Super Short Summary

The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin is a 2016 historical novel that fictionalizes the rise of Truman Capote, his friendships with New York's wealthy women referred to as "swans," and their eventual fallout following the publication of Capote's "La Côte Basque 1965." Central to the story is Capote's bond with Babe Paley, ruptured as the swans reflect on their past and Capote's betrayal. The book features antisemitism, anti-gay prejudice, sexism, suicide, alcohol addiction, drug addiction, domestic violence, and implied sexual assault.