to be examined seperately.

Also, the narration, like ICB, is a wonderful combination of in depth forensic examination of a legal case combined with coloquial, almost trashy asides, into human nature.

I studied this book at college and found it fascinating. I thought it was really well told and was able to make you feel some sort of sympathy for (one at least) of the killers whilst not detracting from the hideousness of the murders.

Loved this

True Crime is not a genre I usually choose however I thought this book was excellent.

I particularly liked how he used different voices within the book, both to relate versions of the main events and to fill in the background, without overstepping into fiction or conjecture. His research must have been meticulous and I'm interested in finding out more about what drove him to write it.

It was an engrossing read, I found it thought-provoking and Capote shows sympathetic handling of a really difficult subject.

I'll definitely read more of his work.