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A Diamond Guitar
"The new prisoner, a blond young boy, lagged a pace behind. He was carrying a guitar studded with glassy diamonds that cast a starry twinkle..."
'A Diamond Guitar' is a classic short story by Truman Capote, first published in Harper's Bazaar in 1950. The title refers to the prize possession of a younger prison inmate, a rhinestone-studded guitar. The guitar serves as the key image of the story, one of friendship, despair and isolation. It was also published and is commonly read within 'Breakfast at Tiffany's and Three Stories' (1958).
Truman Capote (1924–1984) was an American writer whose non-fiction, stories, novels, and plays are recognized literary classics. His first novel, 'Other Voices, Other Rooms' (1948) stayed on the bestseller list for nine weeks. In the 1950s and 1960s, Capote remained prolific producing both fiction and non-fiction, such as the novella 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' (1958). His masterpiece, 'In Cold Blood' (1965), became a worldwide success, after which he published rarely and suffered from alcohol addiction. He died in 1984 at age 59. At least 20 films and TV dramas have been produced from Capote novels, stories and screenplays.
'A Diamond Guitar' is a classic short story by Truman Capote, first published in Harper's Bazaar in 1950. The title refers to the prize possession of a younger prison inmate, a rhinestone-studded guitar. The guitar serves as the key image of the story, one of friendship, despair and isolation. It was also published and is commonly read within 'Breakfast at Tiffany's and Three Stories' (1958).
Truman Capote (1924–1984) was an American writer whose non-fiction, stories, novels, and plays are recognized literary classics. His first novel, 'Other Voices, Other Rooms' (1948) stayed on the bestseller list for nine weeks. In the 1950s and 1960s, Capote remained prolific producing both fiction and non-fiction, such as the novella 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' (1958). His masterpiece, 'In Cold Blood' (1965), became a worldwide success, after which he published rarely and suffered from alcohol addiction. He died in 1984 at age 59. At least 20 films and TV dramas have been produced from Capote novels, stories and screenplays.
16 pages
First published January 1, 1950
11 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
About the author
Truman Capote
345 books7,259 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Truman Capote was an American writer whose non-fiction, stories, novels and plays are recognised literary classics, including the novella Breakfast at Tiffany's (1958) and In Cold Blood (1965), which he labeled a "non-fiction novel." At least 20 films and TV dramas have been produced from Capote novels, stories and screenplays.
He was born as Truman Streckfus Persons to a salesman Archulus Persons and young Lillie Mae. His parents divorced when he was four and he went to live with his mother's relatives in Monroeville, Alabama. He was a lonely child who learned to read and write by himself before entering school. In 1933, he moved to New York City to live with his mother and her new husband, Joseph Capote, a Cuban-born businessman. Mr. Capote adopted Truman, legally changing his last name to Capote and enrolling him in private school. After graduating from high school in 1942, Truman Capote began his regular job as a copy boy at The New Yorker. During this time, he also began his career as a writer, publishing many short stories which introduced him into a circle of literary critics. His first novel, Other Voices, Other Rooms, published in 1948, stayed on The New York Times bestseller list for nine weeks and became controversial because of the photograph of Capote used to promote the novel, posing seductively and gazing into the camera.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Capote remained prolific producing both fiction and non-fiction. His masterpiece, In Cold Blood, a story about the murder of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas, was published in 1966 in book form by Random House, became a worldwide success and brought Capote much praise from the literary community. After this success he published rarely and suffered from alcohol addiction. He died in 1984 at age 59.
Truman Capote was an American writer whose non-fiction, stories, novels and plays are recognised literary classics, including the novella Breakfast at Tiffany's (1958) and In Cold Blood (1965), which he labeled a "non-fiction novel." At least 20 films and TV dramas have been produced from Capote novels, stories and screenplays.
