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The Swans of Fifth Avenue
Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Historical Fiction (2016)NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER •ÌýTheÌýauthor of The Aviator’s Wife returns with a triumphant new novel about New York’s “Swansâ€� of the 1950s—and the scandalous, headline-making, and enthralling friendship between literary legend Truman Capote and peerless socialite Babe Paley.
People’s Book of the Week •� USA Today’s #1 “New and Noteworthy� Book •� Entertainment Weekly ’s Must List � LibraryReads Top Ten Pick
Of all the glamorous stars of New York high society, none blazes brighter than Babe Paley. Her flawless face regularly graces the pages of Vogue, and she is celebrated and adored for her ineffable style and exquisite taste, especially among her friends—the alluring socialite Swans Slim Keith, C. Z. Guest, Gloria Guinness, and Pamela Churchill. By all appearances, Babe has it all: money, beauty, glamour, jewels, influential friends, a prestigious husband, and gorgeous homes. But beneath this elegantly composed exterior dwells a passionate woman—a woman desperately longing for true love and connection.
Enter Truman Capote. This diminutive golden-haired genius with a larger-than-life personality explodes onto the scene, setting Babe and her circle of Swans aflutter. Through Babe, Truman gains an unlikely entrée into the enviable lives of Manhattan’s elite, along with unparalleled access to the scandal and gossip of Babe’s powerful circle. Sure of the loyalty of the man she calls “True Heart,� Babe never imagines the destruction Truman will leave in his wake. But once a storyteller, always a storyteller—even when the stories aren’t his to tell.
Truman’s fame is at its peak when such notable celebrities as Frank and Mia Sinatra, Lauren Bacall, and Rose Kennedy converge on his glittering Black and White Ball. But all too soon, he’ll ignite a literary scandal whose repercussions echo through the years. The Swans of Fifth Avenue will seduce and startle readers as it opens the door onto one of America’s most sumptuous eras.
Praise for The Swans of Fifth Avenue
“Exceptional storytelling . . . teeming with scandal, gossip and excitement.� —Harper’s Bazaar
“This moving fictionalization brings the whole cast of characters back to vivid life. Gossipy and fun, it’s also a nuanced look at the beauty and cruelty of a rarefied, bygone world.� � People
“The era and the sordid details come back to life in this jewel of a novel.� � O: The Oprah Magazine
People’s Book of the Week •� USA Today’s #1 “New and Noteworthy� Book •� Entertainment Weekly ’s Must List � LibraryReads Top Ten Pick
Of all the glamorous stars of New York high society, none blazes brighter than Babe Paley. Her flawless face regularly graces the pages of Vogue, and she is celebrated and adored for her ineffable style and exquisite taste, especially among her friends—the alluring socialite Swans Slim Keith, C. Z. Guest, Gloria Guinness, and Pamela Churchill. By all appearances, Babe has it all: money, beauty, glamour, jewels, influential friends, a prestigious husband, and gorgeous homes. But beneath this elegantly composed exterior dwells a passionate woman—a woman desperately longing for true love and connection.
Enter Truman Capote. This diminutive golden-haired genius with a larger-than-life personality explodes onto the scene, setting Babe and her circle of Swans aflutter. Through Babe, Truman gains an unlikely entrée into the enviable lives of Manhattan’s elite, along with unparalleled access to the scandal and gossip of Babe’s powerful circle. Sure of the loyalty of the man she calls “True Heart,� Babe never imagines the destruction Truman will leave in his wake. But once a storyteller, always a storyteller—even when the stories aren’t his to tell.
Truman’s fame is at its peak when such notable celebrities as Frank and Mia Sinatra, Lauren Bacall, and Rose Kennedy converge on his glittering Black and White Ball. But all too soon, he’ll ignite a literary scandal whose repercussions echo through the years. The Swans of Fifth Avenue will seduce and startle readers as it opens the door onto one of America’s most sumptuous eras.
Praise for The Swans of Fifth Avenue
“Exceptional storytelling . . . teeming with scandal, gossip and excitement.� —Harper’s Bazaar
“This moving fictionalization brings the whole cast of characters back to vivid life. Gossipy and fun, it’s also a nuanced look at the beauty and cruelty of a rarefied, bygone world.� � People
“The era and the sordid details come back to life in this jewel of a novel.� � O: The Oprah Magazine
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 26, 2016
4,233 people are currently reading
55k people want to read
About the author
Melanie Benjamin
15Ìýbooks3,404ÌýfollowersMelanie Benjamin is the author of the New York Times bestselling novels THE SWANS OF FIFTH AVENUE and THE AVIATOR'S WIFE, as well as the national bestseller ALICE I HAVE BEEN, and THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MRS. TOM THUMB, THE GIRLS IN THE PICTURE, MISTRESS OF THE RITZ and THE CHILDREN'S BLIZZARD. Her next novel is CALIFORNIA GOLDEN, a dazzling saga of mothers, daughters and sisters set in the vibrant surf culture of 1960s California. It will be out in August 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,107 reviews
September 29, 2015
2.5 stars
There are times when I read a book and then the reviews, I wonder if I read the book. This is one of those books. I found this book so saccharine, so gushing, so star struck that it was barely readable to me. I almost made an appointment for the dentist as my teeth ached from so much sweetness. I can not tell you how much this book left me cold and it was only seventy five pages near the end that saved it as an one star for me. Let me be clear. I have read this author before and like her. I am truly disappointed.
The story centers around Truman Capote and Babe Paley's friendship in the late 1950's/early 1960's. It is full of stories of the famous rich and famous of that time period like C.Z. Guest, Pam Churchill, Diana Vreeland and even appearances from Betty Bacall and Jackie Kennedy. They were Truman's swans who found him so amusing. He gossiped with them, flattered them and became their pet. he participated in their parties, stayed in their houses and shared their secrets.
Frankly I did not find them interesting at all. Their lives seemed so boring to me. It consisted of lunching, shopping and keeping themselves in perfect shape. They were bored out of their minds and looking for a diversion when Capote stumbled into their lives and they all adored him. It gives you a pictures of the privileges they seemingly enjoyed but it also lays out the high price they paid for it. Their subservience to men so they could stay married to the money was just horrifying. It is terrible to envision the beautiful and stylish Babe Pauley rub her husband's feet and keeping her make-up on all night so he could never see her face bare. Shudder.
Here are some examples of the gushing writing. "She (Babe) was a princess, a walking fairy tale." Truman says, "You simply can't understand how glorious they were, those girls!" Truman's supposedly last thoughts, "The splendor of belonging, being included, prized, coveted. The beauty of a perfectly tailored shirt, crisp, blinding white, just out of a box. The beauty of taffeta, the tinkling of bells, diamonds, emeralds, a pristine paper flower. Beauty."
If you are interested in the lives of the rich and famous who fill their days with shopping, eating, caring for their bodies and faces, partying and not much else then this book could be the one for you. I'm not so it wasn't the books for me.
There are times when I read a book and then the reviews, I wonder if I read the book. This is one of those books. I found this book so saccharine, so gushing, so star struck that it was barely readable to me. I almost made an appointment for the dentist as my teeth ached from so much sweetness. I can not tell you how much this book left me cold and it was only seventy five pages near the end that saved it as an one star for me. Let me be clear. I have read this author before and like her. I am truly disappointed.
The story centers around Truman Capote and Babe Paley's friendship in the late 1950's/early 1960's. It is full of stories of the famous rich and famous of that time period like C.Z. Guest, Pam Churchill, Diana Vreeland and even appearances from Betty Bacall and Jackie Kennedy. They were Truman's swans who found him so amusing. He gossiped with them, flattered them and became their pet. he participated in their parties, stayed in their houses and shared their secrets.
Frankly I did not find them interesting at all. Their lives seemed so boring to me. It consisted of lunching, shopping and keeping themselves in perfect shape. They were bored out of their minds and looking for a diversion when Capote stumbled into their lives and they all adored him. It gives you a pictures of the privileges they seemingly enjoyed but it also lays out the high price they paid for it. Their subservience to men so they could stay married to the money was just horrifying. It is terrible to envision the beautiful and stylish Babe Pauley rub her husband's feet and keeping her make-up on all night so he could never see her face bare. Shudder.
Here are some examples of the gushing writing. "She (Babe) was a princess, a walking fairy tale." Truman says, "You simply can't understand how glorious they were, those girls!" Truman's supposedly last thoughts, "The splendor of belonging, being included, prized, coveted. The beauty of a perfectly tailored shirt, crisp, blinding white, just out of a box. The beauty of taffeta, the tinkling of bells, diamonds, emeralds, a pristine paper flower. Beauty."
If you are interested in the lives of the rich and famous who fill their days with shopping, eating, caring for their bodies and faces, partying and not much else then this book could be the one for you. I'm not so it wasn't the books for me.
May 30, 2019
This is a dishy, gossipy inside look into Truman Capote and his “Swans", the powerful, wealthy socialites of Manhattan in the 50s and 60s. It’s fascinating look into the glamour and high society of a bygone era. Not all that glitters is gold, and there are many sad stories behind the public façade. It's the untold stories that lies beneath the public persona that makes this such a fascinating read.
Capote had a troubled childhood, and an insatiable desire to be loved and accepted. Through his friendship with Babe Paley, Capote was accepted into her rarefied and influential circle. He was privy to all their secrets and the juicy details of their lives. The literary scandal that led to his fall from grace rocked their world.
The narrators of the audio did an excellent job and brought the era and the story to life. Immediately on finishing I spent time googling Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball, as well as his main Swan, Babe Paley.
Highly recommended for a fun read about what could be called the original "Housewives".
Capote had a troubled childhood, and an insatiable desire to be loved and accepted. Through his friendship with Babe Paley, Capote was accepted into her rarefied and influential circle. He was privy to all their secrets and the juicy details of their lives. The literary scandal that led to his fall from grace rocked their world.
The narrators of the audio did an excellent job and brought the era and the story to life. Immediately on finishing I spent time googling Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball, as well as his main Swan, Babe Paley.
Highly recommended for a fun read about what could be called the original "Housewives".
February 2, 2016
Tell me -- What is your greatest fear?
There was a long silence. No sounds but the low hum of the pool filter, the faraway grazing of a lawn mower, and the determined "clip clip" of a gardener on the other side of some tall azalea bushes, trimming away.
"That someone will see," Babe whispered, while at the same time, Truman murmured, "That someone will find me out."
"That no one will love me," Truman added after another moment. While at the same time, Babe admitted, "And that I'll never be loved, truly."
In her latest novel, Melanie Benjamin peeks behind the curtain of the famous friendships (and infamous exploits) of Truman Capote and his "Swans" -- the best-known New York socialites of the early and mid 1960's, including Babe Paley, Slim Keith and others. For years Capote and his Swans, particularly Babe, were inseparable, until Capote published a scathing short fiction piece in Esquire magazine that was a thinly-disguised portrait of the most embarrassing aspect of the Swans' lives. After publication, a schism developed between Capote and the group, and he was ostracized from their circle for good.
I found this book to be fascinating. On one level, it could just be read as a story of the glitterati gallivanting around the big city (and the world) doing nothing more than spending money and being "fabulous." But I looked at it as more as a character study -- both of the individuals involved and of personality types in general -- and a tale of love and friendship.
I know a bit about Truman Capote, but I haven't read about him extensively or seen any of the biopics about his life. Benjamin describes for us a man who is simultaneously overconfident about his talent and importance, yet still desperately longing for approval and acceptance.
"If he only told the best stories, dished the most delicious gossip, dropped the grandest of names.
Then, perhaps. Then. Would he truly belong?"
Why would Capote, who seemed to find pure (though platonic) love with Babe Paley, turn around and betray her in such a public way? Was it hubris? Did he think that they were so close she'd forgive him? Did he think he was so smart that no one would know who he was writing about? I don't know. It's a question as old as time -- why does any friend betray another?
I knew nothing about the famous 1960's socialites, but their worries and concerns are the same the world over, particularly for women obsessed with beauty, who think they're going to be "traded in" for a newer model when their husbands get bored.
"Blond, brunette, tall, short, European or Californian, they were still the same; only the exteriors were different. And they devoted their lives to maintaining this difference, striving to shine, be the one jewel who stood out. Yet at night, they took off the diamonds, and gowns and went to empty beds resigned to the fact that they were just women, after all. Women with a shelf life."
4 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There was a long silence. No sounds but the low hum of the pool filter, the faraway grazing of a lawn mower, and the determined "clip clip" of a gardener on the other side of some tall azalea bushes, trimming away.
"That someone will see," Babe whispered, while at the same time, Truman murmured, "That someone will find me out."
"That no one will love me," Truman added after another moment. While at the same time, Babe admitted, "And that I'll never be loved, truly."
In her latest novel, Melanie Benjamin peeks behind the curtain of the famous friendships (and infamous exploits) of Truman Capote and his "Swans" -- the best-known New York socialites of the early and mid 1960's, including Babe Paley, Slim Keith and others. For years Capote and his Swans, particularly Babe, were inseparable, until Capote published a scathing short fiction piece in Esquire magazine that was a thinly-disguised portrait of the most embarrassing aspect of the Swans' lives. After publication, a schism developed between Capote and the group, and he was ostracized from their circle for good.
