Plot Summary

The Grass Harp

Truman Capote
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The Grass Harp

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1951

Book Brief

Truman Capote

The Grass Harp

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1951
Book Details
Pages

72

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Southern USA • 1940s

Publication Year

1951

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

The Grass Harp by Truman Capote is set in a 1930s Alabama town and follows eleven-year-old Collin, who, after his parents' tragic deaths, moves in with his aunts, Dolly and Verena. Dolly, gentle and herbal-focused, clashes with her business-driven sister. Discovering Verena's plan to exploit her herbal recipes, Dolly, Collin, and housekeeper Catherine flee to a tree house, creating a haven that becomes a town symbol.

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Contemplative

Heartwarming

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

3.9

6,619 ratings

72%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Reviews for Truman Capote's The Grass Harp highlight its lyrical prose and richly drawn characters, resonating with themes of individuality and small-town dynamics. Critics praise the narrative's enchanting, whimsical nature but note a slower pace that may not appeal to all readers. Overall, the novella's charm and depth are widely appreciated.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Grass Harp?

A reader who would enjoy The Grass Harp by Truman Capote likely appreciates lyrical prose, Southern Gothic themes, and character-driven narratives. Fans of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird and Carson McCullers' The Heart is a Lonely Hunter will find similar emotional depth and exploration of human connection.

3.9

6,619 ratings

72%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The Grass Harp, published in 1951, is a semi-autobiographical novel by Truman Capote, drawing inspiration from his childhood experiences in Alabama.

The novel was adapted into a Broadway play in 1952, with music by Claibe Richardson and a book by Kenward Elmslie.

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Capote reimagined The Grass Harp into a film released in 1995, featuring a star-studded cast including Walter Matthau and Sissy Spacek.

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Book Details
Pages

72

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Southern USA • 1940s

Publication Year

1951

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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