He was born as Truman Streckfus Persons to a salesman Archulus Persons and young Lillie Mae. His parents divorced when he was four and he went to live with his mother's relatives in Monroeville, Alabama. He was a lonely child who learned to read and write by himself before entering school. In 1933, he moved to New York City to live with his mother and her new husband, Joseph Capote, a Cuban-born businessman. Mr. Capote adopted Truman, legally changing his last name to Capote and enrolling him in private school. After graduating from high school in 1942, Truman Capote began his regular job as a copy boy at The New Yorker. During this time, he also began his career as a writer, publishing many short stories which introduced him into a circle of literary critics. His first novel, Other Voices, Other Rooms, published in 1948, stayed on The New York Times bestseller list for nine weeks and became controversial because of the photograph of Capote used to promote the novel, posing seductively and gazing into the camera.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Capote remained prolific producing both fiction and non-fiction. His masterpiece, In Cold Blood, a story about the murder of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas, was published in 1966 in book form by Random House, became a worldwide success and brought Capote much praise from the literary community. After this success he published rarely and suffered from alcohol addiction. He died in 1984 at age 59.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
July 28, 2023
2.5 stars
"Nobody here can run to catch Tico. He run the fastest." -- Tico, letting his ego run wild
"Shotguns run faster." -- Mr. Schaeffer, the older and sensible convict
Another day, and another vaguely disappointing short story this week by Capote from early in his career. A Diamond Guitar focuses on long-time prison inmate Schaeffer becoming sort of dazzled by the young new arrival Tico, a six-string-plucking pretty boy who talks a big game but dreams even bigger. The senior guy seems to be a seasoned and realistic type - shades of the 'Red' character in Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption - but unfortunately his common sense goes flying out the window (or, more accurately, into the river) at a crucial moment when the new guy presents a foolhardy opportunity. Actually, I wouldn't mind a more substantial tale focusing on Schaeffer, but this O. Henry-lite story felt like it was just getting started when it ended on a bittersweet note.
"Nobody here can run to catch Tico. He run the fastest." -- Tico, letting his ego run wild
"Shotguns run faster." -- Mr. Schaeffer, the older and sensible convict
Another day, and another vaguely disappointing short story this week by Capote from early in his career. A Diamond Guitar focuses on long-time prison inmate Schaeffer becoming sort of dazzled by the young new arrival Tico, a six-string-plucking pretty boy who talks a big game but dreams even bigger. The senior guy seems to be a seasoned and realistic type - shades of the 'Red' character in Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption - but unfortunately his common sense goes flying out the window (or, more accurately, into the river) at a crucial moment when the new guy presents a foolhardy opportunity. Actually, I wouldn't mind a more substantial tale focusing on Schaeffer, but this O. Henry-lite story felt like it was just getting started when it ended on a bittersweet note.
December 20, 2024
‘Tico, play your box,’ they would say. They did not notice that afterward there was a deeper sadness than there had ever been. Sleep jumped beyond them like a jack rabbit, and their eyes lingered pondering on the firelight.
Creio que “A Diamond Guitar” tem o maior número de comparações por página de que me lembro, mas cada uma delas é mais bonita do que a outra. Nesta história passada numa cadeia, nasce uma amizade entre um respeitado recluso condenado a 99 anos por homicídio e um irrequieto adolescente cubano, em que o homem mais velho aceita correr riscos por uma ténue possibilidade de voltar a ser livre e percorrer o mundo.
For a long time – for many years, in fact - he had not thought of how it was before he came to the farm. His memory of those times was like a house where no one lives and where the furniture has rotted away. But tonight it was as if lamps had been lighted through all the gloomy dead rooms.
Creio que “A Diamond Guitar” tem o maior número de comparações por página de que me lembro, mas cada uma delas é mais bonita do que a outra. Nesta história passada numa cadeia, nasce uma amizade entre um respeitado recluso condenado a 99 anos por homicídio e um irrequieto adolescente cubano, em que o homem mais velho aceita correr riscos por uma ténue possibilidade de voltar a ser livre e percorrer o mundo.