I found this book to be fascinating. On one level, it could just be read as a story of the glitterati gallivanting around the big city (and the world) doing nothing more than spending money and being "fabulous." But I looked at it as more as a character study -- both of the individuals involved and of personality types in general -- and a tale of love and friendship.
I know a bit about Truman Capote, but I haven't read about him extensively or seen any of the biopics about his life. Benjamin describes for us a man who is simultaneously overconfident about his talent and importance, yet still desperately longing for approval and acceptance.
"If he only told the best stories, dished the most delicious gossip, dropped the grandest of names.
Then, perhaps. Then. Would he truly belong?"
Why would Capote, who seemed to find pure (though platonic) love with Babe Paley, turn around and betray her in such a public way? Was it hubris? Did he think that they were so close she'd forgive him? Did he think he was so smart that no one would know who he was writing about? I don't know. It's a question as old as time -- why does any friend betray another?
I knew nothing about the famous 1960's socialites, but their worries and concerns are the same the world over, particularly for women obsessed with beauty, who think they're going to be "traded in" for a newer model when their husbands get bored.
"Blond, brunette, tall, short, European or Californian, they were still the same; only the exteriors were different. And they devoted their lives to maintaining this difference, striving to shine, be the one jewel who stood out. Yet at night, they took off the diamonds, and gowns and went to empty beds resigned to the fact that they were just women, after all. Women with a shelf life."
4 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2018
You’re considered superficial and silly if you are interested in fashion, but I think you can be substantial and still be interested in frivolity. Sophia Coppola
I found this book utterly fascinating, every time I picked it up I found myself completely submerged in this ephemeral world. Even though I knew of the Swans individually, I’d never heard of them referred to en masse, unaware they were part of the same circle and missed the Capote angle. I’d certainly never heard about the literary scandal. Like the author, my vague memory of Truman Capote growing up was of a bloated caricature of an alcoholic, he seemed mean-spirited with too much self regard, I had no knowledge of the man before his descent. Babe Paley was known to me only as one of the beautiful people.
Beyond the glittering world and the scandalous tales of high society, this is a story about a friendship, an unconventional love affair between Truman Capote and Babe Paley. Each of these central characters shares their version of that union set amidst the glitz and glamour of a culture all but gone today and offers a cautionary tale of entrusting one’s secrets to someone who might not be worthy. Beware the storytellers, the story they might tell is your own.
On the whole, though, this is a highly entertaining tale, its narrative structure going back and forth in time and offering us private and public moments of both comedy and tragedy. The comedic elements are imaginatively rendered as gossipy bits, almost as if we’re eavesdropping. For instance, as the book opens we are privy to a gathering of Swans as they try to distance themselves from Capote after the scandal, then cut to the next chapter, many years earlier, they’re all vying to crown themselves the one who discovered Truman. I love when an author finds a way to expose an understood reality, the lies we tell ourselves and others.
In an interview, Melanie Benjamin remarked that she is ‘drawn to people whose public stories are fairly well known, but whose private lives seem to indicate that there was a lot more going on that we didn't know about or learn about. The liars of history, in other words.� And that’s what stood out the most to me about this story, the sordid pasts, the hidden truths and the masks that people wear to hide what cannot be shared.
This is one of those books that just begs for more research. Throughout the reading I continually searched these names to have a more vivid image and now after finishing the novel, I cannot seem to stop myself from continuing my search. I really hated leaving this fantastical world, this is my favorite kind of reading where I am transported to another place, another time and populated with characters that I don’t always like, but who intrigue me all the same. It’s not for everyone and if you can’t get past the lives of the rich and (in)famous, then this won’t be your particular brand of reading. As for me, I wanted to go make up a shaker of martinis and sit back and read some more.
I found this book utterly fascinating, every time I picked it up I found myself completely submerged in this ephemeral world. Even though I knew of the Swans individually, I’d never heard of them referred to en masse, unaware they were part of the same circle and missed the Capote angle. I’d certainly never heard about the literary scandal. Like the author, my vague memory of Truman Capote growing up was of a bloated caricature of an alcoholic, he seemed mean-spirited with too much self regard, I had no knowledge of the man before his descent. Babe Paley was known to me only as one of the beautiful people.
Beyond the glittering world and the scandalous tales of high society, this is a story about a friendship, an unconventional love affair between Truman Capote and Babe Paley. Each of these central characters shares their version of that union set amidst the glitz and glamour of a culture all but gone today and offers a cautionary tale of entrusting one’s secrets to someone who might not be worthy. Beware the storytellers, the story they might tell is your own.
On the whole, though, this is a highly entertaining tale, its narrative structure going back and forth in time and offering us private and public moments of both comedy and tragedy. The comedic elements are imaginatively rendered as gossipy bits, almost as if we’re eavesdropping. For instance, as the book opens we are privy to a gathering of Swans as they try to distance themselves from Capote after the scandal, then cut to the next chapter, many years earlier, they’re all vying to crown themselves the one who discovered Truman. I love when an author finds a way to expose an understood reality, the lies we tell ourselves and others.
In an interview, Melanie Benjamin remarked that she is ‘drawn to people whose public stories are fairly well known, but whose private lives seem to indicate that there was a lot more going on that we didn't know about or learn about. The liars of history, in other words.� And that’s what stood out the most to me about this story, the sordid pasts, the hidden truths and the masks that people wear to hide what cannot be shared.
This is one of those books that just begs for more research. Throughout the reading I continually searched these names to have a more vivid image and now after finishing the novel, I cannot seem to stop myself from continuing my search. I really hated leaving this fantastical world, this is my favorite kind of reading where I am transported to another place, another time and populated with characters that I don’t always like, but who intrigue me all the same. It’s not for everyone and if you can’t get past the lives of the rich and (in)famous, then this won’t be your particular brand of reading. As for me, I wanted to go make up a shaker of martinis and sit back and read some more.
November 21, 2016
Find all of my reviews at:
"How can we be friends if we don't gossip together? Just a little?"
To quote the immortal words of one Clairee Belcher . . . .
And if you really don’t have anything nice to say, you should probably go sit by Truman Capote.
If you take a peek at my bookshelves you probably would be a little shocked to see this being added to my to-read stack, let alone getting a 4 Star rating. You wouldn’t be wrong necessarily � I do need to give credit where credit is due and admit I read The Swans of Fifth Avenue because a co-worker asked me to. Buuuuuuuuut, here’s a little confession: I’m kind of obsessed with stuff like this. Not so much that I’m willing to weed through the trash in order to find the treasures without a firm shove from an outsider, but this era and those who were famous during it???? Keep on dropping those names, yo . . . .
I’ve also decided that presented the opportunity I’d like to come back as one of these marvelous rich bitches in my next life. I’ve done the poor thing, so now it’s time to see how the other half lives. I mean really . . . .
So about the book. This is the story of Truman Capote and the gaggle of “swans� he surrounded himself with as he rose to fame in 1950s New York. Specifically, it is about his friendship with CBS founder Bill Paley’s wife Babe . . . .
The story follows Capote’s ascent to high society beginning with Other Voices, Other Rooms (as well as various stage work) and a continual rise with Breakfast At Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood all the way through his fall from grace with the short story "La Côte Basque 1965" which appeared in Esquire magazine in the Fall of 1975.
It’s delicious in its gossip mongering and I ATE. IT. UP. . . . . .
#nomnom
Recommended to: Bitchy queens like myself.
"How can we be friends if we don't gossip together? Just a little?"
To quote the immortal words of one Clairee Belcher . . . .
And if you really don’t have anything nice to say, you should probably go sit by Truman Capote.
If you take a peek at my bookshelves you probably would be a little shocked to see this being added to my to-read stack, let alone getting a 4 Star rating. You wouldn’t be wrong necessarily � I do need to give credit where credit is due and admit I read The Swans of Fifth Avenue because a co-worker asked me to. Buuuuuuuuut, here’s a little confession: I’m kind of obsessed with stuff like this. Not so much that I’m willing to weed through the trash in order to find the treasures without a firm shove from an outsider, but this era and those who were famous during it???? Keep on dropping those names, yo . . . .
I’ve also decided that presented the opportunity I’d like to come back as one of these marvelous rich bitches in my next life. I’ve done the poor thing, so now it’s time to see how the other half lives. I mean really . . . .
So about the book. This is the story of Truman Capote and the gaggle of “swans� he surrounded himself with as he rose to fame in 1950s New York. Specifically, it is about his friendship with CBS founder Bill Paley’s wife Babe . . . .
The story follows Capote’s ascent to high society beginning with Other Voices, Other Rooms (as well as various stage work) and a continual rise with Breakfast At Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood all the way through his fall from grace with the short story "La Côte Basque 1965" which appeared in Esquire magazine in the Fall of 1975.
It’s delicious in its gossip mongering and I ATE. IT. UP. . . . . .
#nomnom
Recommended to: Bitchy queens like myself.
December 2, 2022
I’m not a big reader of historical novels, but I was entertained and absorbed by Melanie Benjamin’s fictional account of the friendship between novelist Truman Capote and socialite Babe Paley.
Capote, of course, was the gifted Southern-born writer of books like Other Voices, Other Rooms, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and his acknowledged true crime masterpiece, In Cold Blood. Paley was the elegant, legendary beauty who was married to one of the most powerful and wealthy men in the country, William S. Paley, founder and chairman of CBS.
Precocious and flamboyantly gay young writer Capote, full of juicy anecdotes and outrageous gossip, met and bonded with Babe in the 1950s, and was soon embraced by the cocktail-swilling, air-kissing high society set, which included Slim Keith, Gloria Guinness, C.Z. Guest and Pamela Churchill � the high-necked “Swans� of the title, although you might also call them the original Real Housewives of New York.
Most of the Swans confide in Truman (they affectionately call him their True Heart), but none more than Babe, who despised her domineering mother who raised her and her sisters to be discreet, beautiful ornaments and marry well. Babe is so secretive that she’s never let anyone � except Truman � see her without makeup. The friendship is reciprocal. Capote reveals details about his lonely Alabama childhood and his own cruel mother.
For years, Capote is part of their circle, travelling on yachts, taking exotic trips. The women � who don’t have to work � admire his work ethic as he builds a name for himself. When his star rises spectacularly after the publication of In Cold Blood, Babe fears he'll abandon them. Instead, he throws one of the most glittering parties of the century in a ballroom of the Plaza Hotel � all to thank them for their friendship and generosity.
But a few years later, after fame, drugs, booze and casual sex have bloated his body and addled his brain, he writes a thinly-veiled fictional account of some of the Swans� lives in Esquire magazine. The women, recognizing themselves in the scathing, tell-all story, shut him out and refuse to take his calls. Telling him their secrets over martinis in La Côte Basque is one thing; how dare he air their dirty laundry for the rest of the world to read?
Benjamin uses the fallout from this betrayal as the starting point for the novel. Then she goes back and fills in the details about the Swans (admittedly, it’s hard to get a good sense of anyone except Babe and Slim), and how their friendships with Capote evolve, occasionally flashing forward.
The novel is elegantly structured and often quite beautifully written. The events before and during Capote’s famous 1966 Black & White Ball are chronicled in vivid prose, giving us the POV of everyone from Washington Post editor Katharine Graham � the party’s guest of honour � to a bored, disdainful Frank Sinatra, who was reluctantly dragged to the fête (“all this fancy fag shit�) by his much younger wife, Mia Farrow.
Benjamin has a tendency to overwrite, however; she’ll repeat the same information two or three times. And some cliché phrases should have been caught and changed by her editor.
But this heartfelt novel is full of rich themes like loyalty, artistic license, status, aging and, above all, true friendship. Benjamin has obviously done her historical research (her author’s note reveals what’s factual and what’s imagined). She recreates an era and some of its more intriguing players with lovely, affectionate details. I’m curious now about her earlier novel The Aviator’s Wife. And best of all, I now want to read more by the enigmatic, contradictory and ultimately tragic figure named Truman Capote.
Capote, of course, was the gifted Southern-born writer of books like Other Voices, Other Rooms, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and his acknowledged true crime masterpiece, In Cold Blood. Paley was the elegant, legendary beauty who was married to one of the most powerful and wealthy men in the country, William S. Paley, founder and chairman of CBS.
Precocious and flamboyantly gay young writer Capote, full of juicy anecdotes and outrageous gossip, met and bonded with Babe in the 1950s, and was soon embraced by the cocktail-swilling, air-kissing high society set, which included Slim Keith, Gloria Guinness, C.Z. Guest and Pamela Churchill � the high-necked “Swans� of the title, although you might also call them the original Real Housewives of New York.
Most of the Swans confide in Truman (they affectionately call him their True Heart), but none more than Babe, who despised her domineering mother who raised her and her sisters to be discreet, beautiful ornaments and marry well. Babe is so secretive that she’s never let anyone � except Truman � see her without makeup. The friendship is reciprocal. Capote reveals details about his lonely Alabama childhood and his own cruel mother.
For years, Capote is part of their circle, travelling on yachts, taking exotic trips. The women � who don’t have to work � admire his work ethic as he builds a name for himself. When his star rises spectacularly after the publication of In Cold Blood, Babe fears he'll abandon them. Instead, he throws one of the most glittering parties of the century in a ballroom of the Plaza Hotel � all to thank them for their friendship and generosity.
