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Such Good Friends: A Novel of Truman Capote & Lee Radziwill
“Fans of Capote and the era of Camelot should be delighted.” —Shana Abé, New York Times bestselling author of The Second Mrs. Astor
A must-read for fans of Truman Capote and Jackie Kennedy, this star-studded, evocative novel revels in the glamor, gossip, and casual betrayal of 1960s and ’70s high society New York and the socialite “swans” that ruled this scandalous world.
On a Thursday morning in May 1961, a well-mannered twenty-one-year-old named Marlene enters the Fifth Avenue apartment of Lee Radziwill to interview for the position of housekeeper and cook. The stylish wife of London-based Prince Stanislaw Radziwill, Princess Lee is intelligent and creative, with ambitions beyond simply jet-setting. But to the public, she is always First Lady Jackie Kennedy’s little sister.
As Marlene becomes a trusted presence in the Radziwill household, she observes the dazzling array of famous figures who flit in and out of Lee’s intimate circle, including Gloria Vanderbilt, Rudolf Nureyev, Jackie and the President, Ari Onassis, Gore Vidal, Andy Warhol, and, most regularly, celebrated author Truman Capote. At the height of his fame following the success of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Truman has granted Lee place of honor in his flock of glamorous socialite “swans.”
Their closeness stems from an unexpected kinship. Both know too well the feeling of being second-best. Seeing his shadow in the woman he refers to as his most unconventional swan, Truman uses his influence and talent to try and make Lee a star.
Their bond deepens through the decade’s extraordinary events, from JFK’s assassination to the era-defining Black and White Ball. But Marlene, who Truman has taken under his wing as an aspiring writer, can see Truman’s darker side—especially his penchant for mining his friends’ private lives for material. And there are betrayals on either side that may signal the end not just of a friendship, but of the shared expectation that wealth and fame can shield against every heartbreak.
A must-read for fans of Truman Capote and Jackie Kennedy, this star-studded, evocative novel revels in the glamor, gossip, and casual betrayal of 1960s and ’70s high society New York and the socialite “swans” that ruled this scandalous world.
On a Thursday morning in May 1961, a well-mannered twenty-one-year-old named Marlene enters the Fifth Avenue apartment of Lee Radziwill to interview for the position of housekeeper and cook. The stylish wife of London-based Prince Stanislaw Radziwill, Princess Lee is intelligent and creative, with ambitions beyond simply jet-setting. But to the public, she is always First Lady Jackie Kennedy’s little sister.
As Marlene becomes a trusted presence in the Radziwill household, she observes the dazzling array of famous figures who flit in and out of Lee’s intimate circle, including Gloria Vanderbilt, Rudolf Nureyev, Jackie and the President, Ari Onassis, Gore Vidal, Andy Warhol, and, most regularly, celebrated author Truman Capote. At the height of his fame following the success of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Truman has granted Lee place of honor in his flock of glamorous socialite “swans.”
Their closeness stems from an unexpected kinship. Both know too well the feeling of being second-best. Seeing his shadow in the woman he refers to as his most unconventional swan, Truman uses his influence and talent to try and make Lee a star.
Their bond deepens through the decade’s extraordinary events, from JFK’s assassination to the era-defining Black and White Ball. But Marlene, who Truman has taken under his wing as an aspiring writer, can see Truman’s darker side—especially his penchant for mining his friends’ private lives for material. And there are betrayals on either side that may signal the end not just of a friendship, but of the shared expectation that wealth and fame can shield against every heartbreak.
480 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2023
About the author
Stephen Greco
18 books118 followersStephen Greco is Editorial Director of InsideRisk and Editor-at-Large of the magazine Upstate Diary. He has contributed to and/or served as editor for Air Mail, Elle Décor, Interview, MTV online, New York, the New York Times, Opera News, Stagebill, Trace, and the Village Voice, among others. Greco is author of the novel Now and Yesterday (Kensington, 2014). His most recent novel, Such Good Friends, based on the friendship of Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill, published by Kensington in May, 2023.
For the stage, Greco has written Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood, an orchestral-theatrical work from Giants Are Small, the partnership of Edouard Getaz and Doug Fitch, that premiered at the Kennedy Center in 2017. With Fitch, Greco has written the multi-media works How Did We…? (2014; University of Buffalo Center for the Arts) and Punkitititi/Breakfast Included (2020; Salzburg Marionette Theater, Salzburg Mozarteum). Greco wrote the libretto for the Victoria Bond opera How Gulliver Returned Home in a Manner that was Very Not Direct, and is working on musical theater projects with composers Scott Wheeler and Douglas Cuomo.
