Capote's Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era

“Truman decided to publish a second chapter, a ‘proof of life’ missive that would reveal just how explosive and revolutionary his new book was. One that would return him to the glory days of his literary stardom, when he was celebrated beyond measure.”

Throughout the book, Leamer presents Truman as desperate for affirmation and approval from others. This passage suggests that he published an excerpt from Answered Prayers against the advice of many because he wanted the fame that would come from releasing such juicy gossip. Leamer presents this willingness to betray his friends as Truman’s defining characteristic.

“Babe had what Wharton called ‘a craving for the external finish of life.’ This was not just smooth lacquer painted onto the surface of life but the very essence. Strip those externals, and what was there?”

When she meets Truman, Babe Paley is known as the most beautiful woman in the world. She uses her second husband Bill Paley’s wealth to catapult them both among the elite of New York City, highlighting the text’s thematic interest in Marriage as a Business Arrangement.

“Truman wasn’t ‘normal.’ He didn’t know or care what normal was. He probably was no more than ten or so when he began luring older boys into his bed.”

This passage reflects Leamer’s complicated relationship with his subject. Leamer unquestioningly accepts Truman’s version of his life story, even as he acknowledges the writer’s penchant for lying. Here, Leamer accepts Truman’s explanation that he was the one seducing older boys, rather than the victim of assault, leaving the power imbalance inherent in these relationships uninterrogated.