But a few years later, after fame, drugs, booze and casual sex have bloated his body and addled his brain, he writes a thinly-veiled fictional account of some of the Swans� lives in Esquire magazine. The women, recognizing themselves in the scathing, tell-all story, shut him out and refuse to take his calls. Telling him their secrets over martinis in La Côte Basque is one thing; how dare he air their dirty laundry for the rest of the world to read?
Benjamin uses the fallout from this betrayal as the starting point for the novel. Then she goes back and fills in the details about the Swans (admittedly, it’s hard to get a good sense of anyone except Babe and Slim), and how their friendships with Capote evolve, occasionally flashing forward.
The novel is elegantly structured and often quite beautifully written. The events before and during Capote’s famous 1966 Black & White Ball are chronicled in vivid prose, giving us the POV of everyone from Washington Post editor Katharine Graham � the party’s guest of honour � to a bored, disdainful Frank Sinatra, who was reluctantly dragged to the fête (“all this fancy fag shit�) by his much younger wife, Mia Farrow.
Benjamin has a tendency to overwrite, however; she’ll repeat the same information two or three times. And some cliché phrases should have been caught and changed by her editor.
But this heartfelt novel is full of rich themes like loyalty, artistic license, status, aging and, above all, true friendship. Benjamin has obviously done her historical research (her author’s note reveals what’s factual and what’s imagined). She recreates an era and some of its more intriguing players with lovely, affectionate details. I’m curious now about her earlier novel The Aviator’s Wife. And best of all, I now want to read more by the enigmatic, contradictory and ultimately tragic figure named Truman Capote.
February 17, 2016
I loved this book so much! I have always been fascinated with this era; New York in the 60s; the fashion, the art, and the people....and the story of Babe and Truman. (I love stories about complicated relationships.) Years ago I had read parts of La Côte Basque, 1965, so I was somewhat familiar with the background of the story. While reading this book, I spent hours reading about the lives of the other women in Truman Capote's life, (some that were just barely mentioned in this book), the Paleys, their apartments, the art they owned, looking at images from the famous Black and White Ball, and more! I found myself wishing I had a Mr. Kenneth hairstyle and a cute little Pucci dress! (I may have even teased my hair a little while reading:)
The Swans of Fifth Avenue is so well written and intriguing, especially knowing much of it is based on real facts. It's an unusual story about a love between two so seemingly different people who are, at the core, so alike; two "lonely, damaged souls...so vulnerable and naked in every way that matter." (one of the last lines in the book that described the relationship between Babe Paley and Truman Capote perfectly.)
The Swans of Fifth Avenue is so well written and intriguing, especially knowing much of it is based on real facts. It's an unusual story about a love between two so seemingly different people who are, at the core, so alike; two "lonely, damaged souls...so vulnerable and naked in every way that matter." (one of the last lines in the book that described the relationship between Babe Paley and Truman Capote perfectly.)
August 6, 2016
I was in the mood for something light and fun and gossipy and this book was certainly those things. The cast of characters include William and Babe Paley, Truman Capote, Diana Vreeland, CZ Guest, Gloria Guiness, Pamela Churchill and tons of other heirs and heiresses and celebreties. But - the writing was almost childish and full of vapid psychological musings. OK, maybe a bit harsh....I did enoy the re-creation of high society New York in the 50's and 60's and the lifestyles of the rich and famous. I just couldn't get past the hammy writing.
If you are looking for something similar in topic, allow me to recommend Dominick Dunne - "The Two Mrs. Grenvilles" (tells the story of Ann Woodward, a character in "Swans of Fifth Avenue"), "An Inconvenient Woman," and "People Like Us." Several of these books have a thinly disguised Truman Capote character. His books are great fun to read and have really good writing. Dunne is the brother of John Gregory Dunne and brother-in-law to Joan Didion, so the writing genes in that family pool are great ones!
If you are looking for something similar in topic, allow me to recommend Dominick Dunne - "The Two Mrs. Grenvilles" (tells the story of Ann Woodward, a character in "Swans of Fifth Avenue"), "An Inconvenient Woman," and "People Like Us." Several of these books have a thinly disguised Truman Capote character. His books are great fun to read and have really good writing. Dunne is the brother of John Gregory Dunne and brother-in-law to Joan Didion, so the writing genes in that family pool are great ones!
March 5, 2017
So if even half of what the author reveals about Truman Capote's inability to keep a secret-- his seemingly psychological need for gossip-- is true, then Truman would absolutely love this book. Filled with tales about Truman himself and his beloved swans, the society women who were his best friends, this book is a delicious, delectable foray into their dirty little secrets. The women tell Truman things they don't even tell each other or their husbands, because their trust in Truman is implicit. But after the success of In Cold Blood and Truman's "Party of the Century," he changed. He turned to vodka and drugs and grew lazy, more concerned about his image than with his writing. He finally wrote about what he knew best, his swans-- friendship be damned--because they made for good stories. He and Babe Paley were the closest of them all, so the reader wonders if at least the two of them will patch things before it's too late.
I remember very well watching Truman make the talk show circuit back when I was a pre-teen. He was so flamboyant and outlandish, nothing about him seemed geniune. I felt the same here. His friendships and the trust they demanded were tested, and he gets a failing grade. He didn't know love as a child and so as an adult his conception of love was skewed. Maybe with Babe he struck gold, but then he risked even that.
I was quite taken with the first half of this book, but in the second half I felt the portrayal of Truman's personality gradually enervated the enjoyment factor. The author still managed to turned some of the vinegar into champagne, so for that I give her points. Tragedy amidst the glitz and glamour. 3.5 stars.
Courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
I remember very well watching Truman make the talk show circuit back when I was a pre-teen. He was so flamboyant and outlandish, nothing about him seemed geniune. I felt the same here. His friendships and the trust they demanded were tested, and he gets a failing grade. He didn't know love as a child and so as an adult his conception of love was skewed. Maybe with Babe he struck gold, but then he risked even that.
I was quite taken with the first half of this book, but in the second half I felt the portrayal of Truman's personality gradually enervated the enjoyment factor. The author still managed to turned some of the vinegar into champagne, so for that I give her points. Tragedy amidst the glitz and glamour. 3.5 stars.
Courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
December 16, 2015
I was really looking forward to this book since I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Benjamin’s books, “The Aviator’s Wife� and “Mrs. Tom Thumb�. I was looking for a book that would be entertaining and not too difficult for my vacation read, well mostly airplane read! I made a great choice.
Of course I had read Truman Capote’s books “In Cold Blood� and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s� and saw the movie of that book many times. Neither my mom nor I ever really followed any of the rich and fabulous but that was all the more reason why I really enjoyed this novel.
The story begins at the end and is told backwards in time. I had never heard of the “swans� of this era but enjoyed their stories and their relationships. As with most Hollywood stars we seldom hear of their real lives and how sad and sordid those lives could be. We like to believe in the fantasy world that they portray and forget that they are just human beings like everyone else. Wealth and being famous can certainly change a person particularly if it happens suddenly. Then there are those who have been privileged their entire life. I think the saddest of the women are the “trophy� wives who existed to make their husband’s lives, sometimes rich industrialists, sometime the privileged super rich, look and feel effortless.
I think that Ms. Benjamin really wrote an honest, although fictionalized, version of Mr. Capote and the “swans�. The story of Hollywood in the 50’s and those people who inhabited it, Babe Paley, Pamela Churchill, Gloria Guinness to name just some and those that they worked with, tried very hard to maintain the illusion of themselves that they wanted the public to know. I loved reading the descriptions of the parties and luncheons and just all of the scenes in the book that took place in the 50’s. It was a perfect vacation read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thank NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Of course I had read Truman Capote’s books “In Cold Blood� and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s� and saw the movie of that book many times. Neither my mom nor I ever really followed any of the rich and fabulous but that was all the more reason why I really enjoyed this novel.
The story begins at the end and is told backwards in time. I had never heard of the “swans� of this era but enjoyed their stories and their relationships. As with most Hollywood stars we seldom hear of their real lives and how sad and sordid those lives could be. We like to believe in the fantasy world that they portray and forget that they are just human beings like everyone else. Wealth and being famous can certainly change a person particularly if it happens suddenly. Then there are those who have been privileged their entire life. I think the saddest of the women are the “trophy� wives who existed to make their husband’s lives, sometimes rich industrialists, sometime the privileged super rich, look and feel effortless.
I think that Ms. Benjamin really wrote an honest, although fictionalized, version of Mr. Capote and the “swans�. The story of Hollywood in the 50’s and those people who inhabited it, Babe Paley, Pamela Churchill, Gloria Guinness to name just some and those that they worked with, tried very hard to maintain the illusion of themselves that they wanted the public to know. I loved reading the descriptions of the parties and luncheons and just all of the scenes in the book that took place in the 50’s. It was a perfect vacation read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thank NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2020
Babe Paley, a woman of great beauty and beyond words style, who had graced the pages of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, is searching for something more in life � longing for true love.
Truman Capote, coming from a small place and dreaming about a big world, the only way out he saw was with the writing. With bigger than life personality, he permeates the lives of Manhattan’s elite.
Truman is obsessed with Babe, with her beauty. He wants to be loved and accepted. If he can’t get her story out of her, he does it from the fashion editor � Diana Vreeland.
Initially, I got pulled into the story, because of Truman, the flamboyant character. And I liked him revealing his story and trying to get Babe to reveal her story. But then, more stories were being revealed of Babe’s husband and other swans. And that’s when the story started falling apart for me. I wanted the story to be more focused on Truman and Babe. I had no interest in those other characters. There was also too much obsession with the beauty, love, acceptance and not enough essence.
I usually don’t have patience for such storyline. However, I enjoy the writing of this author. So I knew I had to gear myself with some patience. But after a while I lost it with all the swanning and gliding and the vanity of beauty and money.
I applaud the author for the great authenticity she brought with this kind of writing since we’re dealing with the swans of the Fifth Avenue. But for me I needed a stronger storyline with more substance, which I think could have been brought with more biographical background of Truman.
Truman Capote, coming from a small place and dreaming about a big world, the only way out he saw was with the writing. With bigger than life personality, he permeates the lives of Manhattan’s elite.
Truman is obsessed with Babe, with her beauty. He wants to be loved and accepted. If he can’t get her story out of her, he does it from the fashion editor � Diana Vreeland.
Initially, I got pulled into the story, because of Truman, the flamboyant character. And I liked him revealing his story and trying to get Babe to reveal her story. But then, more stories were being revealed of Babe’s husband and other swans. And that’s when the story started falling apart for me. I wanted the story to be more focused on Truman and Babe. I had no interest in those other characters. There was also too much obsession with the beauty, love, acceptance and not enough essence.
I usually don’t have patience for such storyline. However, I enjoy the writing of this author. So I knew I had to gear myself with some patience. But after a while I lost it with all the swanning and gliding and the vanity of beauty and money.
I applaud the author for the great authenticity she brought with this kind of writing since we’re dealing with the swans of the Fifth Avenue. But for me I needed a stronger storyline with more substance, which I think could have been brought with more biographical background of Truman.
April 28, 2016
I listened to the audiobook narration by Cassandra Campbell and Paul Boehmer. Both did an excellent job at mimicking Truman Capote’s drawl, lisp and voice. I listened to Capote on YouTube to confirm if the intonations were correct renderings or perhaps exaggerations. I am satisfied that they both captured the lilt of the characters� true voices. The chapters are split between the different narrators rather than having Campbell read the females and Boehmer the males. The speed was easy to follow and the voices felt utterly genuine. I feel the narration deserves five stars.
The book I give four. I separate the two ratings.
While I listened I had a nagging doubt, “Is all that I am being told really true?� After checking internet I became convinced. I feel the author has done a tremendous job assimilating all the known facts. It is she that has added fictional dialog. Before reading the book I knew very little about the central characters: Truman Capote, Babe Cushing Mortimer Paley and her husband William S. Paley (the founder of CBS), Nancy “Slim� Keith, Gloria Guinness, Lucy Douglas "C. Z." Guest, Marella Agnelli and Jack Dunphy (Capote’s long time lover). All of them have photos and in-depth articles on them on the net. These women were the high society dames of NYC in the 50s, the “Swans of Fifth Avenue�. All ultra-wealthy, all attractive, all the cream of the crop, the pace-setters. Most promiscuous. So if reading about the elite draws you, then this is a must read. The book is well-researched. Of course, if you want to know about Capote, this is another reason to read the book. It is this that drew me. This is one of those books that you finish wondering if it wouldn’t have been more pleasant to not know the truth. The truth is ugly.
So you learn about New York high society in the 50s and you learn about the above people’s lives all the way through to their deaths. You learn about why Babe and Truman Capote became such close friends. What was it in them that drew them to each other? The author believes she understands, and her reasoning is definitely convincing. The change in Capote after his magnificent Black and White Ball at the Plaza Hotel in 1967 is important too. All of his books are discussed, and how they relate to his life. There is an author’s note at the end that says exactly what is fact and what fiction. The fictional elements ring true.
The book I give four. I separate the two ratings.
