47 pages • 1 hour read
Breakfast at Tiffany's
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Book Brief
179
Novella • Fiction
New York City • 1940s
1958
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Truman Capote's 1958 novella Breakfast at Tiffany’s, an unnamed narrator recounts his friendship with Holly Golightly, a free-spirited young woman who lives in the same New York City apartment building. As the narrator becomes intrigued by Holly’s whimsical lifestyle and mysterious past, their relationship evolves amid the backdrop of Manhattan in the 1940s. The source material features depictions of abuse, racism, and anti-gay bias.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
7,037 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote is celebrated for its evocative prose and compelling portrayal of the enigmatic Holly Golightly. The novella is praised for its vivid characterizations and atmospheric depiction of New York City. However, some critics find the plot somewhat meandering. Overall, Capote's work remains a charming and poignant narrative that continues to captivate readers.
Who Should Read Breakfast at Tiffany’s?
Readers who enjoy Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote appreciate layered storytelling, character-driven narratives, and glamorous settings. Fans of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby or Tennessee Williams’ plays will find similar charm, decadence, and profound observations of human nature in Capote's work.
7,037 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Narrator
The Narrator
An unnamed writer who observes and documents the life of Holly Golightly, remaining a passive figure while trying to understand her complex character.
Jose Ybarra-Jaegar
Jose Ybarra-Jaegar
A Brazilian politician who becomes romantically involved with Holly Golightly but struggles with the fear of public scandal due to her reputation.
Mag Wildwood
Mag Wildwood
A model who shares a tumultuous and uneasy friendship with Holly, often marked by jealousy and competition, particularly over men.
Doc Golightly
Doc Golightly
A Texas veterinarian who enters Holly’s life during her troubled childhood and complicates her understanding of love and relationships.
179
Novella • Fiction
New York City • 1940s
1958
Adult
18+ years
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