Among the celebrity interviews that Greco has done for various publications are Maya Angelou, Geoffrey Beene, Joan Juliet Buck, Trisha Brown, DJ Cam, Wes Craven, Quentin Crisp. Merce Cunningham, Diane von Furstenberg, Frank Gehry, Allen Ginsberg, Marcelo Gomes, Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, Cynthia Gregory, Arianna Huffington, Patti LuPone, Gelsey Kirkland, Spike Lee, Marilyn Minter, Errol Morris, Jane Moss, Nana Mouskouri, Mark Morris, Mike Nichols, Yoko Ono, Sir Peter Pears, Ned Rorem, Andre Leon Talley, Donald Trump, and Kehinde Wiley.
Greco lives in Brooklyn, New York.
_______________________________________
AUTHOR PHOTO BY DAVID A. PEREZ
For the stage, Greco has written Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood, an orchestral-theatrical work from Giants Are Small, the partnership of Edouard Getaz and Doug Fitch, that premiered at the Kennedy Center in 2017. With Fitch, Greco has written the multi-media works How Did We…? (2014; University of Buffalo Center for the Arts) and Punkitititi/Breakfast Included (2020; Salzburg Marionette Theater, Salzburg Mozarteum). Greco wrote the libretto for the Victoria Bond opera How Gulliver Returned Home in a Manner that was Very Not Direct, and is working on musical theater projects with composers Scott Wheeler and Douglas Cuomo.
Among the celebrity interviews that Greco has done for various publications are Maya Angelou, Geoffrey Beene, Joan Juliet Buck, Trisha Brown, DJ Cam, Wes Craven, Quentin Crisp. Merce Cunningham, Diane von Furstenberg, Frank Gehry, Allen Ginsberg, Marcelo Gomes, Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, Cynthia Gregory, Arianna Huffington, Patti LuPone, Gelsey Kirkland, Spike Lee, Marilyn Minter, Errol Morris, Jane Moss, Nana Mouskouri, Mark Morris, Mike Nichols, Yoko Ono, Sir Peter Pears, Ned Rorem, Andre Leon Talley, Donald Trump, and Kehinde Wiley.
Greco lives in Brooklyn, New York.
_______________________________________
AUTHOR PHOTO BY DAVID A. PEREZ
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
February 6, 2024
Such Good Friends – A Novel of Truman Capote & Lee Radziwill
by Stephen Greco is a fascinating historical fiction novel largely set in New York City. It starts with Marlene arriving at Lee Radziwill’s apartment to interview for the position of housekeeper and cook. As she becomes a trusted part of the household, she observes the famous individuals that are part of Lee’s close circle, especially author Truman Capote. Lee and Truman bond during the sixties and seventies as extraordinary events occur.
The author has done extensive research including reading items written by both individuals as well as books written about them and much more. Wealth, friendship, betrayal, fame, heartbreak, their social scene, and much more are key elements of this novel.
The characters came to life in this novel, but so did the settings. While this is historical fiction, it provides a look at the lives of these individuals and other notable personalities including Lee’s sister Jackie Kennedy. However, the pacing felt extremely slow to me making it a longer read for me. Overall, this story is entertaining and the author delivers a vivid story of life, friendship, and drama.
Kensington Books provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was May 23, 2023.
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My 3.30 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
The author has done extensive research including reading items written by both individuals as well as books written about them and much more. Wealth, friendship, betrayal, fame, heartbreak, their social scene, and much more are key elements of this novel.
The characters came to life in this novel, but so did the settings. While this is historical fiction, it provides a look at the lives of these individuals and other notable personalities including Lee’s sister Jackie Kennedy. However, the pacing felt extremely slow to me making it a longer read for me. Overall, this story is entertaining and the author delivers a vivid story of life, friendship, and drama.
Kensington Books provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was May 23, 2023.
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My 3.30 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
December 12, 2022
Such Good Friends reimagines the friendship between Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill, sister of Jackie Kennedy. It is related through Marlene, who becomes a housekeeper at Radziwill household.
As the story explores this relationship, it reveals the inner circles of the upper crust with their luxurious lives; filled with stars dazzling the parties, fashionable restaurants, and the so called “swans” ruling the high society of New York in the 1960s and 70s. As Marlene becomes a trusted member of the family, she observes the array of famous figures that come in and out of Lee’s private life.
