Advent Book 25 – My Christmas Book

Today I reach the final book of my Advent calendar which is Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote. It’s a book of short stories of which the best, and the longest, is the title story. It was the subject of a famous film starring Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly – I haven’t seen the film but I understand that it glamorises what is actually a sad story.

I have read this book before and I think that the title story is a classic tale of a young woman with few options and less hope. The writing is beautiful and there are no words wasted. Although I remember that story quite well I don’t recall any details of the other three stories included in what is a very slim volume. I shall read this book again, I think, and see if I can articulate why I enjoy his writing.

Included in today’s parcel was also a bar of chocolate as a Christmas present which was a nice touch from the sender.

I am a bit sad that my Advent calendar is over as I have enjoyed opening a new parcel each day and seeing what book has been chosen for me. All the books are second hand and have been chosen from a brief note I attached to my order explaining the types of books I wanted (literary fiction (not nineteenth century classics), travel and memoirs (not by celebrities)). I think that the Old Curiosity Bookshop (see website here) has done a really good job in their choices. There were some books I had already read but even if you exclude those I definitely got value for money from the box (especially when you include postage). I already have a monthly subscription from the same shop for different genres and this is usually very good and introduces me to books I might not otherwise try.

Now, my next task is to read these books as well as all the others I have waiting for me to find time. Look out for the reviews but it might take a year or so to get there !!

May I wish all my readers (and there are actually quite a few of you) a very Happy Christmas and a book filled New Year – Keep reading !