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| Cover for Penguin Modern Classics edition (3rd February 2000) |
Author: Truman Capote
Publisher: Signet/ New American Library
Release Date: 1st January 1980 (first published)
Genre: Non-fiction, Crime
Summary:
Nothing happens in the quite town of Holcomb, Kansas, and why would it? It is the perfect place to live out the American Dream.
However, in 1959, Herbert Clutter, his wife Bonnie, and their children, Nancey and Kenyon, were murdered in their own home.
In Cold Blood documents the killings and the subsequent Police investigation into catching the culprits responsible; Perry Smith and Richard 'Dick' Hickock.
Nothing happens in the quite town of Holcomb, Kansas, and why would it? It is the perfect place to live out the American Dream.
However, in 1959, Herbert Clutter, his wife Bonnie, and their children, Nancey and Kenyon, were murdered in their own home.
In Cold Blood documents the killings and the subsequent Police investigation into catching the culprits responsible; Perry Smith and Richard 'Dick' Hickock.
Review:
I read this book during the first year of my English Language and Literature A Level course in sixth form several years ago and, like most set texts, I was dreading it. When I think of set reading for my studies the first thought that comes into my head is; "Oh no. Not another awful, boring text that I have force myself to read and then pretend that I actually like it. Great."
However, I actually LOVED this book and did not put it down for several hours. In fact, I actually forgot I was reading it for my studies and did not take any notes...(I remembered halfway through and quickly jotted down everything that I could remember! Sorry, Mr T!)
My favourite aspect of the book is the narrative style, and the detached, journalistic tone, which creates the impression that it is a forensic examinations of the suspects and the Police. The narrative is divided between these two binary opposites until they eventually overlap when the criminals are caught. However, unlike normal fictional narratives and stereotypes, the criminals, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock, are treated as the protagonists whereas the Police are treated as the antagonists working against them. It is therefore easy to see Capote's emotional investment, commitment and sympathetic attitude towards Perry and Dick which ultimately, as some suggest, lead to his downfall. However, far from condemning their actions or defending them; it reminds us that even they are humans.
What also fascinated me about the book, is that you get so caught up in the story that you completely forget that everything in the book actually happened in real life and real people actually died! You only need to do a quick Google search to see a wealth of information and supporting material regarding the Clutter family and their unfortunate deaths in Holcomb. This really shocked me as even though I already knew what was going to happen to each of the characters, I was hoping for a different, happy ending except I got the harsh reality that these horrific murders actually happened!
You really have to drill it into your head, that this is not a work of fiction. It is no wonder that the book is considered a total reinvention of the non-fiction genre...
My favourite aspect of the book is the narrative style, and the detached, journalistic tone, which creates the impression that it is a forensic examinations of the suspects and the Police. The narrative is divided between these two binary opposites until they eventually overlap when the criminals are caught. However, unlike normal fictional narratives and stereotypes, the criminals, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock, are treated as the protagonists whereas the Police are treated as the antagonists working against them. It is therefore easy to see Capote's emotional investment, commitment and sympathetic attitude towards Perry and Dick which ultimately, as some suggest, lead to his downfall. However, far from condemning their actions or defending them; it reminds us that even they are humans.
What also fascinated me about the book, is that you get so caught up in the story that you completely forget that everything in the book actually happened in real life and real people actually died! You only need to do a quick Google search to see a wealth of information and supporting material regarding the Clutter family and their unfortunate deaths in Holcomb. This really shocked me as even though I already knew what was going to happen to each of the characters, I was hoping for a different, happy ending except I got the harsh reality that these horrific murders actually happened!
You really have to drill it into your head, that this is not a work of fiction. It is no wonder that the book is considered a total reinvention of the non-fiction genre...
It's shame that schools are starting to not set interesting, classic texts, such as In Cold Blood, anymore. When talking to my teacher during my second year at sixth form, I was shocked to find out that the year below us had to read Twilight!! I have nothing against the Twilight series, the books are in fact very enjoyable, but it is hardly a classic, is it? I mean, seriously? Schools are actually making kids write essays on Twilight and awarding them academic qualifications on it!
Oh dear. Give me a classic book, which might actually make kids stop and think for a bit, anyday.
Oh dear. Give me a classic book, which might actually make kids stop and think for a bit, anyday.
Rating: 10/10. After reading it, check out the 2005 film adaption Capote. Philip Seymour Hoffman portrays Truman Capote so well!
You can buy In Cold Blood from Amazon here.
You can buy In Cold Blood from Amazon here.
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