JANUARY, 2022 |
BOOK REVIEW | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | 35
Issue 331 | Qsaltlake.com
the bookworm sez REVIEW BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER
Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for An Era BY LAURENCE LEAMER, ©2021, PUTNAM, $28, 356 PAGES
Her lips are locked tight. Your best friend knows all your secrets, and she’s keeping them; you told her things you had to tell somebody, and she’s telling nobody. You always knew you could trust her; if you couldn’t, she wouldn’t be your BFF. But as in the new book “Capote’s Women” by Laurence Leamer, what kind of a friend are you? For months, Truman Capote had been prom-
q scopes JANUARY BY SAM KELLEY-MILLS
ARIES March 20–April 19 There is a keen sense that the new year is nothing to celebrate, but don’t believe it. This is totally a time to reflect and get back to basics. Stop working on relationships and work on yourself. Relax and repeat.
TAURUS Apr 20–May 20 Even if you don’t forgive, you should really forget about someone that hurt you. No one is perfect and understanding this is a path to freedom. In the end, the villain of your story is best written out of it.
GEMINI May 21–June 20 There is twice as much fun to be had by getting affairs in order. The order you need can be found by eliminating
ising a blockbuster. Following his success with Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood, he was “one of the most famous authors in the world” but he needed a career-booster. The novel he was writing, he teased, would be about “his swans,” seven wealthy, fashionable women who quite personified “beauty, taste, and manners.” His first swan was Barbara “Babe” Paley, whom he’d met on a trip with the David Selznicks to Jamaica. For Capote, “Babe was the epitome of class,” simply “perfect” in every way; it helped that the famously gay writer was no threat to Paley’s “madly jealous” husband. Babe’s “dearest friend” was Nancy “Slim” Keith, who quickly learned that if a lady wanted her confidences kept, she didn’t tell Capote anything. She shouldn’t have trusted Babe, either: When Slim left for a European trip, Babe asked if Slim’s husband could accompany Babe’s friend,
Pamela Hayward, to a play. Slim was aware of Pamela’s predatory reputation, but what could she say? Of course, Pamela, another of Truman’s swans, stole Slim’s man, a scandal that Capote loved. Gloria Guinness was highly intelligent, possibly enough to be a spy in Nazi Germany. Lucy “C.Z.” Guest was an upper-crust “elitist” with a “magical aura.” Marella Agnelli “was born an Italian princess”; Lee Radziwill, of course, was Jacqueline Kennedy’s sister. Through the late 1960s, Capote claimed to be writing his masterpiece, his tour de force based on his swans, but several deadlines passed for it. He was sure Answered Prayers “would turn him once again into the most talked-about author in America.” Instead, when an excerpt from it was published, his swans got very ruffled feathers. Every time you stand in line for groceries, the tabloids scream at you with
a source of frustration or finding intrigue in the chaos. There can always pleasure in the pain.
rush of incoming compliments. You deserve some recognition.
CANCER June 21–July 22 The world can be a strange place. You provide a light to those in a dark place. Lift other and you’ll discover that people are mirrors, sending that light back at you. In order to receive, you need to give.
LEO July 23–August 22 Things are going to get complicated with a friend who has an agenda. The best way to deal is to give them space. A dance has a lot of steps, so sit back and listen to the music. You’ll find your groove.
VIRGO August 23–Sep. 2 You will make an impression on a young person or co-worker with skills and extensive knowledge. Don’t let it go to your head but enjoy the
LIBRA Sept 23–October 22 Family has a way of bringing out your nurturing spirit but be careful not to overstep. Sometimes it’s best to let people figure things out. Even so, be willing to provide a helping hand and take hold when needed.
SCORPIO Oct. 23–Nov. 21 There’s a conflict between your head and your heart, If an issue doesn’t fit in the box, then try finding a bigger box. In the end, it doesn’t matter if the placement is temporary. Do what works in the moment.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22–December 20.
A new engagement or blooming friendship has you feeling optimistic. Tread carefully and try not to spoil the simplicity of this relationship. Less is
so much drama that you either love it or hate it. Or, in the case of “Capote’s Women,” you cultivate it. And that’s infinitely fun, as told by author Laurence Leamer. Happily, though, Leamer doesn’t embellish or disrespect these women or Capote; he tells their tales in order, gently allowing readers’ heads to spin with the wild, globe-hopping goings-on but not to the point that it’s overdone. While most of this book is about these seven beautiful, wealthy, and serially married women — the Kardashians of their time, if you will — Capote is Leamer’s glue, and Truman gets his due, as well. Readers who devour this book will be sure that the writer would’ve been very happy about that. “Capote’s Women” should be like catnip to celeb-watchers of a Certain Age but even if you’re not, find it. If you’re a Hollywood fan, you’ll want to get a lock on it. Q always more. Keep it simple and safe and you’ll enjoy it more.
CAPRICORN Dec 21–Jan 19
You are never big on tradition until it is staring you in the face. While parties and festivities are behind you, there could be demands you aren’t expecting. Take a moment to enjoy the process. Be the hero!
AQUARIUS Jan. 20–Feb. 18 Be ready for changes as others around you implement personal resolutions. It may be temporary. The way to deal with uncertainty is to stop caring about it. Focus on yourself and you’ll be unstoppable.
PISCES Feb 19–Mar 19 Even if you don’t have ambition right now, the goals you set will compel you to improve. Make a list and be mindful of intentions. Money and finances require attention, but the focus should be on the spirit. Q
