Two (modern) classics were next on my #NovNov list – Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote and The End of the Affair by Graham Greene.
I’m a George Costanza when it comes to Breakfast at Tiffany’s – meaning that until now, I’d seen the movie but not read the novella. That’s remedied. Why did I wait so long?! I enjoyed the story immensely.
Through a handful of characters – Holly Golightly obviously gets top billing – Capote captures 1940s New York – its style, its seediness and where it’s never too early or too late for a martini. This is such a ‘visual’ story – do you know what I mean? Capote’s neat descriptions jump of the page – the disarray in Holly’s apartment, the disgruntled neighbour who is tired of Holly forgetting her key, the bartender taking phone messages. There’s nothing overdone and yet each scene is rich in detail. A truly satisfying read.
The End of the Affair by Graham Greene was a reread for me, but it was decades ago, so I had forgotten much of it. The plot is straightforward, focused on an affair between a single man, Bendrix, and a married woman, Sarah. The genius is in the plot twists, which all hinge on the seemingly innocuous – the interpretation of words or split-second timing – which later are revealed to be crucial.
Thirty years on from my first reading of this story, I was struck by how little the writing has aged. Yes, there’s enough detail to firmly place the story in wartime London, but in terms of dialogue and the motivation of the characters, it could just as well be set today (although I suspect that mobile phones have somewhat altered the conduct of affairs!). What I had forgotten was how much religion is referred to, particularly in the second half of the story, and how sad and lonely the main characters are.
I loved both of these, and both are rare examples of a film really capturing the mood and style of the novels IMO.
Brilliant casting, of course!
Two of my faves!
I’ve never seen the movie or read Breakfast at Tiffany’s, must remedy that! I do recall seeing the movie End of the Affair, but I’ve never been a Graham Greene fan so not read the book.
Lovely choices.
Two fabulous books. I was looking forward to the film version of Breakfast at Tiffanys but actually gave up on it before the end. The opening scene is superb but I found the other people in Holly’s apartment tiresome
The End of the Affair is wonderful – I should re-read too.
I’ve never read BAT because I didn’t like the film, but a few people have said to me I’d like the novella more, it’s darker in tone?
Breakfast… is on my list. I did start to watch the movie but got bored rather quickly. Maybe I have to be in the right mode. I have not read anything by Capote and always wanted to. Hopefully soon. I listened to The End of the Affair a couple of years ago. I am not good at listening to books, but it was Colin Firth who narrated, so what is not to love. I did like the story, the description of London at the time, and how the story evolved. Then, of course, Greene is a favourite author. I think his novels are as up to date today as they were when he wrote it. His stories seem to be timeless.
I loved The End of the Affair – time for a reread I think
I’ve got the Greene on my classics list and I’m looking forward to it thanks! Breakfast at Tiffany’s is just brilliant isn’t it and yes, very visual
To echo you and everyone else: I loved both of those books. I haven’t seen a film version of the Greene but I’d like to.
I’m adding End of the Affair to my list for next year.