Stephen Greco

Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill were prominent friends who lived large in the high society of the 1960s and 70s. Most of this novel is told from the perspective of Marlene, a housekeeper and cook to Lee who also becomes friends with Capote. Marlene is keeping secrets of her own, but Lee and Capote take up the most space on the page, as each of these iconic personages experience the ups and downs of life, fame, and creativity. This is likely one of the most sympathetic takes on Capote I've read, making him into a more tragic figure. An interesting read and highly recommended for historical fiction fans up for another take on Capote, Lee Radziwill, and their set.… (meer)

Such Good Friends: A Novel of Truman Capote & Lee Radziwill by Stephen Greco

The Story of the friendship between Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill as told through Lee's assistant (Servant) Marlene. Truman and Lee are well known to me, but I found them both to be unlikable. Truman with his arrogance and Lee her entitlement.

Although I had a strong distaste for the two, it did not take away from the story. The people they knew and events they attended were interesting. A lot of famous and wealthy people were mentioned which at times were intriguing. I did like Marlene and her part in this (story). Her Cuban ancestry was compelling, would have liked to learn more.

What I found a bit distracting was the endless dialog, at times I was at a loss for who was speaking. I also found repetitiveness throughout, which again, was a bit of a distraction. Overall I found Such Good Friends: A Novel of Truman Capote & Lee Radziwill interesting enough to finish. It was not a bad story, just not quite for me. Others may find it enjoyable.… (meer)

Be careful, ya'll; if you think you are getting the whole book for free...you are not. Right now, for pre-ordering, it only shows (on Amazon and B&N) as a very, VERY pricey paperback.

This is a perfect book club choice. You will love this book if you love lush, never-ending descriptions of clothing, decor, architecture, art, dated gossip, and Truman Capote. If you can see beyond the plot device of using the housekeeper to narrate what are private dialogues between Truman and some of his Swans, then this book will be a perfect beach read. I had difficulty trying to suspend my disbelief that the housekeeper would be privy to all of these conversations.

Frankly, I just don't have what it takes to enjoy books of this caliber. I need something that takes me away from this world. I need something that will make me think, laugh, cry, and use my imagination, something that will pique my curiosity. This book did none of those things for me. It felt as if the longer I read it, the longer the book became until I felt that it would never end.

The era that is the basis for this book will make it a little awkward for those of us who were born in the late 50's and only know some of these people when they were already past their prime. But, on the other hand, if you are much younger than me, then you might find this an exciting slice of mid to late-20th-century history. But, of course, it is history about the wealthy jet-setters and only touched briefly on anything significant that was going on in America at the time.

I should have realized that I would likely not love this novel when I realized it was similar to "The Swans of Fifth Avenue."

I did find it interesting that this book focused on Lee Radziwill and Truman Capote and not so much on the other Swans. However, I was disappointed not to hear more about Jackie Kennedy (at least by the 50% mark).

At times the author would use 21st-century language instead of what apropos of the 'women who lunch' in the mid-19th (1969) century would use, which would drag me out of the story.

This was not the perfect choice for me. I just never got the attraction of Truman Capote and most likely never will. However, I think many out in Bookland will enjoy this look into the rich and famous.

ARC was supplied by the publisher Kensington Books, the author, and NetGalley.… (meer)