Customer Reviews

Music for Chameleons (Penguin Modern Classics)

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I see much skepticism in the other reviews of this book about Capote's trustworthiness in representing a story as truth or fiction, but I have to say that I was able to put my own judgment about those matters aside, and enjoy the highly entertaining way in which he writes. Was the conversation with Marilyn Monroe real, partly real, or totally an invention of what others have said was a drug-addled mind - who cares? We will never truly know, and that is the beauty of it. Both parties have departed this earth; both are regarded somewhat mythically, and I do not believe that Capote was doing anything other than attempting to entertain, which he does in a sensational, shocking, but addictively readable way. I have to confess that there were only a few of the "fictional" stories at the beginning that I truly enjoyed, but I was thoroughly entertained by the short pieces - episodes with Truman Capote and his unusual band of friends and acquaintances - in the latter third of this book. The central story of the Handcarved Coffins had much that anyone attempting to discredit factually would likely have fun with. I have not researched the story, so do not know if it was indeed a factual series of murders, or merely presented as such by Capote. I was not concerned with that, either here, or when I read In Cold Blood, by the same author. That piece was obviously more of a factual account, a highly publicised crime, but written in enjoyable prose. Handcarved Coffins was so much more compellingly written than much in the "detective" genre (which I try to avoid) today. Capote had a talent for storytelling that I have only recently discovered, but have quickly grown to appreciate.

From each country I visit, I buy a book as a souvenir. While on interrail this summer, I stumbled over the "Music for Chameleons" in Prague. I have not read a lot of Capote, but nevertheless, this must be Capote at his best.

His writing is simple and direct, yet beautiful and elegant. In a way, his economic writing style reminds me of Hemingway. Eloquent, with not one word out of place. "Music for Chameleons" had my attention from the preface to the very last page. The author has this amazing ability to grab the reader's attention and hold on to it. When reading this book, I was a part of it. I was there; I could feel the emotions of each of the characters in the different stories.

The book contains several short stories and one non-fiction novel. I don't normally like short stories, but after reading this book, I am now a great fan of short stories. At least Capote's short stories. They are extraordinary! My favorite among these stories is the story of his dope-smoking cleaning lady. A truly wicked story. The longer piece in this book, the novel, "Handcarved Coffins", is about his investigation of a murder case in Kansas. Great mystery, many details, and I read the whole story in one sitting.

"Music for Chameleons" is one of the most enjoyable books I've ever read and I read it in 50 page gulps. A compelling read. Highly recommended!

This book cleverly displays Capote's most interesting short fiction works and a finely crafted true murder story entitled "Handcarved Coffins." Capote once again shows how illustrative his words and phrasings can be from the author's only book dedicated completely to his short works.

When reading this book, one is forced to choose between loathing Capote for attempting to pass off such unlikely encounters as Handcarved Coffins and the Monroe essay... and adoring his awesome writing ability. Yes, Handcarved Coffins is fiction, but does that mean that it's not very good? Far from it- it's (to coin a cliche) a haunting piece of writing that stays with you long after you've put the book down.

Music for Chameleons is similar to Lillian Hellman's memoirs: should either author be damned for fictionalizing so many chapters in their lives? One could argue yes, but if you love gorgeous writing, they're still both worth checking out. For me, the stories here are good enough to overlook the deceit. For others, they're not. It depends on the reader, really. So take a chance on them... with a grain of salt.

In the truest sense of the word, Truman Capote is a wordsmith. Even before looking at the context of a story, I am amazed by Capote's ability to to craft words together in a sentence for a powerful meaning. While I wish I had half of his writing talent, I also wish more contemporary writers were as gifted in composing prose as Capote.

In large part, "Music for Chameleons" fits into Capote's unique category "the non-fiction novel". I have noticed other reviewers have disputed some of the facts in this book which I will leave for them to debate. For purposes of this review, I will state that I enjoyed this book as will many others that are familiar with Capote's writing and the celebrity culture with which he was engrained. Aside from a small minority, the stories focused on ordinary people. The interview with Marilyn Monroe reveals a quirky side of her character which sheds light on a different side of her as a person. While I thought "Handcarvered Coffins" was the highlight of the set, I also enjoyed stories like "A Day's Work" and Hello, Stranger."

Some readers may pick and choose which stories from this set that they read or even enjoy. It is appropriate that Capote closed the collection with a self-interview. While initially evasive in his self-interview, Capote bring the collection of stories full circle with a beautiful simple theme.

If Capote ever wrote an inexact word or a clumsy phrase or a sentence that wasn't full of meaning, it never saw print. Beyond the great stories and the way he travels through these characters' lives with himself as an observer/interpreter, I was just impressed with the writing style. Rarely do I encounter writing that clear or that poetic.

As for the stories - they mix fiction and narrative with aplomb. The Marilyn Monroe scene probably didn't take place as written, but there's a definite insight into her character that you don't see otherwise. The scene with Charles Manson's friend is scary in the way Capote's subject combines self-righteousness with utter lack of morality. Hand-carved Coffins is one of the best crime stories since, well, In Cold Blood (whether its fact or fiction is something I'll have to look up, but it's chilling.)

Truman Capote was one of the best writers of the 20th century and you owe it to yourself to read his prose even as his star celebrity icon status fades (bouyed up by Philip Seymour Hoffman) because it's his writing that we will remember decades from now.

One of the most purely enjoyable books I've ever read. Capote can paint a great image in just a few words. His economy is what I like most about him.

This collection kicks off with a few fascinating short stories, then the main course: his 100 or so page novella 'Handcarved Coffins', his alleged investigation of a multiple murder in Kansas. Great stuff, a compelling read, but I'd take it with a pinch of salt.

After that come a few pen portraits, including one of his dope-smoking cleaning lady which is very funny. There is also the revealing account of an afternoon with Marilyn Monroe (Capote is a shameless but fascinating namedropper, so be warned).

In some ways the UK version has a better cover, a great photo of the author dancing with Marilyn Monroe!

Music For Chameleons, a collection of short non-fiction pieces, is an example of Truman Capote at his finest. Whether he is documenting a bizarre murder case, relating a day spent with Marilyn Monroe, or describing divine intervention in the form of Pearl Bailey, Capote is always captivating. His prose is simple and direct, yet rich in imagery, and simply beautiful.

This is Capote at his best. His observations are beautiful, written with some of the cleanest writing I've ever encountered. This book has been my companion for many years. I'm not particularly concerned about his drug and alcohol problems or how true his claims were.
From the preface to the end of the book, I'm still fascinated by his ability to put together such beautiful sentences.

I'm torn between chosing this book or Capote's "Other Voices, Other Rooms," as his best work. Okay, it's a toss-up.

"Music for Chameleons" is like a collection of minature jewels, something akin to the Chopin "Preludes." These are brilliant, dazzling, and well-crafted pieces, each one complete and with its own theme. It's Capote at his best

Also recommended: McCrae's BARK OF THE DOGWOOD