Deliberate Cruelty
Author: Roseanne Montillo
Wow .... for me, this book was a rough read, but one I couldn't stop reading. A high society scandal. A famous writer wanting to stay relevant. Choices. Consequences. Downfall.
Brutal. And....all true.
In 1955, a New York socialite shot and killed her husband. Anne Woodward said it was an accident and that she thought her banker husband was an intruder. Truman Capote, famous for his novel In Cold Blood, decided to make the story into a book. He said it would be his next bestseller, of course. Capote's need for attention and fame led him to make some bad decisions. He betrayed the trust of high society friends, publishing a magazine story revealing things he had been told in confidence. Before the magazine article even came out, Anne Woodward killed herself. And, Capote was ruined. He lost his high society contacts, and fell into drug and alcohol addiction. Eventually, his addictions killed him.
Roseanne Montillo does such a great job of telling this story. I loved In the Garden of Good and Evil. But, I have to say, in my opinion, this book surpasses that one. Normally, I'm not phased by much. I can read non-fiction and true crime stories, and not get overwhelmed by the subject matter. But, this book hit me right in the feels. Truman Capote pretty much destroyed himself. One choice (or mistake, if that was the actual truth) destroyed Anne's life. And so many upper crust people with very damaging secrets. Just sad all the way around. Nobody involved came out of this unscathed. Choices have consequences. Secrets never stay secret. And, it's never wise to burn bridges and betray people for your own self interests.
This book had me thinking deep thoughts for days afterwards. What awesome stories could Capote have written, if he hadn't pretty much self-imploded? What would Anne's life have been like if she hadn't made a split second decision in 1955? What was the final fate of all those high society "swans' who fluttered all around Capote and left him in the cold when he betrayed them? Yikes - reality sometimes surpasses any soap opera. Some very wealthy women were floundering around in their own personal shit show, but trying to keep up appearances and hide their dirty secrets. Ick. What a waste -- all the way around. Nobody came out of this happy. Nobody.
Wonderfully written. This is a Hard-hitting and dark story of hatred, jealousy, the price of fame, and consequences. It's a brutal, but compelling, tale. And, it's even darker because it's all true.
I can't wait to read what this author writes next!!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Atria Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