While I listened I had a nagging doubt, “Is all that I am being told really true?� After checking internet I became convinced. I feel the author has done a tremendous job assimilating all the known facts. It is she that has added fictional dialog. Before reading the book I knew very little about the central characters: Truman Capote, Babe Cushing Mortimer Paley and her husband William S. Paley (the founder of CBS), Nancy “Slim� Keith, Gloria Guinness, Lucy Douglas "C. Z." Guest, Marella Agnelli and Jack Dunphy (Capote’s long time lover). All of them have photos and in-depth articles on them on the net. These women were the high society dames of NYC in the 50s, the “Swans of Fifth Avenue�. All ultra-wealthy, all attractive, all the cream of the crop, the pace-setters. Most promiscuous. So if reading about the elite draws you, then this is a must read. The book is well-researched. Of course, if you want to know about Capote, this is another reason to read the book. It is this that drew me. This is one of those books that you finish wondering if it wouldn’t have been more pleasant to not know the truth. The truth is ugly.
So you learn about New York high society in the 50s and you learn about the above people’s lives all the way through to their deaths. You learn about why Babe and Truman Capote became such close friends. What was it in them that drew them to each other? The author believes she understands, and her reasoning is definitely convincing. The change in Capote after his magnificent Black and White Ball at the Plaza Hotel in 1967 is important too. All of his books are discussed, and how they relate to his life. There is an author’s note at the end that says exactly what is fact and what fiction. The fictional elements ring true.
March 26, 2024
3.5
This book was on my TBR since it originally was published but it took watching a few episodes of the Feud series� The Swans to remind me to pick this up. It’s funny, although the series is based on a non-fiction version of Truman Capote and his entwined life with the likes of Babe Paley and other mid-century mavens of New York City society, I would have sworn the series was based on this book� so many similar scenes.
This book hit me on two levels� one level is certainly the tragic trajectory that Truman Capote’s life took and the other was how the �60s and �70s changed the lives of all women, not just the wealthy trophy wives who were drawn to Capote like moths to a flame.
And he sure was a flame both figuratively and literally. I suspect any of us would have wanted to be in his circle in those early years � before the alcohol, drugs, and crumbling literary gift took hold of him. By the end, he was just a shell of himself, and yet, fifty years later� we’re still talking about him and his influence.
Just as sad was the downturns the women in his life experienced � not so different than his own demons- beauty and wealth are not always sustainable. Babe and the others were unprepared for the changes they would face as their own daughters rejected their lifestyle, shallow pursuits, and supreme caretaking of the men in their lives.
This was a compelling story, a very sad story, but it was also an excellent “slice of life� tale about a time long ago when women’s expectations for themselves and their daughters were rarely about personal growth, happiness, or satisfaction.
Beyond the gorgeous details, stunning locales, and drop dead divas, there’s a whole lot of tragedy happening � none of which can really be blamed on Truman Capote’s cruel trick of shoving a gilt mirror up to the lives of these women.
Sadly, there is no winner in this book. Not one.
(Reviewed 3/24/24)
This book was on my TBR since it originally was published but it took watching a few episodes of the Feud series� The Swans to remind me to pick this up. It’s funny, although the series is based on a non-fiction version of Truman Capote and his entwined life with the likes of Babe Paley and other mid-century mavens of New York City society, I would have sworn the series was based on this book� so many similar scenes.
This book hit me on two levels� one level is certainly the tragic trajectory that Truman Capote’s life took and the other was how the �60s and �70s changed the lives of all women, not just the wealthy trophy wives who were drawn to Capote like moths to a flame.
And he sure was a flame both figuratively and literally. I suspect any of us would have wanted to be in his circle in those early years � before the alcohol, drugs, and crumbling literary gift took hold of him. By the end, he was just a shell of himself, and yet, fifty years later� we’re still talking about him and his influence.
Just as sad was the downturns the women in his life experienced � not so different than his own demons- beauty and wealth are not always sustainable. Babe and the others were unprepared for the changes they would face as their own daughters rejected their lifestyle, shallow pursuits, and supreme caretaking of the men in their lives.
This was a compelling story, a very sad story, but it was also an excellent “slice of life� tale about a time long ago when women’s expectations for themselves and their daughters were rarely about personal growth, happiness, or satisfaction.
Beyond the gorgeous details, stunning locales, and drop dead divas, there’s a whole lot of tragedy happening � none of which can really be blamed on Truman Capote’s cruel trick of shoving a gilt mirror up to the lives of these women.
Sadly, there is no winner in this book. Not one.
(Reviewed 3/24/24)
March 8, 2018
"But defiantly, they had agreed to meet at the scene of the crime - the restaurant that had spawned the literary scandal of the century, as it was already being called. Slim Hawks Hayward Keith, Marella Agnelli, Gloria Guiness, and Pamela Churchill Hayward Harriman - not a shrinking violet in the bunch - had descended upon La Cote Basque, always the place to see and be seen, especially today.
...Today, they'd opened the pages of Esquire magazine and seen themselves - not merely themselves, but their kind, their tribe, their exclusive, privileged, envied set - eviscerated, skin flayed open, souls laid bare, ugliness acknowledged. Secrets betrayed and lives destroyed. By the viper in their nest; the storyteller in their midst."
In the mid-1960's, Truman Capote was at the height of his talent and his fame. He had published In Cold Blood, which would be the most successful work of his career; and he had firmly established himself within the upper crust of New York society. Rich, stylish, bored women invited him to their vacation homes and yachts and private planes; in return, Capote amused them by telling them fabricated stories about his childhood in Alabama, and by being scandalous and extravagant (see - his Black and White ball in 1966, where society immediately became divided into who had received an invitation and who hadn't). And then, in 1975, Capote published a short story called "La Cote Basque, 1965." In what was intended to be an excerpt from a book he never finished, Capote revealed every scandal and secret that he'd learned in his years in the inner circle. His rich friends effectively disowned him for the betrayal, and Capote was ruined. His career never recovered.
The Swans of Fifth Avenue jumps around in time, opening with the aged "swans" gathering in the infamous restaurant to strategize after Capote's scandalous story comes out, and Melanie Benjamin also takes us through Capote's rise and fall in New York society. Although she shows us Capote's interactions with a handful of influential society women, she focuses primarily on Capote's relationship with Babe Paley, who was likely the most betrayed by the publication of his story. (to Truman Capote's credit - at least he wrote about these women's private lives using pseudonyms. Melanie Benjamin doesn't bother to do this, possibly because the proverbial cat is already out of the bag, thanks to Capote's original story)
If you view literature about the Secret Lives of Rich People as a spectrum, The Swans of Fifth Avenue would be placed closer to Gossip Girl than The Age of Innocence. Which is not necessarily a criticism - Gossip Girl is a delightful trash heap and I love it, but Cecily Von WhateverFace is no Edith Wharton and never will be.
Ultimately, your enjoyment of Swans of Fifth Avenue will depend on how much you enjoy novels that can be summarized as "Look! Rich people!" It's light, fluffy fun that never says anything particularly new or innovative (What's that? Obscenely rich white women should be pitied because they're kept down by society? Groundbreaking.) but it's a nice, easy way to spend an afternoon.
...Today, they'd opened the pages of Esquire magazine and seen themselves - not merely themselves, but their kind, their tribe, their exclusive, privileged, envied set - eviscerated, skin flayed open, souls laid bare, ugliness acknowledged. Secrets betrayed and lives destroyed. By the viper in their nest; the storyteller in their midst."
In the mid-1960's, Truman Capote was at the height of his talent and his fame. He had published In Cold Blood, which would be the most successful work of his career; and he had firmly established himself within the upper crust of New York society. Rich, stylish, bored women invited him to their vacation homes and yachts and private planes; in return, Capote amused them by telling them fabricated stories about his childhood in Alabama, and by being scandalous and extravagant (see - his Black and White ball in 1966, where society immediately became divided into who had received an invitation and who hadn't). And then, in 1975, Capote published a short story called "La Cote Basque, 1965." In what was intended to be an excerpt from a book he never finished, Capote revealed every scandal and secret that he'd learned in his years in the inner circle. His rich friends effectively disowned him for the betrayal, and Capote was ruined. His career never recovered.
The Swans of Fifth Avenue jumps around in time, opening with the aged "swans" gathering in the infamous restaurant to strategize after Capote's scandalous story comes out, and Melanie Benjamin also takes us through Capote's rise and fall in New York society. Although she shows us Capote's interactions with a handful of influential society women, she focuses primarily on Capote's relationship with Babe Paley, who was likely the most betrayed by the publication of his story. (to Truman Capote's credit - at least he wrote about these women's private lives using pseudonyms. Melanie Benjamin doesn't bother to do this, possibly because the proverbial cat is already out of the bag, thanks to Capote's original story)
If you view literature about the Secret Lives of Rich People as a spectrum, The Swans of Fifth Avenue would be placed closer to Gossip Girl than The Age of Innocence. Which is not necessarily a criticism - Gossip Girl is a delightful trash heap and I love it, but Cecily Von WhateverFace is no Edith Wharton and never will be.
Ultimately, your enjoyment of Swans of Fifth Avenue will depend on how much you enjoy novels that can be summarized as "Look! Rich people!" It's light, fluffy fun that never says anything particularly new or innovative (What's that? Obscenely rich white women should be pitied because they're kept down by society? Groundbreaking.) but it's a nice, easy way to spend an afternoon.
March 12, 2016
The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin is a 2016 Delecorte Press publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’m in the same boat as the author when it comes to my memories of Truman Capote. I remember him in “Murder by Death�, and have very vague memories of his making the rounds on the late night talk shows, pretty much making a fool of himself. But, later in life, I grew curious about Truman’s early life, his creation of the ‘true crime novel� with “In Cold Blood�, and what led to his massive celebrity, and ultimately his downfall.
I watched the movie “Capote� as well as the lesser known “Infamous� and read Gerald Clarke’s biography. However, none of these works truly delved into Truman’s intimate relationships with the ‘Swans� since the focus was either on years he spent working on “In Cold Blood� or on his unorthodox southern upbringing and his friendship with Harper Lee. This book only skirts around these elements of Truman’s life, only reminding us of his bitterness and hurt over his mother’s abandonment of him, the one person he longed for and longed to impress more than any other.
This story is a work of fiction, and is dedicated to “Breakfast at Tiffany’s, to the perfect and best dressed icon of fashion, Babe Paley, and the relationship Truman shared with Babe, and her “Swans�.
“The best time to leave a party is when the party’s just beginning� � Diana Vreeland
I was immediately caught up in the magic and glamour of the fifth avenue crowd, the behind the scenes look at the lives of Slim Keith, Babe Paley, Marella Agnelli, Gloria Guinness, and Pamela Churchill Hayward Harriman.
All these ladies lived within the confines of high society rules and demands, never daring to stray too far off course. Marriage wasn’t about love, it was about money, power, and position, and business. There were divorces, affairs, and betrayals, but their lives were as dull as a butter knife until Truman Capote waltzed in and turned everything on its ear. He brought with him a certain charm and grace, and drew the stuffy high society crowd into his web quite seamlessly, making them wonder how they had ever gotten along without him. He cajoled, and romanced these ladies, offering them a shoulder to lean or to cry on. But, while he was attentive to them all, I have no doubt Truman really did love Babe and of course she loved him.
‘Languid, Lovely, Lonely; the swans arched their beautiful necks and turned to gaze at him as he stood rooted to the shore, his feet encased in mud. They fluttered their eyelashes, rustled their feathers, and glided over to their leader, the most beautiful of all. There was no sound save the sigh of their graceful bodies drifting across the water. Watching from the shore, wringing his hands, willing himself still for once, even as he had a childish urge to hop first on one foot, then the other, he was filled with the old fear; that he wasn’t good enough, brave enough, handsome enough, tall enough--------
Enough.
Still, he hoped, he dreamed, he waited; holding his breath, he fixed his gaze on the most dazzling of them all, the lead swan. Like he was making a birthday wish, he blew his breath toward her and her alone, praying the wind would catch it and carry it to her, a prayer. As she bent her lovely head toward the other swans, she was seen to listen gravely, as if this was a most solemn rite; as if there was no other topic in the world that needed her attention, no wars and deaths and treaties and dilemmas. Only this, his happiness. The other swans whispered, whispered; one hissed, but he could not tell which it was. Then they broke ranks; into a preordained formation, and perfect arc surrounding their leader, who remained utterly still, her head bowed in reflection. Then she raised her head, turned, and looked at him, still standing on the shore. They all turned to look; the swans, with one choreographed movement, beckoned to him with their blinding-white wings that were arms, he saw for the first time. Arms as white as snow leopards; whiter than pearls around the swans� fragile necks. The lead swan did not beckon. But her eyes, those dark glittering pools of unfathomable loneliness, never left his as his feet took wing; as he skimmed the surface of the water, not a swan, no never would he be one of them, and even then he knew it. He was a nymph, a hovering dragonfly- a sprite, landing among the swans with a burst of delighted laughter. They laughed as well, all of them- except for their leader. She only continued to watch him as he was passed about from one to the other like a new baby. When the swans were finished, they sat him down on the water and took up their positions once more, he found himself between them and the lead swan. Uncertain, but dizzy with joy and belonging, he took a step toward her, still marveling at how the water was not water but the most polished marble beneath his feet, the feathers on the swans were not feathers but fur and cashmere and silk and satin, threaded together, hand-sewn to their disciplined bodies that were designed only for adornment. And HIS swan now- that was how he thought of her, and would forever, naming her, claiming her, forgetting already that it hadn’t been his privilege to do the choosing- held out her hand, and he took it, as trustingly as a child.
