DigeeBooks

New York Times bestselling author Laurence Leamer reveals the complex web of relationships and scandalous true stories behind Truman Capote's never-published final novel, Answered Prayers--the dark secrets, tragic glamour, and Capote's ultimate betrayal of the group of female friends he called his "swans."“There are certain women,” Truman Capote wrote, “who, though perhaps not born rich, are born to be rich.” Barbara “Babe” Paley, Gloria Guinness, Marella Agnelli, Slim Hayward, Pamela Churchill, C. Z. Guest, Lee Radziwill (Jackie Kennedy’s sister)—they were the toast of midcentury New York, each beautiful and distinguished in her own way. Capote befriended them, received their deepest confidences, and ingratiated himself into their lives. Then, in one fell swoop, he betrayed them in the most surprising and startling way possible.Bestselling biographer Laurence Leamer delves into the years following the acclaimed publication of Breakfast at Tiffany’s in 1958 and In Cold Blood in 1966, when Capote struggled with a crippling case of writer’s block. While en­joying all the fruits of his success, he was struck with an idea for what he was sure would be his most celebrated novel…one based on the re­markable, racy lives of his very, very rich friends.For years, Capote attempted to write An­swered Prayers, what he believed would have been his magnum opus. But when he eventually published a few chapters in Esquire, the thinly fictionalized lives (and scandals) of his closest fe­male confidantes were laid bare for all to see, and he was banished from their high-society world forever. Laurence Leamer re-creates the lives of these fascinating swans, their friendships with Capote and one another, and the doomed quest to write what could have been one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century.

Embark on a literary voyage with Laurence Leamer's captivating book, "Capote's Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era." This meticulously researched narrative delves into the intricate lives of the women who orbited Truman Capote, the celebrated author of "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "In Cold Blood." Leamer paints a vivid portrait of Capote's complex relationships, shedding light on the profound impact these women had on his life and work.

At the heart of the story lies Capote's enduring friendship with Babe Paley, a renowned socialite and fashion icon. Their bond transcended the boundaries of conventional relationships, blurring the lines between love, loyalty, and obsession. Leamer skillfully unravels the layers of their connection, revealing the nuances and complexities that shaped their extraordinary friendship.

"Capote's Women" also explores the lives of other remarkable women in Capote's circle, including the enigmatic Lee Miller, a photographer and muse; the vivacious Gloria Vanderbilt, a socialite and writer; and the talented Harper Lee, author of the beloved novel "To Kill a Mockingbird." Leamer deftly weaves together their stories, showcasing the diverse and fascinating characters who influenced Capote's writing and worldview.

Beyond the personal narratives, "Capote's Women" delves into the cultural and historical context of Capote's era. Leamer vividly captures the glamour and excess of high society in the 1950s and 1960s, providing a backdrop for Capote's literary achievements and personal struggles. The book also examines the impact of Capote's groundbreaking work, particularly his nonfiction novel "In Cold Blood," which revolutionized the true crime genre and cemented his status as a literary giant.

With meticulous research and captivating storytelling, "Capote's Women" offers a fresh perspective on Truman Capote's life and work. Leamer's masterful work illuminates the profound connections between Capote and the women who shaped his destiny, ultimately painting a poignant picture of an era gone by.