Customer Reviews

Miriam: A Classic Story of Loneliness

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Truman Capote is perhaps most well-known for his novel, In Cold Blood, and his novella, Breakfast at Tiffany's. While these two works are excellent, his short stories, though not as famous, should not be overlooked. "Miriam," for example, is only about ten pages long, yet it is such a compelling story that I found myself thinking about days after I had read it. It tells the story of Mrs. Miller, a widowed woman who is completely isolated from everyone except herself. She lives a standard life that rarely deviates from her usual chores and occasional treat of going to see a movie. One time when she goes to the movie theater, alone as usual, she sees a striking girl ahead of her in line. This girl, who is dressed primly and who has almost white hair, approaches her. She introduces herself as Miriam. It turns out Mrs. Miller's first name is also Miriam. The young Miriam asks Mrs. Miller to buy her a ticket to the movies, as she has never been before. When Mrs. Miller asks where Miriam's mother is, Miriam evades the question. This is the first introduction Mrs. Miller has to the character who eventually consumes her thoughts and interrupts her lonely life. Miriam comes to Mrs. Miller's house a few days later, late at night. Mrs. Miller is frightened and confused when she hears the doorbell ring; naturally, she is not expecting anyone. Miriam tells Mrs. Miller she is hungry and asks for cake and candied cherries. Appalled by Miriam's gall, and suspicious as to how Miriam knew where she lived, Mrs. Miller begs her to leave and wishes for her to not come again. The next day, however, seemingly inexplicably, Mrs. Miller finds herself buying the cake and cherries Miriam had wanted. For the first time in a long while, Mrs. Miller feels happy, though she is not quite sure why. Miriam once again comes to visit Mrs. Miller. She is pleased yet not surprised to see that Mrs. Miller bought the foods she requested. As the story progresses, Mrs. Miller confronts Miriam and herself. "Miriam" is a true classic and is consistent with Capote's admirable ability to write. I highly recommend it.