The story is written with sophisticated prose and believable dialogue. It mostly relates the relationship between two friends and how it progressed; at the same time, presenting their privileged lives, what they did and where they did it. There is not much to the plot, and after a while that seems to be the missing part to make it a more engaging story.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As the story explores this relationship, it reveals the inner circles of the upper crust with their luxurious lives; filled with stars dazzling the parties, fashionable restaurants, and the so called “swans” ruling the high society of New York in the 1960s and 70s. As Marlene becomes a trusted member of the family, she observes the array of famous figures that come in and out of Lee’s private life.
The story is written with sophisticated prose and believable dialogue. It mostly relates the relationship between two friends and how it progressed; at the same time, presenting their privileged lives, what they did and where they did it. There is not much to the plot, and after a while that seems to be the missing part to make it a more engaging story.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2023
Marlene is employed as a housekeeper by Lee Radziwill in 1961, she’s only twenty one and previously worked for an elderly lady. Her duties include doing the laundry and making beds, she's in charge of the kitchen, dining and entertaining areas. Caroline Radziwill is married to Prince Stanislaw Radziwill, he owns houses in both New York and London and the couple have two young children. Lee is Jackie Kennedy’s younger sister, and Lee feels like she lives in the First Ladies shadow.
During her time working for Lee, Marlene meets her famous friends and including Jackie and President Kennedy, Gloria Vanderbilt, Aristottle Onassis, Gore Vidal, Andy Warhol and author and playwright Truman Capote. After writing Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Truman is extremely successful and likes spending money. Lee becomes one of his “swans” and Lee is cast as the leading lady in the TV adaption of Truman’s Laura and it's a flop.
Lee, Truman and Marlene witnesses many extraordinary events during the 1960’s and 1970’s. First the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and later his brother Bobby Kennedy, the political upheaval in America and demonstrations over the countries involvement in the Vietnam War. Unfortunately Truman's life spirals out of control, he's drinking too much and taking drugs, and he and Lee have a major falling out. Truman has a tendency of sharing things he’s been told in confidence and private information about people.
I received a copy of Such Good Friends by Stephen Greco from Edelweiss and Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The story is told mainly from Marlene’s point of view and she was Lee Radziwill’s fictional housekeeper from 1961 to 2005, she was there for Lee's ups and downs, divorces and often the referee between Truman and Lee. Marlene has secrets of her own, she never talks about the first seventeen years of her life and she wants to be a writer.
The story gives you a glimpse into the private lives of Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill. Truman was a novelist and screenwriter, openly gay, and he was in a long term relationship with Jack Dunphy. Lee was a sister, mother, wife, princess and socialite, later a public relations executive and interior designer. I had never heard of Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill prior to reading this book, three and a half stars from me, the narrative moved at a slow pace and maybe it’s just me who thought so?
During her time working for Lee, Marlene meets her famous friends and including Jackie and President Kennedy, Gloria Vanderbilt, Aristottle Onassis, Gore Vidal, Andy Warhol and author and playwright Truman Capote. After writing Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Truman is extremely successful and likes spending money. Lee becomes one of his “swans” and Lee is cast as the leading lady in the TV adaption of Truman’s Laura and it's a flop.
Lee, Truman and Marlene witnesses many extraordinary events during the 1960’s and 1970’s. First the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and later his brother Bobby Kennedy, the political upheaval in America and demonstrations over the countries involvement in the Vietnam War. Unfortunately Truman's life spirals out of control, he's drinking too much and taking drugs, and he and Lee have a major falling out. Truman has a tendency of sharing things he’s been told in confidence and private information about people.
I received a copy of Such Good Friends by Stephen Greco from Edelweiss and Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The story is told mainly from Marlene’s point of view and she was Lee Radziwill’s fictional housekeeper from 1961 to 2005, she was there for Lee's ups and downs, divorces and often the referee between Truman and Lee. Marlene has secrets of her own, she never talks about the first seventeen years of her life and she wants to be a writer.
The story gives you a glimpse into the private lives of Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill. Truman was a novelist and screenwriter, openly gay, and he was in a long term relationship with Jack Dunphy. Lee was a sister, mother, wife, princess and socialite, later a public relations executive and interior designer. I had never heard of Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill prior to reading this book, three and a half stars from me, the narrative moved at a slow pace and maybe it’s just me who thought so?