Mischievously as an imp.
Then the swans closed ranks about him.
And has home.�
I think the author’s insights into Truman’s psyche, the type of person he was deep down, before and after his meteoric thrust into fame and fortune was probably spot on. I think she may have nailed it perfectly. She also did a great job of making the privileged life of a socialite seem shallow, hollow, and empty, tearing down the illusion of glamour and excitement to expose the dark and more depressing aspects of the lifestyle.
These women were dying for excitement when Truman stormed into their lives and penetrated the darkest corners of their existence. He even forged a close friendship with Babe’s philandering husband, William, who was initially put off by Truman, not quite knowing what to make of him at first.
This set up, based on true events, made for some very interesting characterizations, and frankly, none of the people examined here are all that likeable. They seemed morally bankrupt, living without any real directions, admired solely for their beauty, trapped by the rules and laws of society. This atmosphere fit Truman to a tee, I must say.
But, in the end, fast fame, coupled with a nasty and cutting side to Truman’s personality, that existed all along, brewing just beneath the surface, caused the house of cards to collapse spectacularly, and when it did, it took Truman by surprise, having grossly underestimated his swans, and gave me a look at Babe Paley, more than any other character, that left me feeling bereft on her behalf, as her immense sorrow and loneliness was palpable, making me furious at Truman and heartbroken for them both, at the same time. In the end, I came away feeling sorry for Babe on many levels, because her life never seemed to be her own. She was always under pressure to be perfect, was never more than an extension of her powerful husband, and her friends had no depth, thinking nothing about indulging in affairs, and resorting to catty gossip. But, when she met Truman, Babe came to life for the first time, and then faced the ultimate of betrayals.
One of the most interesting events that truly highlighted Truman’s acerbic nature was in regards to the former socialite, Ann Woodward, who was suspected of murdering her husband. Truman often referred to her as “Miss Bang, Bang�, even to her face. But, of course, as you shall see, his cruelty extended much further than mere name calling, which shocking results.
I also came away with a wistful sense of nostalgia for the glamour of New York in the fifties and sixties. Long gone are the days of ‘dressing for lunch� and fabulous and newsworthy parties. Casual dress, pantsuits, jeans and T-shirts were allowed in the most exclusive clubs and restaurants, effectively ending this age once and for all.
Overall, I thought the author pinpointed the era, the atmosphere, the personalities, and events perfectly. No, the people are not easy to feel strong emotions for most of the time, except perhaps intense anger at the way Truman gave himself over to his insecurities, his perceived power, and his belief he was better somehow, that the hearts of his friends were something he could play with and use for his own gain. ‘The Swans� did show some mettle in the end, closing ranks around each other, effectively.
This book is like a portrait, frozen in time, a rare glimpse into high society behind closed doors, a true life cautionary tale, filled with bitter poignancy. I was fascinated, outraged, mystified, and saddened, but came away with a firm respect for some of the players, and for a world that no longer exist, for better or worse. It’s seductive, alluring, and absorbing, well written, and reads like a Shakespearean tragedy, an epic love story, that ends badly, but which left an indelible imprint on many, for a long time to come.
Most of these events are long forgotten now, so, many modern readers may not fully grasp the reality of this life, but it was all true, and remarkable in its own way. As I finished this novel, I was left with a grudgingly admitted respect for Babe Paley, who held her head high through scandal, heartbreak, and most impressively as she faced her own mortality, whilst the person she loved most in the world, stuck a knife in her back, cruelly twisting it for the entire world to see.
I highly recommend this book for those who love historical fiction, and would also suggest taking the time to read the books the author suggested, for more insight.
4.5 stars
I’m in the same boat as the author when it comes to my memories of Truman Capote. I remember him in “Murder by Death�, and have very vague memories of his making the rounds on the late night talk shows, pretty much making a fool of himself. But, later in life, I grew curious about Truman’s early life, his creation of the ‘true crime novel� with “In Cold Blood�, and what led to his massive celebrity, and ultimately his downfall.
I watched the movie “Capote� as well as the lesser known “Infamous� and read Gerald Clarke’s biography. However, none of these works truly delved into Truman’s intimate relationships with the ‘Swans� since the focus was either on years he spent working on “In Cold Blood� or on his unorthodox southern upbringing and his friendship with Harper Lee. This book only skirts around these elements of Truman’s life, only reminding us of his bitterness and hurt over his mother’s abandonment of him, the one person he longed for and longed to impress more than any other.
This story is a work of fiction, and is dedicated to “Breakfast at Tiffany’s, to the perfect and best dressed icon of fashion, Babe Paley, and the relationship Truman shared with Babe, and her “Swans�.
“The best time to leave a party is when the party’s just beginning� � Diana Vreeland
I was immediately caught up in the magic and glamour of the fifth avenue crowd, the behind the scenes look at the lives of Slim Keith, Babe Paley, Marella Agnelli, Gloria Guinness, and Pamela Churchill Hayward Harriman.
All these ladies lived within the confines of high society rules and demands, never daring to stray too far off course. Marriage wasn’t about love, it was about money, power, and position, and business. There were divorces, affairs, and betrayals, but their lives were as dull as a butter knife until Truman Capote waltzed in and turned everything on its ear. He brought with him a certain charm and grace, and drew the stuffy high society crowd into his web quite seamlessly, making them wonder how they had ever gotten along without him. He cajoled, and romanced these ladies, offering them a shoulder to lean or to cry on. But, while he was attentive to them all, I have no doubt Truman really did love Babe and of course she loved him.
‘Languid, Lovely, Lonely; the swans arched their beautiful necks and turned to gaze at him as he stood rooted to the shore, his feet encased in mud. They fluttered their eyelashes, rustled their feathers, and glided over to their leader, the most beautiful of all. There was no sound save the sigh of their graceful bodies drifting across the water. Watching from the shore, wringing his hands, willing himself still for once, even as he had a childish urge to hop first on one foot, then the other, he was filled with the old fear; that he wasn’t good enough, brave enough, handsome enough, tall enough--------
Enough.
Still, he hoped, he dreamed, he waited; holding his breath, he fixed his gaze on the most dazzling of them all, the lead swan. Like he was making a birthday wish, he blew his breath toward her and her alone, praying the wind would catch it and carry it to her, a prayer. As she bent her lovely head toward the other swans, she was seen to listen gravely, as if this was a most solemn rite; as if there was no other topic in the world that needed her attention, no wars and deaths and treaties and dilemmas. Only this, his happiness. The other swans whispered, whispered; one hissed, but he could not tell which it was. Then they broke ranks; into a preordained formation, and perfect arc surrounding their leader, who remained utterly still, her head bowed in reflection. Then she raised her head, turned, and looked at him, still standing on the shore. They all turned to look; the swans, with one choreographed movement, beckoned to him with their blinding-white wings that were arms, he saw for the first time. Arms as white as snow leopards; whiter than pearls around the swans� fragile necks. The lead swan did not beckon. But her eyes, those dark glittering pools of unfathomable loneliness, never left his as his feet took wing; as he skimmed the surface of the water, not a swan, no never would he be one of them, and even then he knew it. He was a nymph, a hovering dragonfly- a sprite, landing among the swans with a burst of delighted laughter. They laughed as well, all of them- except for their leader. She only continued to watch him as he was passed about from one to the other like a new baby. When the swans were finished, they sat him down on the water and took up their positions once more, he found himself between them and the lead swan. Uncertain, but dizzy with joy and belonging, he took a step toward her, still marveling at how the water was not water but the most polished marble beneath his feet, the feathers on the swans were not feathers but fur and cashmere and silk and satin, threaded together, hand-sewn to their disciplined bodies that were designed only for adornment. And HIS swan now- that was how he thought of her, and would forever, naming her, claiming her, forgetting already that it hadn’t been his privilege to do the choosing- held out her hand, and he took it, as trustingly as a child.
Mischievously as an imp.
Then the swans closed ranks about him.
And has home.�
I think the author’s insights into Truman’s psyche, the type of person he was deep down, before and after his meteoric thrust into fame and fortune was probably spot on. I think she may have nailed it perfectly. She also did a great job of making the privileged life of a socialite seem shallow, hollow, and empty, tearing down the illusion of glamour and excitement to expose the dark and more depressing aspects of the lifestyle.
These women were dying for excitement when Truman stormed into their lives and penetrated the darkest corners of their existence. He even forged a close friendship with Babe’s philandering husband, William, who was initially put off by Truman, not quite knowing what to make of him at first.
This set up, based on true events, made for some very interesting characterizations, and frankly, none of the people examined here are all that likeable. They seemed morally bankrupt, living without any real directions, admired solely for their beauty, trapped by the rules and laws of society. This atmosphere fit Truman to a tee, I must say.
But, in the end, fast fame, coupled with a nasty and cutting side to Truman’s personality, that existed all along, brewing just beneath the surface, caused the house of cards to collapse spectacularly, and when it did, it took Truman by surprise, having grossly underestimated his swans, and gave me a look at Babe Paley, more than any other character, that left me feeling bereft on her behalf, as her immense sorrow and loneliness was palpable, making me furious at Truman and heartbroken for them both, at the same time. In the end, I came away feeling sorry for Babe on many levels, because her life never seemed to be her own. She was always under pressure to be perfect, was never more than an extension of her powerful husband, and her friends had no depth, thinking nothing about indulging in affairs, and resorting to catty gossip. But, when she met Truman, Babe came to life for the first time, and then faced the ultimate of betrayals.
One of the most interesting events that truly highlighted Truman’s acerbic nature was in regards to the former socialite, Ann Woodward, who was suspected of murdering her husband. Truman often referred to her as “Miss Bang, Bang�, even to her face. But, of course, as you shall see, his cruelty extended much further than mere name calling, which shocking results.
I also came away with a wistful sense of nostalgia for the glamour of New York in the fifties and sixties. Long gone are the days of ‘dressing for lunch� and fabulous and newsworthy parties. Casual dress, pantsuits, jeans and T-shirts were allowed in the most exclusive clubs and restaurants, effectively ending this age once and for all.
Overall, I thought the author pinpointed the era, the atmosphere, the personalities, and events perfectly. No, the people are not easy to feel strong emotions for most of the time, except perhaps intense anger at the way Truman gave himself over to his insecurities, his perceived power, and his belief he was better somehow, that the hearts of his friends were something he could play with and use for his own gain. ‘The Swans� did show some mettle in the end, closing ranks around each other, effectively.
This book is like a portrait, frozen in time, a rare glimpse into high society behind closed doors, a true life cautionary tale, filled with bitter poignancy. I was fascinated, outraged, mystified, and saddened, but came away with a firm respect for some of the players, and for a world that no longer exist, for better or worse. It’s seductive, alluring, and absorbing, well written, and reads like a Shakespearean tragedy, an epic love story, that ends badly, but which left an indelible imprint on many, for a long time to come.
Most of these events are long forgotten now, so, many modern readers may not fully grasp the reality of this life, but it was all true, and remarkable in its own way. As I finished this novel, I was left with a grudgingly admitted respect for Babe Paley, who held her head high through scandal, heartbreak, and most impressively as she faced her own mortality, whilst the person she loved most in the world, stuck a knife in her back, cruelly twisting it for the entire world to see.
I highly recommend this book for those who love historical fiction, and would also suggest taking the time to read the books the author suggested, for more insight.
4.5 stars
August 3, 2020
I was looking forward to reading this book, but I was also a little afraid that this would be a fawning portrayal of the poor swans betrayed by the evil writer. However, I was delighted to find that the author was almost as caustic about this group of useless narcissists as Capote was, when he used their stories in his unfinished book, "Answered Prayers". All except Babe Paley treated him like a pet or court jester, until "In Cold Blood" was published and then they looked on him a little more seriously. But they still didn't understand that he was soaking in their lives as he shared gossip with them.
The book effectively combines facts with imagined incidents and conversations, and it has a lot of revealing descriptions such as "...Truman pounced. Like a kitten, dainty claws unsheathed, on a caterpillar". I'm a fan of Capote's work and I also find his life story touching and tragic, so I was generally on his side in this book. His close friendship, and shared love, with Babe was the heart of this book. They told each other the truth. Babe was the only one of the swans with whom I sympathized at all. However, I found it difficult to relate to this geisha who sewed jingle bells in the hem of her designer gown (so she would make a delicate sound when she walked) and who quaked with fear at the thought of failing to meet her husband at the door with a freshly made up face and a drink.
I loved this book. Is that bad of me? Maybe I should feel sorry for the swans, but a collection of self important, shallow, courtesans just doesn't get my sympathy. I really didn't mind their being embarrassed by Truman. And embarrassment was really all it was. Their gossip was turned against them. Someone dared to strip away their elaborately maintained facades and expose them to the ridicule of their inferiors (i.e. the rest of us). This book was entertaining, bitchy fun.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
The book effectively combines facts with imagined incidents and conversations, and it has a lot of revealing descriptions such as "...Truman pounced. Like a kitten, dainty claws unsheathed, on a caterpillar". I'm a fan of Capote's work and I also find his life story touching and tragic, so I was generally on his side in this book. His close friendship, and shared love, with Babe was the heart of this book. They told each other the truth. Babe was the only one of the swans with whom I sympathized at all. However, I found it difficult to relate to this geisha who sewed jingle bells in the hem of her designer gown (so she would make a delicate sound when she walked) and who quaked with fear at the thought of failing to meet her husband at the door with a freshly made up face and a drink.