For a long time – for many years, in fact - he had not thought of how it was before he came to the farm. His memory of those times was like a house where no one lives and where the furniture has rotted away. But tonight it was as if lamps had been lighted through all the gloomy dead rooms.
June 28, 2013
This short story is set in a prison where convicts perform manual labor...the two main characters are Mr. Schaeffer and Tico Feo...they form a bond and agree to attempt an escape during while working... Tico succeeds in getting away, but Mr. Schaeffer breaks his ankle in a shallow creek...Mr. Schaeffer is given credit for trying to capture Tico and takes possession of the prized guitar...I love thye rhythm of his sentences..."He stood there whispering the names of the evening stars as they opened in flower above him. The stars were his pleasure, but tonight they did not comfort him; they did not make him remember that what happens to us on earth is lost in the endless shine of eternity."...does it get any prettier than that...
October 26, 2020
If I didn't especially liked a house of flowers by the same author, too cheesy perhaps, this short story felt just right. Just an anecdote lost in time, a character that we will never see again but it does its job. Setting an atmosphere of boredom, longing, and a loveable character. A great discovery.
July 24, 2015
A story set in prison, where friends meet and part. it was quite enjoyable, making you sympathetic to the main character, but the transformation in the characters attitude was quite sudden and not explained enough.
January 24, 2024
Oh crap…. I think I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time 💔
“Until that moment he had not be lonesome. Now, recognizing his loneliness, he felt alive. He had not wanted to be alive. To be alive was to remember brown rivers where the fish run, and sunlight on a lady’s hair.”
“Until that moment he had not be lonesome. Now, recognizing his loneliness, he felt alive. He had not wanted to be alive. To be alive was to remember brown rivers where the fish run, and sunlight on a lady’s hair.”
February 3, 2023
Can’t Outrun a Shotgun
1 February 2023 - Mittagong
I’m sort of used to short stories being rather grim and dark, but that is probably because I generally read ones like HP Lovecraft, though I have to admit that I have read quite a lot of Asimov’s as well, but then again most of his earlier books are basically collections of short stories. It seems that there were a lot more short story writers around this age than I expected, though apparently a lot of the magazines back then were desperate for content (though you could say that that has gone through the roof these days, especially with the multitude of websites out there).
Well, this story is basically about a prison, though it seems to be a rather low key prison as opposed to the high security ones that we tend to hear about. This was probably also before the United States took the record for being the country with the most prisoners per-capita in the world – so much for the land of the free and home of the brave. Sure, there are people that definitely deserve to be in prison, but as we all know, the people who should be in prison, and the people who are in prison aren’t necessarily the same.
Anyway, I do get the impression that the occupants of this prison are from the lower socio-economic ladder, but once again that also tends to be the case because, well, they generally can’t afford good lawyers. Also, it seems to be 50/50 between white and non-whites (with one Chinese included), though the story seems to be about a couple of latinos.
Well, the protagonist is basically there for life, and a younger prisoner arrives, who looks like he is going to be there a long time as well, turns up. As it turns out they become close friends, and the younger one proposes an escape. The problem is that the older one is definitely much older, so he isn’t as fast on his feet as he used to be.
It has an interesting ending mind you, and you sort of get the impression that in these days prison life did sort of have their perks, but then again, there are people who land up there who simply want to do their time, and not cause any trouble. But, it also seems to be the case with the protagonist, who is clearly going to be locked up here until the day he dies. Then again, it seems to be a pretty comfortable existence, so, yeah, it really does seem that they aren’t all that interested in stirring up any waves.
1 February 2023 - Mittagong
I’m sort of used to short stories being rather grim and dark, but that is probably because I generally read ones like HP Lovecraft, though I have to admit that I have read quite a lot of Asimov’s as well, but then again most of his earlier books are basically collections of short stories. It seems that there were a lot more short story writers around this age than I expected, though apparently a lot of the magazines back then were desperate for content (though you could say that that has gone through the roof these days, especially with the multitude of websites out there).
