The Southern Haunting of Truman Capote

by Marie Rudisill, James C. Simmons

Like many Southern writers of the 1930s and 1940s, who as a group created the richest, most memorable body of regional literature in the history of American letters, Truman Capote eventually journeyed northward. As the years passed, Capote’s moorings to his Southern past grew weaker and weaker, and he deliberately cut himself off from the people and places that provided fodder for much of his early fiction. The Southern Haunting of Truman Capote  is a thoughtful reflection on the literary origins of four of Capote’s important early works— A Christmas Memory, The Grass Harp,  “Children on Their Birthdays,” and  Other Voices, Other Rooms —in light of the boyhood experiences that inspired them. Marie Rudisill, a younger sister of Capote’s mother, was the only one of her nephew’s companions to have known him well his entire life. Because of this close relationship, she gained a unique perspective on her nephew’s development as one of America’s leading novelists. Written at the encouragement of Capote’s longtime editor, Joe Fox,  The Southern Haunting of Truman  Capote  provides a useful point of view for understanding Capote’s work.

Genres: Biography

140 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2000

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting, well-written insight on the young Tru by his mother's younger sister.

[V2adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not being very familiar with the writings of Truman Capote, I wanted to learn a little more about him after reading a book by one of his aunts, Marie Rudisill. The book that I had read earlier by her was one of the funniest books that I had read in quite awhile. Knowing that Mrs. Rudisill was raised and had lived here in the south, I also knew that this book would give an insight into the early days of Southern life. I wasn't disappointed at all in that aspect. She gives very descriptive details of the towns, homes and some of the plants along with some other things in the book. I enjoyed reading about the background of how Truman Capote grew up and how his life influenced his books. It was very interesting to learn that one of his best childhood friends was Nelle Harper Lee who wrote "To Kill A Mockingbird"! The whole family actually had quite a colorful and interesting life. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in biography type books or would like to learn about the old Southern type culture.

[Pamela Mclaren · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming, sweet telling of Truman Capote's childhood — and how he used his memories in his stories, such as A Christmas Memory and The Glass Harp. The author was one of Capote's aunts, Marie Rudisill, who apparently kept in contact with him throughout his life. It is told pretty much oral history form — as you read, you can imagine hearing her voice saying the words as they are written.

[Rebecca Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always liked Truman Capote and this is a good look into his life from a family members view.

[K M · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was interesting, but had a "just scratching the surface" kind of feel.

[Francy Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been interested in Truman Capote’s work
& life. One of the first books that made a big impact on me growing up was “To Kill a Mockingbird”. The author , Harper Lee, who had been friends since childhood with Capote in a small southern town- used Capote as her example for her character “Dill” in her novel. One of the authors of this book- Marie Rudisill- was Capote’s aunt. This is a very telling book
about Capote’s early life.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll read anything Capote, and while this is short and sweet, it's also written in a very flowery manner. It's as though the authors are trying to imitate Capote at times.

If you've read all of his works, you'll enjoy learning about their origins in this quick read.