I loved this book. Is that bad of me? Maybe I should feel sorry for the swans, but a collection of self important, shallow, courtesans just doesn't get my sympathy. I really didn't mind their being embarrassed by Truman. And embarrassment was really all it was. Their gossip was turned against them. Someone dared to strip away their elaborately maintained facades and expose them to the ridicule of their inferiors (i.e. the rest of us). This book was entertaining, bitchy fun.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
March 1, 2016
Melanie Benjamin masterfully brings to life Truman Capote, his exquisite friend, Babe Paley, and the circle of 1950-60’s era New York socialites Truman affectionately or derisively calls the Swans. Ultimately I didn't love, or even like, a lot of the characters and that is a testimony to Melanie Benjamin's talent in breathing life into exquisitely rounded and flawed characters.
At the heart of this gossipy fictionalized journal about real people is the obsessive adoration, between Babe and her dearly loved and openly gay Truman, and the question of whether he misuses his access into her world to expose and betray her and the Swans.
Babe and Truman’s relationship reads like the heart-to-heart connection of bestie soulmates—a passionate love affair minus the sex.
The cast of characters is rounded out by the high-society women who shaped New York’s rich and famous culture and dominated the fashion and society columns—Slim Keith, Pamela Churchill, C. Z. Guest, Gloria Guinness—and their filthy rich husbands.
Laden with, marriages for money rather than love, affairs, extravagant décor and clothes, fans of modern day reality TV and gossip magazines will likely devoir this well-written and researched story. If you don’t count yourself in that group, don’t be surprised if you find much of the self-serving behavior shallow and appalling. They may have loads of money, but there doesn’t seem to be one happy person in the bunch.
At the heart of this gossipy fictionalized journal about real people is the obsessive adoration, between Babe and her dearly loved and openly gay Truman, and the question of whether he misuses his access into her world to expose and betray her and the Swans.
Babe and Truman’s relationship reads like the heart-to-heart connection of bestie soulmates—a passionate love affair minus the sex.
The cast of characters is rounded out by the high-society women who shaped New York’s rich and famous culture and dominated the fashion and society columns—Slim Keith, Pamela Churchill, C. Z. Guest, Gloria Guinness—and their filthy rich husbands.
Laden with, marriages for money rather than love, affairs, extravagant décor and clothes, fans of modern day reality TV and gossip magazines will likely devoir this well-written and researched story. If you don’t count yourself in that group, don’t be surprised if you find much of the self-serving behavior shallow and appalling. They may have loads of money, but there doesn’t seem to be one happy person in the bunch.
March 11, 2024
I enjoyed reading about The Swans, who were the elegant women with money who ruled NYC society in the 50’s and 60’s.
The best parts are about Truman Capote and Babe Paley. Truman has an intense relationship with Babe and adores her beauty and sophistication. Yet, his ambition to write gets in the way of his loyalty to Babe and her friends. He had to know that with friendship comes loyalty and writing an article highlighting The Swans would jeopardize his most sacred friendship. Truman is enraptured by Babe, but there is also jealousy and condescension there as well. It would have been interesting if the book explored that more. It seems Truman loved his stories, but ultimately it was his lack of discretion that ostracized him from Babe and the other Swans. It seemed to take a heavy toll on Truman and would be interesting to know if he thought it was worth giving away private conversations. I think perhaps he thought he was fun and witty enough that anything he did would be forgiven.
The best parts are about Truman Capote and Babe Paley. Truman has an intense relationship with Babe and adores her beauty and sophistication. Yet, his ambition to write gets in the way of his loyalty to Babe and her friends. He had to know that with friendship comes loyalty and writing an article highlighting The Swans would jeopardize his most sacred friendship. Truman is enraptured by Babe, but there is also jealousy and condescension there as well. It would have been interesting if the book explored that more. It seems Truman loved his stories, but ultimately it was his lack of discretion that ostracized him from Babe and the other Swans. It seemed to take a heavy toll on Truman and would be interesting to know if he thought it was worth giving away private conversations. I think perhaps he thought he was fun and witty enough that anything he did would be forgiven.
February 10, 2017
Fashion is an art form, to me. The design, the illustration, the product and its nuances can be extraordinarily beautiful. Those who employ fashion artfully, in their personal style, in their wardrobes and toilette, their environments and decoration manifest a form of creativity that has had an ageless appeal.
"The Swans of Fifth Avenue" were five such outstanding women, notable in the 1950's and early 1960's, for their impeccable taste, beauty, manners and knowledge of that era's social etiquette. In the 1950's and early 60's, women were very restricted financially to become successful in their own right. Banks would not approve credit unless a husband co-signed; married women were looked down on if they worked. Successful marriages were the ways and means to improve one's circumstances, which had been the case for eons. Success also was found in marriage to the "right" people, the heirs of fortunes made in the 1800's, the descendants of Peter Stuyvesant who first settled New York, the wealthy relations of the Gilded Age of America who danced at Mary Astor's balls or whose lineage could be traced to those American debutantes who funded crumbling British gentry's estates through marriage in the early 1900’s.
Slim Keith and Gloria Guinness began their lives in modest circumstances, and ambitiously climbed up the social ladder into New York's elite. C.Z. Guest had impeccable Boston Brahmin ancestry and after a short period of being a wild child (which included posing nude for Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo's lover, in Mexico), she returned to marry within her wealthy pedigreed W.A.S.P. class.
Pamela Churchill had been married to Winston Churchill's son and was British gentry, with a formidable and famous libido, many lovers and a railway heir husband who would lead her to eventually utilize her charm in Washington on Clinton's campaign.
But it was Babe Paley, daughter of Boston Brahmin stock Dr. Harvey Cushing, famed neurosurgeon and wife of William Paley, founder of CBS TV, whom was considered to be "perfect" by Truman Capote, in the close friendship with her and the others where he deemed them "the swans". (Her first marriage was to Stanley Mortimer Jr., heir to Standard Oil. Lee Radziwill and Jacqueline Kennedy's mother's second marriage was to a partner in the same enterprise.)
The novel follows the blossoming friendship, interspersed with the disastrous, socially moronic actions of Capote in submitting heartfelt confidences as a bitchy article to Esquire. Capote was fascinated by the exclusiveness of this wealthy enclave and dreamed about being part of it. He saw himself as a literary genius, that one of his books would open all doors for him and he would be an equal, if not superior to this clique. He nurtured friendships, but most had an element of sharing gossip from one to another, as if they all were a creation of his imagination rather than real people. The "swans" try to survive in their hostile upper crust society where women are replaceable; they age, support each other, are superficially cynical and have to work at remaining relevant.
Truman Capote doesn't get it. He doesn't understand the connection of family, the history of others before him, the need to "save face" for that family and the friendships which likely have some branch on a family tree.
"Oh, Truman! The little devil. ...Dammit. C.Z. still liked Truman... But he had gone off the rails, rather. He'd always been charming, amusing, gossipy, but never downright bitchy. His self-importance, his astounding self-confidence, had been benign.
.... This bitchy little story...had murdered one of her tribe, if all of the gossip was to be trusted.
He didn't have the breeding, the pedigree. He wasn't a thoroughbred. It was a damn shame, but there it was."
3.5 stars. I liked learning about this piece of Americana. I was not familiar with the story of the swans. I knew a little about Babe Paley. The part which boggled my mind was the "pedigree" which these people share. Their ancestry is "old money" or "old stock", when you research just a little. Made me think of "Crazy Rich, Scandal, Tragedy, Johnson & Johnson", by Jerry Oppenheimer a bit, in terms of how wide the descendants reach.
"The Swans of Fifth Avenue" were five such outstanding women, notable in the 1950's and early 1960's, for their impeccable taste, beauty, manners and knowledge of that era's social etiquette. In the 1950's and early 60's, women were very restricted financially to become successful in their own right. Banks would not approve credit unless a husband co-signed; married women were looked down on if they worked. Successful marriages were the ways and means to improve one's circumstances, which had been the case for eons. Success also was found in marriage to the "right" people, the heirs of fortunes made in the 1800's, the descendants of Peter Stuyvesant who first settled New York, the wealthy relations of the Gilded Age of America who danced at Mary Astor's balls or whose lineage could be traced to those American debutantes who funded crumbling British gentry's estates through marriage in the early 1900’s.
Slim Keith and Gloria Guinness began their lives in modest circumstances, and ambitiously climbed up the social ladder into New York's elite. C.Z. Guest had impeccable Boston Brahmin ancestry and after a short period of being a wild child (which included posing nude for Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo's lover, in Mexico), she returned to marry within her wealthy pedigreed W.A.S.P. class.
Pamela Churchill had been married to Winston Churchill's son and was British gentry, with a formidable and famous libido, many lovers and a railway heir husband who would lead her to eventually utilize her charm in Washington on Clinton's campaign.
But it was Babe Paley, daughter of Boston Brahmin stock Dr. Harvey Cushing, famed neurosurgeon and wife of William Paley, founder of CBS TV, whom was considered to be "perfect" by Truman Capote, in the close friendship with her and the others where he deemed them "the swans". (Her first marriage was to Stanley Mortimer Jr., heir to Standard Oil. Lee Radziwill and Jacqueline Kennedy's mother's second marriage was to a partner in the same enterprise.)
The novel follows the blossoming friendship, interspersed with the disastrous, socially moronic actions of Capote in submitting heartfelt confidences as a bitchy article to Esquire. Capote was fascinated by the exclusiveness of this wealthy enclave and dreamed about being part of it. He saw himself as a literary genius, that one of his books would open all doors for him and he would be an equal, if not superior to this clique. He nurtured friendships, but most had an element of sharing gossip from one to another, as if they all were a creation of his imagination rather than real people. The "swans" try to survive in their hostile upper crust society where women are replaceable; they age, support each other, are superficially cynical and have to work at remaining relevant.
Truman Capote doesn't get it. He doesn't understand the connection of family, the history of others before him, the need to "save face" for that family and the friendships which likely have some branch on a family tree.
"Oh, Truman! The little devil. ...Dammit. C.Z. still liked Truman... But he had gone off the rails, rather. He'd always been charming, amusing, gossipy, but never downright bitchy. His self-importance, his astounding self-confidence, had been benign.
.... This bitchy little story...had murdered one of her tribe, if all of the gossip was to be trusted.
He didn't have the breeding, the pedigree. He wasn't a thoroughbred. It was a damn shame, but there it was."
3.5 stars. I liked learning about this piece of Americana. I was not familiar with the story of the swans. I knew a little about Babe Paley. The part which boggled my mind was the "pedigree" which these people share. Their ancestry is "old money" or "old stock", when you research just a little. Made me think of "Crazy Rich, Scandal, Tragedy, Johnson & Johnson", by Jerry Oppenheimer a bit, in terms of how wide the descendants reach.
May 3, 2016
I can't decide whether to give this book 3 or 4 stars. It's a solid 3.5. It's well written but I guess it bothered me a little that it's about real people and I didn't know if the events in the book really happened or not. I guess that's the way historical novels are. I know quite a bit about Truman Capote having read and watched both films about him. And there's his relationship with Harper Lee who wrote the classic , and the famous film Breakfast at Tiffany's based on Capotes novel. But I don't know anything about the so called "swans" in this book other than that they were actual people.
In the author's note at the end of the book, she explains what drew her to these people and how much is fact vs fiction. That's interesting and helpful. I am somewhat like her because I grew up in the Midwest and have always been fascinated with New York. I now live in the suburbs of a big city myself so I can relate to Melanie's comments.
Anyway, it's a good book but probably not my favorite so far this year.
In the author's note at the end of the book, she explains what drew her to these people and how much is fact vs fiction. That's interesting and helpful. I am somewhat like her because I grew up in the Midwest and have always been fascinated with New York. I now live in the suburbs of a big city myself so I can relate to Melanie's comments.
Anyway, it's a good book but probably not my favorite so far this year.
November 6, 2015
3 Everything Is Not As It Seems Stars...
They say the rich are different... But in the end they lash out and hurt one another just like everyone else...
Their tools to inflict pain maybe isolation and cutting gossip... but it hurts just the same.
This is an interesting fiction based on the real "beautiful people of an era" long past. It all seemed so glamorous but up close and personal... not so much.
A gifted copy provided by Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
They say the rich are different... But in the end they lash out and hurt one another just like everyone else...
Their tools to inflict pain maybe isolation and cutting gossip... but it hurts just the same.
This is an interesting fiction based on the real "beautiful people of an era" long past. It all seemed so glamorous but up close and personal... not so much.
A gifted copy provided by Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
August 5, 2023
I think this one is a case of my being more interested in the "idea" of the book rather than the actual book.
Based on real people, mainly Truman Capote and Babe Paley, this is the story of their friendship and their close circle of friends. Rich, famous people and their scandals that apparently really happened. There's something fascinating about reading a book based on real events.
If anything, it has me now interested in reading Truman Capote's work, which I have never gotten around to reading yet! It also peaked my curiosity about Babe Paley (whom I had previously not heard of) and her famous fashion sense!
Based on real people, mainly Truman Capote and Babe Paley, this is the story of their friendship and their close circle of friends. Rich, famous people and their scandals that apparently really happened. There's something fascinating about reading a book based on real events.