Well, this story is basically about a prison, though it seems to be a rather low key prison as opposed to the high security ones that we tend to hear about. This was probably also before the United States took the record for being the country with the most prisoners per-capita in the world – so much for the land of the free and home of the brave. Sure, there are people that definitely deserve to be in prison, but as we all know, the people who should be in prison, and the people who are in prison aren’t necessarily the same.
Anyway, I do get the impression that the occupants of this prison are from the lower socio-economic ladder, but once again that also tends to be the case because, well, they generally can’t afford good lawyers. Also, it seems to be 50/50 between white and non-whites (with one Chinese included), though the story seems to be about a couple of latinos.
Well, the protagonist is basically there for life, and a younger prisoner arrives, who looks like he is going to be there a long time as well, turns up. As it turns out they become close friends, and the younger one proposes an escape. The problem is that the older one is definitely much older, so he isn’t as fast on his feet as he used to be.
It has an interesting ending mind you, and you sort of get the impression that in these days prison life did sort of have their perks, but then again, there are people who land up there who simply want to do their time, and not cause any trouble. But, it also seems to be the case with the protagonist, who is clearly going to be locked up here until the day he dies. Then again, it seems to be a pretty comfortable existence, so, yeah, it really does seem that they aren’t all that interested in stirring up any waves.
May 3, 2023
beautiful short story about the friendship between a young boy that enters a prison in which the old man has lived for seventeen years already
the language is what made the story very special to me
“He stood there whispering the names of the evening stars as they opened in flower above him. The stars were his pleasure, but tonight they did not comfort him; they did not make him remember that what happens to us on earth is lost in the endless shine of eternity.”
“His memory of those times was like a house where no one lives and where the furniture has rotted away.
But tonight it was as if lamps had been lighted through all the gloomy dead rooms.”
the language is what made the story very special to me
“He stood there whispering the names of the evening stars as they opened in flower above him. The stars were his pleasure, but tonight they did not comfort him; they did not make him remember that what happens to us on earth is lost in the endless shine of eternity.”
“His memory of those times was like a house where no one lives and where the furniture has rotted away.
But tonight it was as if lamps had been lighted through all the gloomy dead rooms.”
April 29, 2025
Me ha gustado mucho este relato. Destaco la esperanza que transmite.
June 11, 2021
Truman Capote – Una guitarra de diamantes (1950)
« Le gustaban mucho las estrellas, pero aquella noche no le sirvieron de consuelo; no bastaron para recordarle que lo que nos ocurre a los que vivimos en la Tierra carece de importancia contemplado desde el eterno fulgor de la eternidad ».
[2.5/5] ★★☆☆☆
Reseña:
En este relato corto tenemos a Mr. Schaeffer y Tico Feo como protagonistas. El primero un viejo preso acostumbrado a la monotonía de su vida y resignado a su sentencia y el segundo un joven recién recluido que en un principio parece intentar adaptarse a su nueva realidad, pero con el pasar del tiempo no puede negar sus ansias de libertad.
Es así como Tico Feo desarrolla una amistad con Mr. Schaeffer e intenta persuadirlo para fugarse juntos.
Opinión:
Llegué a esta historia porque está incluida en la edición que tengo de Desayuno en Tiffany's, no es de mis historias favoritas de Truman. La añoranza y el tono melancólico del relato pasan un poco desapercibidos por la brevedad del relato.
Me quede pensando en cómo Mr. Schaeffer ya estaba en paz con su vida y de la nada llega Tico Feo con su egoísmo y remueve todo.
Este relato nos recuerda que debemos fijarnos en quien depositamos nuestra confianza.
---
Tiempo Literario
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | @CorteLiterario
« Le gustaban mucho las estrellas, pero aquella noche no le sirvieron de consuelo; no bastaron para recordarle que lo que nos ocurre a los que vivimos en la Tierra carece de importancia contemplado desde el eterno fulgor de la eternidad ».
