Capote in Kansas, A Ghost Story by Kim Powers
I find it interesting that I should read Capote in Kansas by Kim Powers after reading The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff as both are fictionalized accounts of well known people. It brings up the whole what is real and what is fiction thing all over again.
Capote in Kansas is about two friends, both literary and literally. One is Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird (read my book review), the other is Truman Capote, author of In Cold Blood. Both lived next to each other as children learning about creativity, imagination, and writing. Twenty five years later they would work together in Kansas to research Capote’s In Cold Blood. With the publication of both In Cold Blood and To Kill a Mockingbird, both authors become estranged. What has made them stop talking? Do they ever reunite? Who really wrote To Kill a Mockingbird? Kim Powers recreates a novel of ghosts, deathbed confessions, friendship, jealousy, and “what might have beens.” Capote in Kansas draws you in and is a story you cannot easily put down.
And it’s a story that even if you aren’t familiar with Harper Lee, Truman Capote or their books you aren’t lost. But I do admit that I’m sure I would have found a second, deeper level of enjoyment if I were. Having just read To Kill a Mockingbird I appreciated the references to the book and its characters. But I know little of Harper Lee’s life. I know basically nothing about Truman Capote and now wish that I knew more about this eccentric little man. I loved getting inside their heads and enjoyed this ghost of a story.
Kim Powers gives an author’s note at the end that clarifies what is real, what is based on true events, who was really where, and what he has made up. He also has taken the blogosphere by storm and has graciously given us a lot of great interviews and guest posts. They are so good in fact that if I were to interview him I don’t know what questions are left to ask! Visit TLC Book Tours for book reviews, Anna at Diary of an Eccentric for a guest post about writing, Julie at Booking Mama for a guest post, Carrie at Books and Movies for a great interview, Bibliolatry for photos of the snake boxes that Kim Powers has shared, Ready When You Are C.B. has a very comprehensive author interview, Chris at Book-a-Rama shares an interview, Andi at Tripping Toward Lucidity: Estella’s Revenge has a fabolous guest post, and Lisa at Bibliobuffet also hosts an awesome interview. And that’s just what’s in my reader! Lots to learn and share about Capote in Kansas.
Also visit Kim Power’s website. I now want to read The History of Swimming, Power’s memoir.
Hey you! Yes. You! I've noticed that you've stopped by to visit a few times! But I don't know who you are. Why don't you take a moment and introduce yourself. Don't be scared. I try not to bite. I know you're a lurker but I'd love to hear your thoughts about what's been bringing you here. And if you haven't done so already, don't forget to never miss a post by subscribing to my feed or receiving updates by email. Thanks for visiting!
Category: Adult, Book Reviews, Fiction
Tags: A-D Title, blog tour, guest post, M-P Author, paranormal romance, published 2008, review copy, TLC Book Tour
Enjoy this post? Then subscribe to receive updates in your favorite reader or by email.
I enjoyed this book, too. Thanks for sharing the link to the blog with the snake box photos. They were fascinating.
on October 23rd, 2008 at 9:24 amLooks like a great list of blogs for Kim Powers’ tour! I haven’t read this one yet, but its on the TBR list.
on October 23rd, 2008 at 9:37 amI really enjoyed this book, too. I had hoped to read In Cold Blood first, but it didn’t work out. I read it all in one day I was so engrossed by it.
on October 23rd, 2008 at 12:45 pmI haven’t read the book yet, but it certainly sounds good. I’ve seen some of those author interviews you listed, they’re fantastic!
on October 23rd, 2008 at 1:20 pmI really want ot read this one. It’s on my list. Thanks for the review!
on October 23rd, 2008 at 1:33 pmThanks for the link! I agree, Kim has been gracious to do so many posts and interviews.
on October 23rd, 2008 at 9:11 pmAfter reading In Cold Blood a few months ago I’ve been very curious about this one! Sounds really good.
Oh my goodness–how the heck did Ginger catch up? Is she going back to old posts??? I know I’m behind, but I can’t be THAT behind!!
on October 24th, 2008 at 5:23 amYet another book I’ll have to add to my TBR. That reminds me: on my To Kill a Mockingbird review–I think it was–I once had a comment that said something like, “Capote really wrote the book.” Have you come across anything like that? I mean, I know that Dill is based on Capote and all that, but do you know of a theory that Capote wrote the book?
on October 24th, 2008 at 6:35 amThat’s the problem I had…I was slated for an interview with Kim, but there weren’t any questions left to ask! LOL But I really enjoyed his writing advice in the guest post on my site, so I think it worked out for the best!
I’m looking forward to The History of Swimming, too.
Thanks for linking to my site!
on October 24th, 2008 at 8:10 amI read I Am Scout earlier this year which is a biography of Harper Lee. It makes me curious to see what this book is like…we shall see if it is at my local library
on October 27th, 2008 at 3:56 pm[...] Thursday, Oct. 23rd: Maw Books [...]
on June 30th, 2009 at 4:33 pm