May 14, 2023
The title of the novel informs the reader that the friendship of American author, Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill, sister of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy is the main subject of the novel. A plot that sounded quite interesting to me when I selected it. I knew that most of the novel would feature parties and other events involving the who's- who of the latter half of the 20th century. Our narrator is Marlene, a Cuban American and a fictional character placed in Lee Radziwill's household. It is through Marlene that we see the ups and downs and the final termination of the friendship.
Quite honestly, I had a very difficult time staying engaged and focused on the novel. The writing style and the way that the perspective was presented made me feel like I was reading a memoir rather than fiction. I felt like I was an omniscient being that was detached from all the characters. I never felt that I was part of the timeline. I do find Capote a very fascinating character but I didn't feel I learned anything that the films Infamous and Capote hadn't already explored. Then there was Lee Radziwill who from the get-go, I didn't really like. Sadly, I feel like I should have taken something away about her but she remained out of reach.
This one was a hit-and-miss for me!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Expected Publication Date 23/05/23
Goodreads Review Published 14/05/23
#SuchGoodFriends #NetGalley
Quite honestly, I had a very difficult time staying engaged and focused on the novel. The writing style and the way that the perspective was presented made me feel like I was reading a memoir rather than fiction. I felt like I was an omniscient being that was detached from all the characters. I never felt that I was part of the timeline. I do find Capote a very fascinating character but I didn't feel I learned anything that the films Infamous and Capote hadn't already explored. Then there was Lee Radziwill who from the get-go, I didn't really like. Sadly, I feel like I should have taken something away about her but she remained out of reach.
This one was a hit-and-miss for me!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Expected Publication Date 23/05/23
Goodreads Review Published 14/05/23
#SuchGoodFriends #NetGalley
Want to read
June 6, 2023a massive thank you to penguin random house for sending me an arc + goodies!
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listen to me, i will read anything and everything that has to do with truman capote and his swans.
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listen to me, i will read anything and everything that has to do with truman capote and his swans.
December 16, 2022
A fascinating and effervescent portrayal of 1960s Manhattan high society and the complex friendship at its heart between legendary writer Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill, sister-in-law to President John F. Kennedy and one of Capote’s infamous “swans.” Using a brilliant narrative overlay, author Stephen Greco brings the charismatic author of BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S and IN COLD BLOOD to life with the type of biting wit, trenchant social commentary, and keen grasp of human nature for which he was celebrated. Insightful, intriguing and endlessly entertaining, SUCH GOOD FRIENDS captures a platonic yet deeply passionate friendship that had all the faultlines of a doomed romance, and the seismic influence of Capote and Radziwill on their respective worlds and each other.
April 14, 2023
First of all I had already read The Swans of Fifth Avenue, so I more or less knew about Truman Capote the society darling. He cultivated friendships with women who were wealthy, fashionable and trend-setters for the monied crowd. He was invited everywhere, parties, yachts, summer homes by these women and their husbands. He also eventually betrayed them all including Lee Radziwill who was his closest of close friends. The biggest question of all is did he not think they would turn away from him or did he no longer care.
Sadly he drank too much, took drugs, partied late into the night and began to miss deadlines for his work. Success seems to have truly gone to his head.
This is very basically what the book is about, the rise and fall of Truman Capote from Other Voices, Other Rooms to Breakfast At Tiffany’s to In Cold Blood to his last unfinished novel Unanswered Prayers. The author has covered it all with the luster of fiction based on the darkness of truth.
I enjoyed reading this book but the only thing that seemed to not fit in with the rest of the book was the final chapter. I have to wonder why the author felt compelled to explain the narrator which, in my opinion, added nothing to the story except a feeling of being out of place and inappropriate.
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to Kensington Books, John Scognamiglio Books and the author, Stephen Greco.
Sadly he drank too much, took drugs, partied late into the night and began to miss deadlines for his work. Success seems to have truly gone to his head.
This is very basically what the book is about, the rise and fall of Truman Capote from Other Voices, Other Rooms to Breakfast At Tiffany’s to In Cold Blood to his last unfinished novel Unanswered Prayers. The author has covered it all with the luster of fiction based on the darkness of truth.
I enjoyed reading this book but the only thing that seemed to not fit in with the rest of the book was the final chapter. I have to wonder why the author felt compelled to explain the narrator which, in my opinion, added nothing to the story except a feeling of being out of place and inappropriate.
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to Kensington Books, John Scognamiglio Books and the author, Stephen Greco.
October 29, 2023
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 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.
April 14, 2024
Interesting.