[2.5/5] ★★☆☆☆
Reseña:
En este relato corto tenemos a Mr. Schaeffer y Tico Feo como protagonistas. El primero un viejo preso acostumbrado a la monotonía de su vida y resignado a su sentencia y el segundo un joven recién recluido que en un principio parece intentar adaptarse a su nueva realidad, pero con el pasar del tiempo no puede negar sus ansias de libertad.
Es así como Tico Feo desarrolla una amistad con Mr. Schaeffer e intenta persuadirlo para fugarse juntos.
Opinión:
Llegué a esta historia porque está incluida en la edición que tengo de Desayuno en Tiffany's, no es de mis historias favoritas de Truman. La añoranza y el tono melancólico del relato pasan un poco desapercibidos por la brevedad del relato.
Me quede pensando en cómo Mr. Schaeffer ya estaba en paz con su vida y de la nada llega Tico Feo con su egoísmo y remueve todo.
Este relato nos recuerda que debemos fijarnos en quien depositamos nuestra confianza.
---
Tiempo Literario
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | @CorteLiterario
Read
June 22, 2024Una cárcel es el inicio de la amistad que se forja entre dos presos, uno de los cuales quieres fugarse y convence al otro para que le ayude y se vayan juntos.
Tico Feo es un alocado y carismático cubano con una guitarra de diamantes que se gana la amistad de Mr. Schaeffer, un preso más mayor y respetado que, sin embargo, ha perdido la esperanza de recuperar la libertad algún día.
Un relato sobre la amistad, la ilusión, la importancia de mantener la esperanza y luchar por los sueños.
✔️ Puntos fuertes: lectura breve y rápida, emotividad, la relación de los personajes,el final y la elegante pluma del autor.
❤ Te gustará si: buscas una lectura breve y que te haga pensar o si te gusta el estilo narrativo del autor.
Tico Feo es un alocado y carismático cubano con una guitarra de diamantes que se gana la amistad de Mr. Schaeffer, un preso más mayor y respetado que, sin embargo, ha perdido la esperanza de recuperar la libertad algún día.
Un relato sobre la amistad, la ilusión, la importancia de mantener la esperanza y luchar por los sueños.
✔️ Puntos fuertes: lectura breve y rápida, emotividad, la relación de los personajes,el final y la elegante pluma del autor.
❤ Te gustará si: buscas una lectura breve y que te haga pensar o si te gusta el estilo narrativo del autor.
March 26, 2013
Despite its length, The Diamond Guitar was a good short story. I especially enjoyed the "you don't know what you got until it's gone" theme. In a way, I think that Tico Feo represents the world outside the prison. Mr. Schaeffer was content with his life in the prison, but Tico Feo brought back in him the reality of the outside with his spirit and his diamond guitar, so much so that Mr. Schaeffer attempts to escape at great personal risk. However, in the end, the outside world--rather, Tico Feo--deserts him and is disloyal.
June 1, 2013
The moral of this story is what? Don't go to prison? Be careful who you befriend in prison? Or maybe it is just if your name is Truman Capote you can get anything published, even a 16 page short story that while it is well written word wise, it really isn't anything special. But at least there were no whores or prostitutes in this one.
March 1, 2017
i cried
January 13, 2023
Como toda historia de presos, tiene los tintes de la amargura. Historia corta que en pocas páginas solo reconoce que Capote es capaz de ponerle rostros, vivencias y personalidad a cualquiera de sus personajes e incluso hacerte creer que podría aparecer más adelante en otro de sus cuentos. Es Yam corto que si hablo de la sinopsis cometo spoiler; solo baste decir que trata de la amistad de dos presos, sus añoranzas, tristezas, vacíos, y su intento de huida. Lo lograrán? Desfíbrelo en 17 páginas.
