Sunday, December 23, 2018

Swans of Fifth Avenue; Melanie Benjamin


AUTHOR: Melanie Benjamin
PUBLISHER: Random House
PUB. YEAR: 2016
SETTING:  NYC
FORMAT:  - eBook
RATING: 4/5 stars


The Swans of Fifth Avenue was our book group's November selection.  Going into this book rather blind, I was not aware that this was a fictionalized version of Truman Capote and the rich, high society "Swans", he ingratiated himself with, only to later expose their most private lives -- in his "LaCote Basque - 1965".

Set in the 1950's-1960's, it is a juicy story which I thought was fairly well-written.    Barbara "Babe" Cushing Mortimore Paley, socialite and top "swan", seemed to have it all: beauty, money and influential friends but, deep down she was not much more than a lonely, insecure trophy wife. Her husband Bill was a philandering, CBS executive. Little did Babe know, when Capote and his larger than life personality entered the picture, he would easily be welcomed in their circle but, with a penchant for gossip, he'd later use people to his advantage.

This book made for a lively discussion and everyone in the group seemed happy that we read it. 
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21 comments:

  1. (Diane) Bibliophile By the SeaDecember 23, 2018 at 4:51 PM

    First time for me as well with this author; very well written.

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  2. Brian's Home BlogDecember 23, 2018 at 7:24 PM

    That does sound good and I'll bet the lively discussion was too! Merry Christmas from all of us and Christmas hugs to Ricky and Lucy!

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  3. MysticaDecember 23, 2018 at 9:01 PM

    He must be a nasty character to use all their private anecdotes. It sounds a lively read.

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  4. bermudaonionDecember 23, 2018 at 9:43 PM

    I loved this book and talked my book club into reading it and everyone liked it. I passed it on to my mother and she wasn't crazy about it.

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  5. Les in OregonDecember 23, 2018 at 10:15 PM

    Huh. I had no idea this was about Truman Capote and the rich women he surrounded himself with. I've only read one book by Benjamin (The Aviator's Wife) and I really enjoy it, so maybe I'll have to give this one a go. So many books to recommend to my book club! Gah!

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  6. CarmenDecember 24, 2018 at 10:24 AM

    I loved this one...So juicy! You're right that it is the fodder of lively discussions. Merry Christmas, Diane, to you and yours!

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    Replies
    1. (Diane) Bibliophile By the SeaDecember 24, 2018 at 2:38 PM

      Thanks Carmen, and Christmas wishes to you and yours as well.

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  7. Helen's Book BlogDecember 24, 2018 at 11:27 AM

    I've just finished Becoming by Michelle Obama, which I found interesting. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

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  8. Confuzzled ShannonDecember 24, 2018 at 12:43 PM

    I have read all of Melanie Benjamin books. They are all Historical Fiction. She has new one out next spring I believe. My favorite of hers is The Autobiography Of Mrs. Tom Thumb.

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  9. Judy KruegerDecember 24, 2018 at 12:54 PM

    I think I need to read this one. I am currently reading The After Party by Anton DiSclafani. Similar scene but in Houston, TX during the 1950s. When I post my reading group update next please leave this one, with a link to your review in the comments. I like that it gave your group such a lively discussion. Happy Holidays!

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  10. (Diane) Bibliophile By the SeaDecember 24, 2018 at 2:40 PM

    I'll try to remember Judy. Have a great Christmas.

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  11. SherriDecember 28, 2018 at 11:19 AM

    I have this book on my to be read pile, I guess I should move it closer to the top of my stack!! Thanks for the review!

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  12. stacybuckeyeDecember 29, 2018 at 11:14 PM

    I detest gossip, but Truman Capote does fascinate.

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