June 22, 2024
Aptly titled, Such Good Friends is the story of a celebrity friendship against the glittering backdrop of New York society of the 60’s and 70’s. Stephen Greco is a new to me author who wrote a historical fiction with mainly real life characters.
I’m not usually drawn to stories featuring celebrities and socialites, but Such Good Friends appears to be the exception. I was curious about the glitz and glam lifestyles and lives of sixties’ society big names. I wasn’t familiar with Truman Capote beyond the movie adaptions of a couple of his books, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood so Capote and his ‘Swans’- the rich socialite women he was friends with was all new to me. What an eye-opener for me to discover how the upper crust lived back in the day.
The story is mostly told through the eyes of a fictional character, Marlene, a Cuban American, with a mysterious past who at a young age becomes Lee Radzill’s housekeeper and cook. While the part that intrigued me- the rarified world of the wealthy and the big name personalities - was fabulously delivered, I can’t say the book was riveting or made me get vested in the principle characters. It was slow and the plot is murky much of the time jumping from social activity to social activity. Readers don’t want to approach this one expecting a typical historical fiction plot. More like a memoir read, really.
Such Friends was fascinating, but not necessarily compelling. Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill along with their setting was brought vividly to life and it was obvious Stephen Greco did his homework.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink 5.22.24.
I’m not usually drawn to stories featuring celebrities and socialites, but Such Good Friends appears to be the exception. I was curious about the glitz and glam lifestyles and lives of sixties’ society big names. I wasn’t familiar with Truman Capote beyond the movie adaptions of a couple of his books, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood so Capote and his ‘Swans’- the rich socialite women he was friends with was all new to me. What an eye-opener for me to discover how the upper crust lived back in the day.
The story is mostly told through the eyes of a fictional character, Marlene, a Cuban American, with a mysterious past who at a young age becomes Lee Radzill’s housekeeper and cook. While the part that intrigued me- the rarified world of the wealthy and the big name personalities - was fabulously delivered, I can’t say the book was riveting or made me get vested in the principle characters. It was slow and the plot is murky much of the time jumping from social activity to social activity. Readers don’t want to approach this one expecting a typical historical fiction plot. More like a memoir read, really.
Such Friends was fascinating, but not necessarily compelling. Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill along with their setting was brought vividly to life and it was obvious Stephen Greco did his homework.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink 5.22.24.
May 10, 2023
Be careful, ya'll; if you think you are getting the whole book for free...you are not. Right now, for pre-ordering, it only shows (on Amazon and B&N) as a very, VERY pricey paperback.
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 Truman Capote. If you can see beyond the plot device of using the housekeeper to narrate what are private dialogues between Truman and some of his Swans, then this book will be a perfect beach read. I had difficulty trying to suspend my disbelief that the housekeeper would be privy to all of these conversations.
Frankly, I just don't have what it takes to enjoy books of this caliber. I need 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.
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 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 only touched briefly on anything significant that was going on in America at the time.
I should have realized that I would likely not love this novel when I realized it was similar to "The Swans of Fifth Avenue."
I did find it interesting that this book focused on Lee Radziwill and Truman Capote and not so much on the other Swans. However, I was disappointed not to hear more about Jackie Kennedy (at least by the 50% mark).
At times the author would use 21st-century language instead of what apropos of the 'women who lunch' in the mid-19th (1969) century would use, which would drag me out of the story.
This was not the perfect choice for me. I just never got the attraction of Truman Capote and most likely never will. However, I think many out in Bookland will enjoy this look into the rich and famous.
ARC was supplied by the publisher Kensington Books, the author, and NetGalley.
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 Truman Capote. If you can see beyond the plot device of using the housekeeper to narrate what are private dialogues between Truman and some of his Swans, then this book will be a perfect beach read. I had difficulty trying to suspend my disbelief that the housekeeper would be privy to all of these conversations.
Frankly, I just don't have what it takes to enjoy books of this caliber. I need 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.
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 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 only touched briefly on anything significant that was going on in America at the time.
I should have realized that I would likely not love this novel when I realized it was similar to "The Swans of Fifth Avenue."
I did find it interesting that this book focused on Lee Radziwill and Truman Capote and not so much on the other Swans. However, I was disappointed not to hear more about Jackie Kennedy (at least by the 50% mark).
At times the author would use 21st-century language instead of what apropos of the 'women who lunch' in the mid-19th (1969) century would use, which would drag me out of the story.
This was not the perfect choice for me. I just never got the attraction of Truman Capote and most likely never will. However, I think many out in Bookland will enjoy this look into the rich and famous.