November 18, 2023
some great characters and set-up by Capote. Not groundbreaking, but I'm glad I read it.
Libby e-book loan
Libby e-book loan
November 22, 2023
This was an interesting take on a prison story and a diamond guitar. Short stories are hard. The author has to cram a lot in a short space. Usually leaves something to be desired,
April 30, 2021
3.5⭐️
Truman Capote has a very interesting literary motive: the escape. We can see this motive at Breakfast at Tiffany’s (when Holly decided to run away of the police and move to Brazil, and then to Buenos Aires) and here, when Tico Feo and Mr. Schaeffer decided to escape from prison. Unfortunately, only Tico Feo succedes. He knew that Mr. Schaeffer won’t be able to do it. He used Mr. Schaeffer to escape. Kind of hearbreaking.
Truman Capote has a very interesting literary motive: the escape. We can see this motive at Breakfast at Tiffany’s (when Holly decided to run away of the police and move to Brazil, and then to Buenos Aires) and here, when Tico Feo and Mr. Schaeffer decided to escape from prison. Unfortunately, only Tico Feo succedes. He knew that Mr. Schaeffer won’t be able to do it. He used Mr. Schaeffer to escape. Kind of hearbreaking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2018
When I finished this book, the first thing I wondered was what was the purpose. The book has alluring figurative language and pretty good character development for a short story. But no matter what, I could not piece together the purpose. The story has the main character meet another one with the titular object and then he just leaves. It is all very abrupt. The story just ends.
November 14, 2017
This depressing short story, although better than House of Flowers, gave me the same thoughts that I have had on every other Capote book/short story that I have read: nothing really stands out to me and it seems average in quality.
May 5, 2019
3,5⭐️
May 19, 2020
Charming and bittersweet. As usual Capote paints a vivid picture. Even in the prison setting he manages to make everything seem cozy, quaint, and welcoming.
October 30, 2024
GAYYYYYY GAY GAY GAY GAY HOMO
June 5, 2025
well written and all but not particularly interesting
libs
December 12, 2025Peter read it when his 19 or 20.
July 18, 2020
Recueil de nouvelles sur les conditions de vie d’américains miséreux ou misérables du début du 20 eme siècle
Un pauvre gamin qui tente de découvrir le contenu de pièces d’une bonbonne afin de l’empocher !
L’amitié entre un criminel lettré et un voyou portoricain et guitariste dans une prison pour hommes ou il fait froid et où les travaux obligatoires sont durs
L
Existence d’une jeune métis de Haïti , prostituée qui découvre l’amour lors d’un combat de coqs et suit son homme sur ses terres dans les montagnes de son enfance !
Un pauvre gamin qui tente de découvrir le contenu de pièces d’une bonbonne afin de l’empocher !
L’amitié entre un criminel lettré et un voyou portoricain et guitariste dans une prison pour hommes ou il fait froid et où les travaux obligatoires sont durs
L
Existence d’une jeune métis de Haïti , prostituée qui découvre l’amour lors d’un combat de coqs et suit son homme sur ses terres dans les montagnes de son enfance !
December 30, 2022
Once again delightful but I’m penalising it for being my least favourite of all of them. Sad and quiet.
September 18, 2019
I enjoyed this short story. It was at times choppy and kinda unbelievable (who enters prison with all their belongings??) it seems there was a hidden homoerotic subtext that was throughout the story but wasn’t clearly brought out (not acceptable for a 1956 audience) it would be a whole different book if it were written today. It did have a surprising ending that I found to be kinda tragically sad.
December 27, 2017
Just don’t think I’m much a fan of this author. Obviously, this is a short story, but no background info on the characters to explain why one (Tico) would be manipulative and take advantage of someone who supported and loved him. Just meh for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2018
I loved this! It was very cute and I wished it was longer! The only reason why I gave it 4 and not 5, is because it's so rushed and because of that, the plot kind of has some holes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews