The Swans of Fifth Avenue

Before I start, you should all know that I find most modern novels to be bland, over-done, a rehash of the same story, but sometimes I am pleasantly surprised. This post is about one of those surprises.
I recently read The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin, and I instantly fell in love!

The story is centered around Truman Capote and his elegant swans, namely the perfect Babe Paley. The novel delves into Capote's relationship with his socialite friends and the subsequent scandal that rocked tabloids and the high society ladies that Capote betrayed.

The plot is phenomenal, providing details that create a close connection between the reader and each of the characters.  I have grown so close to the story that I may have a minor obsession with Truman Capote, Babe Paley, and Slim Keith. Although the story will keep you enraptured, wanting to know more about the social life of the affluent ladies in the 50's and 60's, the novel is held back by one thing. Benjamin's writing is occasionally held back by what appears to be sentence structures inspired by the verbose and descriptive style of Truman Capote himself. Although this is interesting, no one is Capote, and the long sentences filled with hyphens and semi-colons can create some confusion at times and feel a bit contrived. But overall, the story is written well, filled with description and little details and plenty of New York City gossip (but not raunchy).

Rating: 8/10

See you for tea,
Christina

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