Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote

Breakfast at Tiffany's is one of my favorite films of all time. It's a wonder that I never read the short novel that inspired the film sooner.

What can one say about the story? The novel is iconic but the film is even more so. I feel like the film version has overshadowed the novel. Maybe it's just me. I've loved the movie for so long that it feels like the original rather than the book. Audrey Hepburn IS Holly Golightly. And the way the book describes her physically feels wrong ("the ragbag colours of her boy's hair, tawny streaks..."). But her essence as described in the book was accurately captured by Hepburn.

The story is essentially the same with bits toned down for the movie. And yes, the movie ends very differently from the novel but it's Hollywood, after all. It's been said that it was "daring in its day" but the novel has lost its ability to shock. Nevertheless, it's a good read.

As I can't seem to get away from the movie while reviewing the novel, I couldn't get past the film while I was reading the book either. I kept comparing it to the movie. It is a shame, but that's the way it is.

I do recommend reading the book though. It's a worthy read on its own.