ARC was supplied by the publisher Kensington Books, the author, and NetGalley.
March 16, 2023
So I finished this book awhile ago and I needed time to digest it - in a good way. I really enjoyed the telling of the story of Lee and Truman and how their lives wove around one another. I will say this book did take me a bit more time to read then I normally would because I kept stopping to look up people and places mentioned in the book to learn more about those "characters" and places. Which IMO made the book even better because it peaked my curiosity and made me crave additional information. Part of the appeal of this book was simply the surrealness of not only the era of the book but a peek behind being a "1%" - the trips, the parties, the lunches. Overall a delicious read.
April 23, 2023
Stephen Greco brings nothing new to the story of Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill in Such Good Friends. The story could be enjoyable if not for the poor quality writing and unappealing main character whose big reveal falls flat. Greco fails to smoothly transition between the storyteller’s era and the Capote era. Friends is wordy and uses odd word choices not befitting of either time-period.
June 11, 2023
Name dropping frenzy throughout this book! This book felt more like the who's who than following Marlene through the plot.
I'm not sure if it was the writing style or just the slower plot that had me occasionally losing interest, especially during a lot of the dialog.
I was intrigued by the overall concept and it was different that what I normally read, but it ended up being just OK. I listened to the audiobook and was hoping that would help, but I'm not sure it did.
Thank you to RB Media and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this Audiobook for my honest review.
I'm not sure if it was the writing style or just the slower plot that had me occasionally losing interest, especially during a lot of the dialog.
I was intrigued by the overall concept and it was different that what I normally read, but it ended up being just OK. I listened to the audiobook and was hoping that would help, but I'm not sure it did.
Thank you to RB Media and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this Audiobook for my honest review.
June 7, 2023
reading this book is the most delicious, juicy piece of gossip ever put on this planet… even how many years later! Gore Vidal got kicked out of the party at the White House? Why you do not say? Bless his heart! ❤️
October 16, 2023
Such Good Friends was a good idea for a ebook. Upon reading it. I learned a lot about the relationship between Lee radzwill and Truman Capote thru the eyes of the housekeeper she hired.
March 9, 2024
Couldn't get into this one. The writing style and excessive dialog of reenactments made it hard to follow and stay engaged in the storyline. Was hopeful to learn something new, so I'm disappointed.
December 14, 2022
Several books have been written recently about Truman Capote, mostly focusing on his relationship with wealthy, beautiful women in mid-century New York. And I think I've read them all. This one is especially good--a fictionalized account of the friendship between Capote and Lee Radziwill (best known to many as Jackie Kennedy's sister) told from the perspective of Marlene, Lee's housekeeper who also befriended Capote. Capote was Lee's confidante and vice versa, but he encouraged her to find a calling other than that of a rich, beautiful woman--with mixed results. She was apparently not the gifted actress he convinced her she was, but she did have more success as a designer. The world Greco brings to life is so foreign to most--incredibly rich people who own multiple houses all over the world, in addition to yachts for cruising. Fascinating, but also slightly depressing. #SuchGoodFriends #NetGalley
May 8, 2023
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I love a good historical fiction novel based upon real persons and events to see how one author interprets a well-known person’s life. In this case, we have two well-known people, author Truman Capote and socialite Lee Radziwell, who was also Jacqueline Kennedy’s younger sister. Since this is a Kennedy-adjacent fiction book, I was optimistic I would like it.
However, I was sadly disappointed in how the story was presented. The reader meets Marlene, the fictional former cook/cleaner/personal secretary, looking back on her life. Then there’s a series of flashbacks involving Radziwell and Capote, and most of the time they don’t even involve Marlene, so it’s this weird point-of-view that doesn’t work because you’re wondering how she knows about these conversations verbatim. The structure of the story would have been much better had there not even been a fictional character, or introduce her at the beginning, then do an actual flashback chapter or two, then gone back to the present.
Because the way the story was structured was confusing, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I could have. Truman Capote was a tortured genius with a wicked sense of humor, but I don’t think that came across with the unique way the story was structured. As for Lee Radziwell, she always seemed kind of shallow, and nothing this book presented made me think any differently about her. I’m sure it’s not true, and fiction is a good way to break stereotypes, but instead of shattering them, they’re reinforced.