If anything, it has me now interested in reading Truman Capote's work, which I have never gotten around to reading yet! It also peaked my curiosity about Babe Paley (whom I had previously not heard of) and her famous fashion sense!
September 11, 2023
Me ha encantado la manera en la que Melanie Benjamin nos sitúa en el Nueva York de los cisnes y de Truman Capote. Y sÃ! Ha despertado mi curiosidad de saber más, más de Babe Paley, más de Truman Capote coger un ejemplar de plegarias atendidas y leer el relato de "la cote básque".
Nota de la autora: "Acerca de eso es de lo que yo querÃa escribir; esa es la historia que yo querÃa contar: lo que le sucedió a Truman Capote. Lo que le sucedió a sus cisnes. Lo que le sucedió a la elegancia. Cuál fue el precio verdadero que pagaron por las vidas que vivieron. Porque siempre hay un precio. Sobre todo en los cuentos de hadas."
Nota de la autora: "Acerca de eso es de lo que yo querÃa escribir; esa es la historia que yo querÃa contar: lo que le sucedió a Truman Capote. Lo que le sucedió a sus cisnes. Lo que le sucedió a la elegancia. Cuál fue el precio verdadero que pagaron por las vidas que vivieron. Porque siempre hay un precio. Sobre todo en los cuentos de hadas."
May 23, 2024
The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin takes place in 1950s and 60s New York high society. The portrayal of the friendship between Truman Capote and his swans is both captivating and bittersweet. Benjamin's prose is elegant and the historical detail is well researched. However, the novel sometimes falls short in character development, making it hard to fully connect. Overall, it's an enjoyable read, but it lacks the depth needed to make it truly memorable.
July 16, 2024
A few months ago, I binged FX's Feud: Capote vs. The Swans and since then, I've become obsessed with the feud between Truman Capote and his posse of fashionistas/socialites who were known as his "swans." I've read tons of articles about his relationships with each of these glamorous women, along with his infamous/famous Black-and-White Ball (where he allegedly told each of the swans that they were his "guest of honor.")
The Swans of Fifth Avenue is a fictionalized account of the aftermath of Capote spilling all the tea regarding his friends' personal lives in excerpts for Esquire magazine. The excerpts were used to tease his upcoming book called Answered Prayers that intended to unmask the depravity that took place in New York High Society. Despite Truman changing names to protect the not so innocent, the swans were not pleased that their business was out there for everyone to read, and he's promptly given the "cut-direct." Thus, he begins to spiral.
I loved this book because I love rich people shenanigans. And these rich people shenanigans were REAL. While the author takes some liberties, a lot of what happens in this book happened in real life. Capote was actually exiled from New York Society after airing his friends' dirty laundry. Only Edith Wharton herself could have written a more tragic and delicious tale.
"The ugliness had always been there, he knew; didn’t he know it better than anyone? The stories behind the stories; the bargains and sacrifices he had made, that his swans had made, all of them, throughout their lives. The sordidness they were so determined to hide from the world."
After reading this book, my-and I'm sure a lot of readers-biggest question was WHY did he write these excerpts? Why was he willing to spill all his friends' secrets? And especially Babe's? While his relationship with most of the swans was surface level (most of the women were casually homophobic and saw Truman as their "entertainment") it seemed as if his friendship with Babe was deeper. Based on everything that I've read about them, they really seemed to care for each other. With the exception of his partner Jack, she appeared to be one of the few people in his life that he truly loved and respected. So why did he betray her? Was Babe, right? Was Truman testing them? Was he trying to see how far he could push them, what they were willing to forgive? Or did he simply think that they were too dumb and wouldn't realize that he was writing about them? Maybe it's a little bit of both. The sad part is that Truman never finished Answered Prayers, so he seemingly blew up his relationships for nothing.
To me, the heart of the book was the love story between Truman and Babe Paley. They were two broken, lonely people who finally felt seen by another person. They both felt like they had to put on an act to be loved. Babe felt like she had to be the perfect, elegant hostess and wife while Truman felt like he had to be the flamboyant, life of the party. When they're together, that's the only time when you don't see them having to play those roles. So, it's heartbreaking when you already know how their friendship ends, and that there's no resolution or forgiveness before Babe's death. Don't tell Ryan Murphy 😂 but I feel like I understood why they were friends more in this book than in Feud. *Inserts that's my opinion. gif*
PS: I think C.Z might have been the smartest swan. Her attitude was basically don't tell a writer all of your business, especially when you know this man LOVES to gossip, and be surprised that he writes about you! Then again, he didn’t really spill HER tea so……�..
CW: alcoholism, suicide, cancer, homophobia, parental neglect, infidelity
The Swans of Fifth Avenue is a fictionalized account of the aftermath of Capote spilling all the tea regarding his friends' personal lives in excerpts for Esquire magazine. The excerpts were used to tease his upcoming book called Answered Prayers that intended to unmask the depravity that took place in New York High Society. Despite Truman changing names to protect the not so innocent, the swans were not pleased that their business was out there for everyone to read, and he's promptly given the "cut-direct." Thus, he begins to spiral.
I loved this book because I love rich people shenanigans. And these rich people shenanigans were REAL. While the author takes some liberties, a lot of what happens in this book happened in real life. Capote was actually exiled from New York Society after airing his friends' dirty laundry. Only Edith Wharton herself could have written a more tragic and delicious tale.
"The ugliness had always been there, he knew; didn’t he know it better than anyone? The stories behind the stories; the bargains and sacrifices he had made, that his swans had made, all of them, throughout their lives. The sordidness they were so determined to hide from the world."
After reading this book, my-and I'm sure a lot of readers-biggest question was WHY did he write these excerpts? Why was he willing to spill all his friends' secrets? And especially Babe's? While his relationship with most of the swans was surface level (most of the women were casually homophobic and saw Truman as their "entertainment") it seemed as if his friendship with Babe was deeper. Based on everything that I've read about them, they really seemed to care for each other. With the exception of his partner Jack, she appeared to be one of the few people in his life that he truly loved and respected. So why did he betray her? Was Babe, right? Was Truman testing them? Was he trying to see how far he could push them, what they were willing to forgive? Or did he simply think that they were too dumb and wouldn't realize that he was writing about them? Maybe it's a little bit of both. The sad part is that Truman never finished Answered Prayers, so he seemingly blew up his relationships for nothing.
To me, the heart of the book was the love story between Truman and Babe Paley. They were two broken, lonely people who finally felt seen by another person. They both felt like they had to put on an act to be loved. Babe felt like she had to be the perfect, elegant hostess and wife while Truman felt like he had to be the flamboyant, life of the party. When they're together, that's the only time when you don't see them having to play those roles. So, it's heartbreaking when you already know how their friendship ends, and that there's no resolution or forgiveness before Babe's death. Don't tell Ryan Murphy 😂 but I feel like I understood why they were friends more in this book than in Feud. *Inserts that's my opinion. gif*
PS: I think C.Z might have been the smartest swan. Her attitude was basically don't tell a writer all of your business, especially when you know this man LOVES to gossip, and be surprised that he writes about you! Then again, he didn’t really spill HER tea so……�..
CW: alcoholism, suicide, cancer, homophobia, parental neglect, infidelity
November 14, 2015
I was very young when I first heard the stories of the fabulous fashion icon, Babe Paley and her fairy tale marriage to the head of CBS, William Paley. And of her friendship with Truman Capote, author of In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany's. I remembered many of the events portrayed in , written by (who also wrote and ). Benjamin writes a fictionalized version of these events, rooted in reality, imagining the conversations but faithful to the actual event.
The story begins at the end (so no spoilers here) and moves backwards to tell the stories of the "swans"-these original trophy wives and fabulously wealthy socialites and their ultimately shallow, lonely lives. In particular, she focuses on Babe Paley, the kindest and most famous of the swans and the one closest to Capote. Babe trusted Capote the most, he seemed to love her the most dearly, and she was, of course, the most hurt by his depiction of her, her marriage, her deepest secrets.
The book is a fascinating, delightful read. I was least comfortable with the italicized portions at the beginning and end, with its semi-lyrical, almost fairy tale descriptions of the swans. But the rest of the book was terrific. I couldn't put it down, it was like being inside the events I'd read about. And although the story has no surprises (even if you are unaware of the events, everything is revealed early on) it is well-told. I felt like a child hearing a bedtime story: all I wanted to say was "more please" and "don't stop."
I am so happy to have been given this book by NetGalley. I loved it: it was like taking a vacation into another world. It's gossipy and fun and although the lives at times are sad, the book is not. It might be a weakness of the author's or, more likely, of my own that the pain of the characters did not touch me deeply but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's like reading a popular magazine article that is exceptionally well done and detailed.
Or maybe a kind of fairy tale, dressed in the New York clothes of the 1950's and 60's, with a kind of moral at the end.
Anyway, it's great entertainment.
The story begins at the end (so no spoilers here) and moves backwards to tell the stories of the "swans"-these original trophy wives and fabulously wealthy socialites and their ultimately shallow, lonely lives. In particular, she focuses on Babe Paley, the kindest and most famous of the swans and the one closest to Capote. Babe trusted Capote the most, he seemed to love her the most dearly, and she was, of course, the most hurt by his depiction of her, her marriage, her deepest secrets.
The book is a fascinating, delightful read. I was least comfortable with the italicized portions at the beginning and end, with its semi-lyrical, almost fairy tale descriptions of the swans. But the rest of the book was terrific. I couldn't put it down, it was like being inside the events I'd read about. And although the story has no surprises (even if you are unaware of the events, everything is revealed early on) it is well-told. I felt like a child hearing a bedtime story: all I wanted to say was "more please" and "don't stop."
I am so happy to have been given this book by NetGalley. I loved it: it was like taking a vacation into another world. It's gossipy and fun and although the lives at times are sad, the book is not. It might be a weakness of the author's or, more likely, of my own that the pain of the characters did not touch me deeply but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's like reading a popular magazine article that is exceptionally well done and detailed.
Or maybe a kind of fairy tale, dressed in the New York clothes of the 1950's and 60's, with a kind of moral at the end.
Anyway, it's great entertainment.
December 16, 2015
This is my second book by Melanie Benjamin and like the other, I absolutely loved it! I knew of Truman Capote and that he had written "In Cold Blood" and that he was a strange looking thing that sort of talked funny as I had seen him on the talk shows growing up. I remember him clapping his hands and sitting on his feet all excited about the story he was telling. I never knew about his swans and the book that he wrote about them.
What I loved most about this book was googling those women and seeing their images. It gave me a real connection to the characters like I have never had. I even saw the picture of Penelope Tree (whom I had never heard of) in her black and white ball attire. If those women freaked about that showing of midriff, they could not even prepare for what was to come. HA!!!
Of course, that does not take away anything from the author and the conversations that she imagined and shared with us. The characters were already developed before I decided "Hey, I can look these women up on Google".
What a fascinating story of a poor man who makes it rich and still isn't happy and a rich girl who has everything and still isn't happy until they both come together. However, due to their lives and human makeup, they would never be together. It was an ecstatic, slow and moving journey to the top and a short, crashing journey to the bottom.
The book was an absolute gem even without the characters being famous, it would have been a great story. The fact that it was true only makes it that much sadder. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. While I had to put it down to put up Christmas decorations, I was thinking the whole time that I could not wait to get back to it. The wait was two days too long, but worth it when I made it back.
I highly recommend this book. Written during an era when a big change was coming to America, the swans were some of the last of their breed. Reading how the author shows us how the world was and how it was becoming through their eyes held my interest throughout and totally entertained me along the way.
Huge thanks to Random House/Ballantine and Net Galley for approving me to receive a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book! Melanie Benjamin has just moved up the ranks on my TBR author list!
What I loved most about this book was googling those women and seeing their images. It gave me a real connection to the characters like I have never had. I even saw the picture of Penelope Tree (whom I had never heard of) in her black and white ball attire. If those women freaked about that showing of midriff, they could not even prepare for what was to come. HA!!!
Of course, that does not take away anything from the author and the conversations that she imagined and shared with us. The characters were already developed before I decided "Hey, I can look these women up on Google".
What a fascinating story of a poor man who makes it rich and still isn't happy and a rich girl who has everything and still isn't happy until they both come together. However, due to their lives and human makeup, they would never be together. It was an ecstatic, slow and moving journey to the top and a short, crashing journey to the bottom.
The book was an absolute gem even without the characters being famous, it would have been a great story. The fact that it was true only makes it that much sadder. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. While I had to put it down to put up Christmas decorations, I was thinking the whole time that I could not wait to get back to it. The wait was two days too long, but worth it when I made it back.
I highly recommend this book. Written during an era when a big change was coming to America, the swans were some of the last of their breed. Reading how the author shows us how the world was and how it was becoming through their eyes held my interest throughout and totally entertained me along the way.
Huge thanks to Random House/Ballantine and Net Galley for approving me to receive a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book! Melanie Benjamin has just moved up the ranks on my TBR author list!
December 5, 2016
A special thank you to Random House, NetGalley, and LibraryThing early reviewers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Best of both worlds--digital and print.
When you think of Melanie Benjamin’s writing, and her spectacular historical novels which come alive with rich characters—reminiscent of past eras, as THE SWANS OF FIFTH AVENUE, representative of Timeless Elegance. Classic. Society. Glamour. Passion. Elite. Literary. Cultured. Flawless. Sophisticated. Vintage. Stylish. . . .
