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Breakfast at Tiffany's

By: Truman Capote
Narrated by: Michael C. Hall
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Publisher's Summary

Golden Globe-winning actor Michael C. Hall (Six Feet Under) performs Truman Capote's provocative, naturalistic masterstroke about a young writer's charmed fascination with his unorthodox neighbor, the "American geisha" Holly Golightly. Holly - a World War II-era society girl in her late teens - survives via socialization, attending parties and restaurants with men from the wealthy upper class who also provide her with money and expensive gifts. Over the course of the novella, the seemingly shallow Holly slowly opens up to the curious protagonist, who eventually gets tossed away as her deepening character emerges.

Breakfast at Tiffany's, Truman Capote's most beloved work of fiction, introduced an independent and complex character who challenged audiences, revived Audrey Hepburn's flagging career in the 1961 film version, and whose name and style has remained in the national idiom since publication. Hall uses his diligent attention to character to bring our unnamed narrator’s emotional vulnerability to the forefront of this American classic.

©1950, 1951, 1956, 1958, 1978, 1979, 1984 Truman Capote. Copyright renewed 1986 by Alan U. Schwartz (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Editorial reviews

Editors Select, February 2014 - Although very familiar with the iconic film, I'd never actually read the novella Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote. When I heard that actor Michael C. Hall (Six Feet Under) was narrating it for Audible, I jumped at the chance to listen. Capote's classic is simultaneously darker and more wistful than the film, and the famed Holly Golightly a little more calculating than charming. Michael C. Hall delivers a mesmerizing performance, giving each character their own unique voice. Hall's cadence perfectly matches Capote's words, and he forced me into my own whirlwind friendship with Holly. I'd never before experienced a narrator who seemed to so completely understand an author's intentions – the effect was magical. —Katie, Audible Editor

Critic Reviews

"[Michael C. Hall] uses his diligent attention to character to bring our unnamed narrator's emotional vulnerability to the forefront of this American classic.... I felt content and comfortable in Hall's hands as the tale unfolded. He did a wonderful job giving each character voice, especially that of Holly." (Caffeinated Book Reviewer)

What listeners say about Breakfast at Tiffany's

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Wonderful

Beautiful writing and nicely narrated. Holly is an unforgettable character, tragic, charismatic, optimistic. Fabulous depiction of New York too.

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Perfection

Beautifully read by Michael C Hall and utterly compelling. I'd seen the movie many times and knew the book was different, but I wasn't prepared for how much better the book was by comparison. Far more textured and insightful. Quelle masterpiece!

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the classiest classic!

just adored every minute of it! great narration etc. I am loathe to admit that all I have seen the movie many years ago I had never read the book ( I guess in a way I still have not..but feel as though I have) What a truly wonderful affair! 😀 A must!!!

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I had no idea …

I never knew what this story was about as the movie was before my time. Loved it. Beautiful, wistful writing which left me filled with a sense of wonder. The fantastic narration made it even better

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Must-read American classic

The American classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s remains a favourite of mine. Its depth despite its simplicity is a drawcard as is the construction of the enigmatic Holiday Golightly, a country girl turned New York cafe society girl and part time escort.

Set during the post war sexual revolution it is highly readable, more so for the beautifully flawed protagonist. Her manner with men is appropriate for a person with her past and I enjoy the narrator’s relationship with her, like a standoffish friend who knows so much he almost knows nothing. I loved her cat-like nature, sidling up to people from whom she can see herself gaining advantages, and her unbreakable resolve.

A wonderful book, narrated well.

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Great short read recommend

This is a wonderful short book finished in two days lesurly. Clear and easy to listen to. Good storyline and interesting characters.

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This is my new favourite book!!!

I could listen to this audiobook many times over. The narration is perfect for the text. I love how modern the story is even though it was written in the late 1950s. It is a fully immersive simple, yet beautiful story.

The setting of New York and the parties which remind me of a sort of toned down and more amusing Great Gatsby feel like a fabulous escape from covid life. The autonomy of women displayed in the novel is a breath of fresh air compared to other novels of the time. The acceptance and actual note and conversation about gays is quite uplifting for an older text. As well, the story about the Chinese guy from upstairs is actually less racist in the novella than the movie.

I used to say that either all quiet on the western front or Anne Frank’s diary were my favourite books, now I’ll say breakfast at Tiffany’s is, followed up closely by the diary of Anne frank.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!

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Excellent & perfectly narrated

Could not have asked for a better narrator for this wonderful story. Michael C Hall just does such a great job bringing the characters to life.

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Enjoyable

I really enjoyed it surprisely I was told to read it by my book club group. At first it didn't interest me, but then I started to imagine what life was like back in those days and how woman survived. That woman was quirky and very courageous in her own way.

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Capote's best

I have loved this story since 1968, when I first read it, aged 15.
When I saw the film, it disappointed me. Apart from Audrey's plaintive rendition of Moon River, and Buddy Ebsen's portrayal of Doc, the film (with its homophobic undertone and idiotic '60's rosy ending) was an ignoble, bleached and censored travesty of Capote 's story.
I liked this Audible rendition and appreciated Hall's narration. Forget the film (sorry Audrey) and listen to Capote's words as they were intended to be heard.

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