There’s a twist at the end of the book regarding the fictional Marlene and at that point I just shrugged. It wasn’t a big deal, probably because I felt like this could be two books, Marlene was an interesting enough character to have her own book about her relationship with Truman Capote and his helping her become a better writer, and the other book could have been about Truman Capote and a few of his “swans,” the socialites who hung out with him, including Lee Radziwell. Unfortunately, the book we have is wholly unsatisfying and as vapid as the social set described in the book.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from NetGalley, Kensington Books, John Scognamiglio Books and the author in exchange for an honest review; all opinions expressed are my own.
I love a good historical fiction novel based upon real persons and events to see how one author interprets a well-known person’s life. In this case, we have two well-known people, author Truman Capote and socialite Lee Radziwell, who was also Jacqueline Kennedy’s younger sister. Since this is a Kennedy-adjacent fiction book, I was optimistic I would like it.
However, I was sadly disappointed in how the story was presented. The reader meets Marlene, the fictional former cook/cleaner/personal secretary, looking back on her life. Then there’s a series of flashbacks involving Radziwell and Capote, and most of the time they don’t even involve Marlene, so it’s this weird point-of-view that doesn’t work because you’re wondering how she knows about these conversations verbatim. The structure of the story would have been much better had there not even been a fictional character, or introduce her at the beginning, then do an actual flashback chapter or two, then gone back to the present.
Because the way the story was structured was confusing, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I could have. Truman Capote was a tortured genius with a wicked sense of humor, but I don’t think that came across with the unique way the story was structured. As for Lee Radziwell, she always seemed kind of shallow, and nothing this book presented made me think any differently about her. I’m sure it’s not true, and fiction is a good way to break stereotypes, but instead of shattering them, they’re reinforced.
There’s a twist at the end of the book regarding the fictional Marlene and at that point I just shrugged. It wasn’t a big deal, probably because I felt like this could be two books, Marlene was an interesting enough character to have her own book about her relationship with Truman Capote and his helping her become a better writer, and the other book could have been about Truman Capote and a few of his “swans,” the socialites who hung out with him, including Lee Radziwell. Unfortunately, the book we have is wholly unsatisfying and as vapid as the social set described in the book.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from NetGalley, Kensington Books, John Scognamiglio Books and the author in exchange for an honest review; all opinions expressed are my own.
April 11, 2023
3.5 Stars
Set in the sixties and seventies, this story brings to life the era as well as the lives of sisters Jackie Kennedy and Lee Radziwill with a focus on Lee’s friendship with Truman Capote, and Capote’s life, his rise as both an author and a celebrated figure, and his fall from grace as time passed. Their stories are shared through memories conveyed by the housekeeper, whose presence was largely overlooked, apparently, as she wandered in and out of hearing range while they shared their stories. And there are a lot of stories.
While this is based on the friendship between Capote and Radziwill, it isn’t so much a ‘tell-all’ kind of story as it is a story of their lives, their friendship and the course it took after a time, it is also a story of the lives of the rich and famous and the toll that took on Capote in the years after his tremendous success with ’In Cold Blood’. The years that followed immediately after were filled with glitz and glamour, a flamboyant lifestyle, as well as an increasingly luxurious life. Life wasn’t just good, it was a life most of us can’t even imagine.
I enjoyed this, but loved the idea of it more than the experience of reading it. The story flowed to the point I’d say it ‘overflowed’ and perhaps suffered a bit overall from that, for me. The writing was competent, but not lovely or notable, but it is worth reading just for that glimpse back into a time when life was perhaps simpler, but not necessarily better for all.
Pub Date: 23 May 2023
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Kensington Books / A John Scognamiglio Book
May 24, 2023
Such Good Friends is a treasure trove of juicy, gossipy items about the friendship between Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill, the sister of Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis. It takes the reader through their first encounter, delves deeply into their years long friendship and ends with the demise of the relationship all together. Of course, included is the glamour of High Society and the ways in which the rich are able to manipulate not only each other, but the media as well. But for the most part, it is a story of two friends whose relationship runs its course, and both seem devastated but too stubborn to forgive the other.
In this historical fiction account, which is told by Lee Radziwill’s housekeeper, Marlene, someone with her own set of secrets, it relays not only Radziwill’s friendship with Capote, but Marlene’s as well. It captures the good, the bad and the scandelous.
The story begins, with the end. Marlene, the former housekeeper, cook and writer-to-be is at Lee Radziwill’s funeral, having been invited to the service. There she reminisces about her time with the two friends and the deterioration of both Capote’s life and their years long friendship.