And often S C A N D A L O U S !
A literary scandal. Truman had divulged secrets. He called it literature. His friends had shunned him. He died. A cautionary tale. Social suicide.
However, what happened in "between the lines?" The author peels back the layers. The exquisite swan, Babe with the grotesque Truman. Why? She explores what happened between Truman and Babe. This is the story the author so elegantly tells, an inspiring blend of fact with fiction.
“What happened to Truman Capote and his swans? What happened to elegance. What truly was the price they paid for the lives they lived? For there is always a price. Especially in fairy tales.�
Set in the dazzling world of the elite in the 1950s and 1960s, meet the alluring socialite “Swans�: Babe Paley, Slim Keith, C.Z. Guest, Gloria Guinness, and Pamela Churchill-- New York society.
Babe Paley, the stunningly beautiful socialite befriends literary Truman Capote and introduces him to her friends. Gaining insights into the lives of Manhattan’s elite and influential –their secrets, scandals, and hidden desires. Truman Capote soon became known as the darling of an inner circle he called his "swans."
Babe is married to a high-profile husband, wife of CBS president William S. Paley, a beautiful home, wealthy, jewels, travel, and influence, social circles, and all which come with the lifestyle. However, she is lonely and wants love�. Truman is available.
Truman was obsessed not so much with money, as he was by many of those who have it. The stylish rich. Women delighted him, and he pleasured them in every way but one—the physical act of love. He is adored by the swans. They enjoyed his company, as much as he enjoyed theirs. He admired all of his swans, but the one who captured his head and heart were in some ways, the loveliest of all.
However, in 1975, the dear friends and Manhattan socialites discover the literary lion Truman Capote has betrayed them, revealing their dirtiest secrets, to the world in a story published to great fanfare in Esquire.
The latest issue had hit the stands, the cover profile picture of a fat and pasty-looking Truman Capote, the headline trumpeting the acclaimed author of, In Cold Blood’s newest, hotly anticipated short story. “La Cote Basque 1965,� it was called. The murder Capote had committed, by telling the stories he had told. Stories he had no right to tell. Stories they never should have told him in the first place.
Lunch at La Cote Basque was not for soul-searching. Now they are seeing their exclusive, privileged, envied set-eviscerated, skin flayed open, souls laid bare, ugliness, acknowledged. Secrets betrayed and live destroyed. By the viper in their nest; the storyteller in their midst.
Now the four are trying to recall how the southern-fried bastard arrived here in the first place. The story of how Truman came to betray all his swans—one especially. The one they all loved. The one he loved.
I have always read in Vanity Fair and other writings: "Of all Truman’s writing, “La Côte Basque� is probably the one piece that can be called a tour de force: he has transformed a table in a Manhattan restaurant into a stage on which he has placed his own jet-set Vanity Fair." But Truman had more than literature in mind when he wrote “La Côte Basque.� He also used it to get back at some of his rich friends who, for one reason or another, had offended him over the years.
A fabulous account and reenactment –the author’s view of these mythological creatures. Best of all Benjamin outlines the fact and the fiction; where she took leeway and stretched the imaginations. A large portion was factual with some liberties-- expanding the emotions, motivations, and intent.
What I absolutely LOVED was the author’s note. When a reader invests their time reading, blogging and reviewing—AND the time, research, and effort –heart and soul --an author pours into creating a novel---to learn what inspired a writing-- is always a special gift and an added bonus, to further enhance the overall reading experience. You always wonder the why, how, when? Why choose certain time periods to explore, or subjects?
I can envision Benjamin as a girl with her Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, drawing her into the world of glamor and sophistication. City lights. I had to laugh about the parent's view of city life and its dangers (sounded like mine). I enjoyed hearing her story, the beautiful images, clothes which were exquisite and unattainable. Fashion—fantasizing about the people and the places. Her passion and enthusiasm are reflective throughout the pages, as the characters come alive.
The spark-- there is always more to the story. A story within a story. Well-researched. Engrossing. Priceless! No one can re-tell it like the storyteller, Melanie Benjamin.
Loved the Palm Beach portions (Oct 1975), of course; as C.Z. recalls Truman—when he stopped being Truman. The gay, gossipy little friend, arm candy, pocket change, was another creature entirely. A giant, a literary sentinel. His greatest achievement to his greatest failure.
A chic sophisticated front cover, beautifully packaged, compelling--exquisitely written, Deserving of 5 Swans. (5 Stars)
The Swans of Fifth Avenue is set in a glittering fairyland—Manhattan in the 1950s and 1960s. This is the Manhattan of The Plaza, Tiffany's, Bergdorf's; the playground of Truman Capote and his Swans. with Melanie Benjamin.
When you think of Melanie Benjamin’s writing, and her spectacular historical novels which come alive with rich characters—reminiscent of past eras, as THE SWANS OF FIFTH AVENUE, representative of Timeless Elegance. Classic. Society. Glamour. Passion. Elite. Literary. Cultured. Flawless. Sophisticated. Vintage. Stylish. . . .
And often S C A N D A L O U S !
A literary scandal. Truman had divulged secrets. He called it literature. His friends had shunned him. He died. A cautionary tale. Social suicide.
However, what happened in "between the lines?" The author peels back the layers. The exquisite swan, Babe with the grotesque Truman. Why? She explores what happened between Truman and Babe. This is the story the author so elegantly tells, an inspiring blend of fact with fiction.
“What happened to Truman Capote and his swans? What happened to elegance. What truly was the price they paid for the lives they lived? For there is always a price. Especially in fairy tales.�
Set in the dazzling world of the elite in the 1950s and 1960s, meet the alluring socialite “Swans�: Babe Paley, Slim Keith, C.Z. Guest, Gloria Guinness, and Pamela Churchill-- New York society.
Babe Paley, the stunningly beautiful socialite befriends literary Truman Capote and introduces him to her friends. Gaining insights into the lives of Manhattan’s elite and influential –their secrets, scandals, and hidden desires. Truman Capote soon became known as the darling of an inner circle he called his "swans."
Babe is married to a high-profile husband, wife of CBS president William S. Paley, a beautiful home, wealthy, jewels, travel, and influence, social circles, and all which come with the lifestyle. However, she is lonely and wants love�. Truman is available.
Truman was obsessed not so much with money, as he was by many of those who have it. The stylish rich. Women delighted him, and he pleasured them in every way but one—the physical act of love. He is adored by the swans. They enjoyed his company, as much as he enjoyed theirs. He admired all of his swans, but the one who captured his head and heart were in some ways, the loveliest of all.
However, in 1975, the dear friends and Manhattan socialites discover the literary lion Truman Capote has betrayed them, revealing their dirtiest secrets, to the world in a story published to great fanfare in Esquire.
The latest issue had hit the stands, the cover profile picture of a fat and pasty-looking Truman Capote, the headline trumpeting the acclaimed author of, In Cold Blood’s newest, hotly anticipated short story. “La Cote Basque 1965,� it was called. The murder Capote had committed, by telling the stories he had told. Stories he had no right to tell. Stories they never should have told him in the first place.
Lunch at La Cote Basque was not for soul-searching. Now they are seeing their exclusive, privileged, envied set-eviscerated, skin flayed open, souls laid bare, ugliness, acknowledged. Secrets betrayed and live destroyed. By the viper in their nest; the storyteller in their midst.
Now the four are trying to recall how the southern-fried bastard arrived here in the first place. The story of how Truman came to betray all his swans—one especially. The one they all loved. The one he loved.
I have always read in Vanity Fair and other writings: "Of all Truman’s writing, “La Côte Basque� is probably the one piece that can be called a tour de force: he has transformed a table in a Manhattan restaurant into a stage on which he has placed his own jet-set Vanity Fair." But Truman had more than literature in mind when he wrote “La Côte Basque.� He also used it to get back at some of his rich friends who, for one reason or another, had offended him over the years.
A fabulous account and reenactment –the author’s view of these mythological creatures. Best of all Benjamin outlines the fact and the fiction; where she took leeway and stretched the imaginations. A large portion was factual with some liberties-- expanding the emotions, motivations, and intent.
What I absolutely LOVED was the author’s note. When a reader invests their time reading, blogging and reviewing—AND the time, research, and effort –heart and soul --an author pours into creating a novel---to learn what inspired a writing-- is always a special gift and an added bonus, to further enhance the overall reading experience. You always wonder the why, how, when? Why choose certain time periods to explore, or subjects?
I can envision Benjamin as a girl with her Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, drawing her into the world of glamor and sophistication. City lights. I had to laugh about the parent's view of city life and its dangers (sounded like mine). I enjoyed hearing her story, the beautiful images, clothes which were exquisite and unattainable. Fashion—fantasizing about the people and the places. Her passion and enthusiasm are reflective throughout the pages, as the characters come alive.
The spark-- there is always more to the story. A story within a story. Well-researched. Engrossing. Priceless! No one can re-tell it like the storyteller, Melanie Benjamin.
Loved the Palm Beach portions (Oct 1975), of course; as C.Z. recalls Truman—when he stopped being Truman. The gay, gossipy little friend, arm candy, pocket change, was another creature entirely. A giant, a literary sentinel. His greatest achievement to his greatest failure.
A chic sophisticated front cover, beautifully packaged, compelling--exquisitely written, Deserving of 5 Swans. (5 Stars)
The Swans of Fifth Avenue is set in a glittering fairyland—Manhattan in the 1950s and 1960s. This is the Manhattan of The Plaza, Tiffany's, Bergdorf's; the playground of Truman Capote and his Swans. with Melanie Benjamin.
February 2, 2016
This book focuses on Truman Capote's relationship with Babe Paley, a socialite and her friends Slim, CZ, Gloria and Pamela known as the ''Swans" of the 1950's. Babe is married but begins a friendship with Truman. Truman loves Babe's lifestyle as much as he loves the women around her, he seems to be completely enthralled with their way of life. Eventually as the book moves on Truman will betray his friends as he lets their secrets be known to the world. I found the characters to be rather shallow and vain, they parade around town drawing attention to themselves and their wealth and status that they crave, yet underneath none of them were happy with their lives or themselves.
I liked this book as it is not something I would normally pick up, but I have to say back to the crime for me.
I liked this book as it is not something I would normally pick up, but I have to say back to the crime for me.
May 12, 2022
[Re-Rated to 5 stars in 2022]
The Swans of Fifth Avenue is one of those deliciously scandalous guilty pleasures…wealthy people behaving badly at its best…with the added bonuses of the right amount of depth and writing that strikes the perfect tone. While this book is technically fiction, the major events and timelines are real with dialogue, emotions, and details imagined by the author.
Benjamin’s dialogue is snappy and her social commentary is devastatingly biting. The whole time I was reading, I could just picture Truman curled up at these women’s feet like a slinky cat, getting in their good graces before finally pouncing with claws out.
"But, Babe, idealized and idolized, perpetually on the “Best Dressed� lists, always mentioned in columns that began, “The most beautiful women in New York,� was not desired by her own husband. Oh, yes � coveted, perhaps. Prized. Displayed, like one of his Picassos. “Mr. and Mrs. William S. Paley,� dazzling together at charity events, balls, highly sought-after at dinner parties. But Babe was not desired."
Beyond the salacious gossip, Benjamin explores friendship, marriage, loneliness, women’s identity, and what lies beneath the mask. What was it like to be so heavily focused on your outward appearance and image (umm..exhausting?!)? How do these glamorous and celebrated women deal with the fact that their husbands view them as nothing more than “glamorous concierges�? How did these women, who rarely spoke the truth, even to each other, end up divulging so many deep, dark secrets to Truman? And, did Truman intend to betray them from the beginning? The Swans of Fifth Avenue is perfect for fans of Dominick Dunne or Vanity Fair magazine.
Visit my blog, , for more reviews.
The Swans of Fifth Avenue is one of those deliciously scandalous guilty pleasures…wealthy people behaving badly at its best…with the added bonuses of the right amount of depth and writing that strikes the perfect tone. While this book is technically fiction, the major events and timelines are real with dialogue, emotions, and details imagined by the author.
Benjamin’s dialogue is snappy and her social commentary is devastatingly biting. The whole time I was reading, I could just picture Truman curled up at these women’s feet like a slinky cat, getting in their good graces before finally pouncing with claws out.
"But, Babe, idealized and idolized, perpetually on the “Best Dressed� lists, always mentioned in columns that began, “The most beautiful women in New York,� was not desired by her own husband. Oh, yes � coveted, perhaps. Prized. Displayed, like one of his Picassos. “Mr. and Mrs. William S. Paley,� dazzling together at charity events, balls, highly sought-after at dinner parties. But Babe was not desired."
Beyond the salacious gossip, Benjamin explores friendship, marriage, loneliness, women’s identity, and what lies beneath the mask. What was it like to be so heavily focused on your outward appearance and image (umm..exhausting?!)? How do these glamorous and celebrated women deal with the fact that their husbands view them as nothing more than “glamorous concierges�? How did these women, who rarely spoke the truth, even to each other, end up divulging so many deep, dark secrets to Truman? And, did Truman intend to betray them from the beginning? The Swans of Fifth Avenue is perfect for fans of Dominick Dunne or Vanity Fair magazine.
Visit my blog, , for more reviews.
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