Stephen Greco

February 7, 2025
I would never have picked this book had I realized that this is the same author that wrote Such Good Friends: A Novel of Truman Capote & Lee Radziwill. This is a perfect book club choice. You will love this book if you love lush, never-ending descriptions of clothing, decor, architecture, art, dated gossip, and a supposed friendship between the two wealthiest women in America (at the time).

Frankly, I just don't have what it takes to enjoy books of this caliber. I need show more something that takes me away from this world. I need something that will make me think, laugh, cry, and use my imagination, something that will pique my curiosity. This book did none of those things for me. It felt as if the longer I read it, the longer the book became until I felt that it would never end.

I wanted to read more about Emma and Ollie and the film she was making. That would have been interesting. Instead, we got a book about the two most selfish women in the world.
I understand that the rich are different from the likes of me, but this was just a mishmash of spoiled, entitled behavior---yes, yes, I know it was a different era. I think what really did it for me was the apparent padding of this book with all of the never-ending descriptions---of EVERYTHING.

The era that is the basis for this book will make it a little awkward for those of us who were born in the late 50's and only know of some of these people when they were already past their prime. But, on the other hand, if you are much younger than me, then you might find this an exciting slice of mid to late-20th-century history. But, of course, it is history about the wealthy jet-setters, and it only touches briefly on anything significant that was going on in America at the time.

Although this wasn't my cup of tea, I think that many out in Bookland will enjoy this look into the rich and famous. show less

Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill were prominent friends who lived large in the high society of the 1960s and 70s. Most of this novel is told from the perspective of Marlene, a housekeeper and cook to Lee who also becomes friends with Capote. Marlene is keeping secrets of her own, but Lee and Capote take up the most space on the page, as each of these iconic personages experience the ups and downs of life, fame, and creativity. This is likely one of the most sympathetic takes on Capote I've show more read, making him into a more tragic figure. An interesting read and highly recommended for historical fiction fans up for another take on Capote, Lee Radziwill, and their set. show less

Such Good Friends: A Novel of Truman Capote & Lee Radziwill by Stephen Greco

The Story of the friendship between Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill as told through Lee's assistant (Servant) Marlene. Truman and Lee are well known to me, but I found them both to be unlikable. Truman with his arrogance and Lee her entitlement.

Although I had a strong distaste for the two, it did not take away from the story. The people they knew and events they attended were interesting. A lot of famous and wealthy show more people were mentioned which at times were intriguing. I did like Marlene and her part in this (story). Her Cuban ancestry was compelling, would have liked to learn more.

What I found a bit distracting was the endless dialog, at times I was at a loss for who was speaking. I also found repetitiveness throughout, which again, was a bit of a distraction. Overall I found Such Good Friends: A Novel of Truman Capote & Lee Radziwill interesting enough to finish. It was not a bad story, just not quite for me. Others may find it enjoyable. show less

Exploring two generations and the various friendships that grow and wane over the years. This is both well-written and interesting in the way various relationships are developed.