The article commemorates Truman Capote’s centenary, highlighting the release of his correspondence during the creation of *In Cold Blood*. It explores his deep commitment to the project, revealing his struggles and the paradox of his character through letters. Additionally, Leila Guerriero’s quest to connect with Capote’s ghost in Palamós is discussed. The piece further delves into Capote’s life, the impact of the Clutter family murder, and the turbulence that followed his literary success.
Spotlight on Truman Capote
Four Murders, a Black-and-White Ball, Correspondence, and an Interview
This year commemorates the 100th anniversary of Truman Capote’s birth, prompting Rivage Editions to release his correspondence during the writing of In Cold Blood, along with an insightful account by Leila Guerriero, who embarked on a journey to trace Capote’s steps.
When Capote chose to focus on the brutal murder of the Clutter family in Kansas, he had no inkling that it would consume him for five years. He expressed to his publisher that In Cold Blood “will be a masterpiece; if it’s not, I’ve wasted two or three years.” To pursue this ambitious project, the diminutive, high-voiced author left New York, armed with 4,000 pages of notes on the crime. His extensive correspondence reveals that the writing process was fraught with uncertainty and anguish, while also portraying Capote as a paradoxical yet charming figure. This publication also includes a lengthy interview Capote granted to the New York Times Book Review in January 1966, which adds an extra layer of fascination.
The Phantom of Truman Capote
In Argentina, Leila Guerriero, a prominent voice in narrative journalism, sought to encounter the specter of Capote in Palamós, a place he frequented while working on In Cold Blood. Her quest is humorous as it ultimately leads to nowhere. The few people she interviews offer conflicting stories that lack credibility, revealing a tapestry of forgotten memories and fabricated narratives.
In Cold Blood
In Cold Blood draws a detailed picture of the tragic murder of a Kansas family in 1959. Capote, alongside his friend Harper Lee, spent several weeks at the crime scene, immersing himself in research and fact-gathering. This innovative work, part novel and part documentary, first appeared in four segments in the New Yorker in the fall of 1965 before being published as a book in January 1966. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and success was immediate, yet Capote spiraled into substance abuse. In April 1965, he witnessed the execution of the two killers, an event that left deep scars on him.
The Art of the Fugue: The Modern Sorrow
Paul Paliseul finds himself at a low point. Though he once enjoyed acclaim for his stand-up comedy, a single disappointing performance caused his career to crumble. The euphoric phase lasted just seven years, ending with the arrival of his son Marius and a blossoming awareness of the world’s complexities, fostering a desire to find meaning in life. During a family vacation, his overwhelming impulse is to escape from his beloved wife and child. This narrative explores societal challenges through the eyes of this tormented character, who, like his partner, harbors unexpected depths.
The Favorite: Masao’s Boat
The Japanese island of Naoshima attracts travelers eager to experience its contemporary art scene and celebrated artworks. However, on the northern side lies a factory where Masao, a skilled grinder, spends his days. His evenings are marked by solitary ferries back to Tamano, where he leads a dull and lonely existence without complaint. Everything changes when Harumi, his daughter—whom he hasn’t seen in fourteen years—shows up outside the factory. Now an architect, she proposes a collaborative project: a museum near Naoshima. This rekindles their relationship, allowing Masao to slowly reveal himself despite his struggle to express emotions. Harumi, a bright and insightful young woman, understands her father’s reticence and offers no judgment. As Masao gradually opens up, readers uncover the reasons behind their estrangement and the circumstances that have shaped them. This exquisitely crafted novel unfolds delicately, conveying a poignant yet beautiful tapestry of emotion marked by silences.