In Cold Blood
by Truman Capote
Book Review by: Kenneth-Michael
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote is a must for this summer’s reading list. This book is a must for aspiring journalists, as well. Capote turned a small newspaper clipping into a 345-page book. Apparently, he decided to visit Holcomb, a small town in Kansas, after reading an article in the New York Times about the murder of the Clutter family. The incident had taken place in 1959. There were no apparent suspects or motive for authorities.
So, Capote traveled to Holcomb and spoke with several people close to the family and the authorities. The most fascinating thing was Capote’s interviewing technique. He refused to use tape recorders or take notes during an interview; everything was memorized. It was documented that Capote had a 95-percent recall. Lee Harper, author of To Kill a Mockingbird, accompanied Capote on the trip. Harper was considered as Capote’s right-hand while investigating the story. However, the method of having Lee as an aid proved that the details and reporting were accurate
In Cold Blood is a piece of literature and journalism because of its clear storyline, structure, close attention to detail, and facts.
The challenging part of writing this book was creating an ending that was refreshing to the reader, especially after the two suspects were identified. In Cold Blood takes an interesting look at the lives of every character relevant to the murder and case, such as the Clutter Family, the two suspects and their families, the detectives in charge of the case, and friends of the Clutter family. The book reenacts the days leading to the murder, plus the capture and trial of the suspects. Another interesting tidbit is recapturing actual dialogue and scene from the Clutter family. Just how did Capote do it, being that he never met the family? Well, read the book!
In Cold Blood is a piece of literature and journalism because of its clear storyline, structure, close attention to detail, and facts. Capote starts the story by welcoming the reader to the town of Holcomb. “The village of Holcomb stands on the high wheat plains of western Kansas.”(Capote p.3). The story fills in the blanks of that small article published in the New York Times, just more elaborately.
