Audio Review: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
The worst monsters are always human.
My Thoughts:
This does not read like a true crime novel. It almost reads like a historical fiction novel but unfortunately all of the horrible events that take place happened. I recommend having something light and fluffy nearby to read when you're finished because this book will drag you down into a pit of despair.
The Cutter’s are a farming family and pillars of the community. Dad Herb is fair and liked by almost everyone. His daughter selflessly gives her time to everyone and his son, well, I don’t know much about him but he seems like a fine kid. The only one with issues is poor mom who suffers from depression and social anxiety and spends most of her time in her room.
They are just going about their lives with no idea that two thieves are planning to rob and murder them.
There is so much detail here, a little of it a wee bit unnecessary, and I had to force myself to stick with it in the beginning. Then I switched to audio and it went much smoother. It’s such a sad story but the author does a spectacular job of piecing together all of the historical details and making you feel a whole range of emotions, mostly anger and sorrow for the senseless loss of life. This isn’t a play-by-play emotionless retelling of a crime, Capote fills in the gaps with conversation and private thoughts. How accurate are they? I haven’t a clue but it makes the book go down a whole lot easier. I’m not a big fan of dry true novels and this wasn’t one of those. It’s a riveting story of a beloved family, two criminals with stories of their own, and the aftermath of that one terrible night.
Scott Brick narrated the version I read and his strong and serious voice is perfect for recounting this tragic story.
View all my reviews
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, Narrated by Scott Brick
Audiobook
Released by January 2006, 15+ Hours
Amazon ♦ Goodreads
Audiobook
Released by January 2006, 15+ Hours
Amazon ♦ Goodreads
On November 15, 1959, in the small town of Holcomb, Kansas, four members of the Clutter family were savagely murdered by blasts from a shotgun held a few inches from their faces. There was no apparent motive for the crime, and there were almost no clues.
As Truman Capote reconstructs the murder and the investigation that led to the capture, trial, and execution of the killers, he generates both mesmerizing suspense and astonishing empathy. In Cold Blood is a work that transcends its moment, yielding poignant insights into the nature of American violence.
As Truman Capote reconstructs the murder and the investigation that led to the capture, trial, and execution of the killers, he generates both mesmerizing suspense and astonishing empathy. In Cold Blood is a work that transcends its moment, yielding poignant insights into the nature of American violence.
The Cutter’s are a farming family and pillars of the community. Dad Herb is fair and liked by almost everyone. His daughter selflessly gives her time to everyone and his son, well, I don’t know much about him but he seems like a fine kid. The only one with issues is poor mom who suffers from depression and social anxiety and spends most of her time in her room.
They are just going about their lives with no idea that two thieves are planning to rob and murder them.
There is so much detail here, a little of it a wee bit unnecessary, and I had to force myself to stick with it in the beginning. Then I switched to audio and it went much smoother. It’s such a sad story but the author does a spectacular job of piecing together all of the historical details and making you feel a whole range of emotions, mostly anger and sorrow for the senseless loss of life. This isn’t a play-by-play emotionless retelling of a crime, Capote fills in the gaps with conversation and private thoughts. How accurate are they? I haven’t a clue but it makes the book go down a whole lot easier. I’m not a big fan of dry true novels and this wasn’t one of those. It’s a riveting story of a beloved family, two criminals with stories of their own, and the aftermath of that one terrible night.
Scott Brick narrated the version I read and his strong and serious voice is perfect for recounting this tragic story.
View all my reviews
I thought there was a tad to much detail in this one, too. But Capote does a good job of capturing the awfulness of this crime! Humans are the worst monsters. :)
ReplyDeleteHe truly did. It was so senseless :(
DeleteI may read this one someday and in my opinion, truer words were never spoken - humans ARE the worst monsters. That's probably why I like pets so much!
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteI read his book many years ago and also watched a couple of movies about this horrendous crime. I think it would be interesting to listen to it now.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen the movies. I need to get working on that.
DeleteI saw the movie Capote several years ago and learned a bit about the crimes through that. I can't really read true crime. I already hate people - I don't need more ammunition lol
ReplyDeleteKaren @ For What It's Worth
Haha, completely understandable and I feel exactly the same way :)
DeleteThat sounds dark but a really interesting story.
ReplyDeleteSo brutal and senseless but a riveting read for the most part non-the-less:(
DeleteI read this a long time ago and saw the movie. Truly horrifying. I am curious about the listening experience.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
The listening experience was excellent. It really brought the book to life for me.
DeleteI haven't read this book, nor have I seen the movie. I don't know if I'd be able to. Kinda scared that it sounds too angst-y for my taste.
ReplyDeleteIt's rough, not gonna lie.
DeleteI'm not sure I have ever read any Capote. Perhaps In Cold Blood would be an interesting one to start with?
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of his other work but some of his work comes very highly recommended.
DeleteYou finished! I guess the audio helped? I want to read this but I'm hoping my copy of I'll Be Gone in the Dark will be available any day now. I want to get sucked into that one first.
ReplyDeleteThe audio definitely helped. I struggle with true crime in paper for some reason. I hope you enjoy I'll Be Gone whenever it shows up!
Delete