She captures Truman’s Swans drama, a group of women who took Capote as their best friend and spilled all their tea to only to have him betray them and then not understand what he did wrong. His years of frustrating writer’s block. She documents stories in Radziwill’s life such as her own affair with Greek tycoon Aristotle Onasis, only to find out her sister was having her own tryst, to JKF’s assassination, to Truman’s suggestion that Radziwill venture into acting and writing. But the final straw for Radziwill was Truman’s long-lasting obsessive fight with Gore Vidal.
Name dropping of the rich is plentiful! Andy Warhol, Gloria Vanderbilt to name two. Sadly, the story ends with the desertion of all of Capote’s friends which spiraled him into a horrible world of loneliness and drinking.
But within the story of the glamorous and beautiful is Marlene’s own story. She never married and kept all the secrets of her beloved employer and her good friend, until the end.
Such Good Friends is a wonderful read filled with the rich and famous and their history, but also with the disintegration of friendship and how neither could ever find it in their hearts to forgive the other. It examines Capote’s demons in depth and what inevitably took his life.
Thank you #NetGalley #KensingtonBooks #SuchGoodFriends #StephenGreco for the advanced copy.
In this historical fiction account, which is told by Lee Radziwill’s housekeeper, Marlene, someone with her own set of secrets, it relays not only Radziwill’s friendship with Capote, but Marlene’s as well. It captures the good, the bad and the scandelous.
The story begins, with the end. Marlene, the former housekeeper, cook and writer-to-be is at Lee Radziwill’s funeral, having been invited to the service. There she reminisces about her time with the two friends and the deterioration of both Capote’s life and their years long friendship.
She captures Truman’s Swans drama, a group of women who took Capote as their best friend and spilled all their tea to only to have him betray them and then not understand what he did wrong. His years of frustrating writer’s block. She documents stories in Radziwill’s life such as her own affair with Greek tycoon Aristotle Onasis, only to find out her sister was having her own tryst, to JKF’s assassination, to Truman’s suggestion that Radziwill venture into acting and writing. But the final straw for Radziwill was Truman’s long-lasting obsessive fight with Gore Vidal.
Name dropping of the rich is plentiful! Andy Warhol, Gloria Vanderbilt to name two. Sadly, the story ends with the desertion of all of Capote’s friends which spiraled him into a horrible world of loneliness and drinking.
But within the story of the glamorous and beautiful is Marlene’s own story. She never married and kept all the secrets of her beloved employer and her good friend, until the end.
Such Good Friends is a wonderful read filled with the rich and famous and their history, but also with the disintegration of friendship and how neither could ever find it in their hearts to forgive the other. It examines Capote’s demons in depth and what inevitably took his life.
Thank you #NetGalley #KensingtonBooks #SuchGoodFriends #StephenGreco for the advanced copy.
March 26, 2024
If you're looking to immerse yourself in the glamorous world of New York society in the 1960s into the 1970s, then what better guide than that society matron himself, Truman Capote. Such Good Friends dives into the world of Truman and his swans, focusing on his relationship with Lee Radziwell, who lives in the shadow of her sister, Jackie Kennedy Onassis.
The research here is impeccable to the minute details - focusing on the glamour and wealth and style of these. seemingly, idyllic lives. The research also delves the psyche of Capote and Radziwell, cleverly using the fictional character of Marlene, an outsider to this world who works for Radziwell and develops a teacher/student relationship with Capote. Through is character, we become the proverbial 'fly on the wall' for the central friendship, as well as all the secondary and tertiary goings-on in this usually closed-off world.
The writing is wonderful and spot-on, with hints of Capote's wry and truthful commentaries.
Highly recommend for any looking for an alternative entry into the fascinating world of Truman Capote.
The research here is impeccable to the minute details - focusing on the glamour and wealth and style of these. seemingly, idyllic lives. The research also delves the psyche of Capote and Radziwell, cleverly using the fictional character of Marlene, an outsider to this world who works for Radziwell and develops a teacher/student relationship with Capote. Through is character, we become the proverbial 'fly on the wall' for the central friendship, as well as all the secondary and tertiary goings-on in this usually closed-off world.
The writing is wonderful and spot-on, with hints of Capote's wry and truthful commentaries.
Highly recommend for any looking for an alternative entry into the fascinating world of Truman Capote.
April 6, 2023
This is another book where I wish Goodreads allowed half stars. I found myself really quickly drawn into this book. The author skillfully gave you the background information about the characters and timeframe they lived without you feel like you were getting an “info dump” of the time period and were quickly able to know who was who in the story. I found myself appreciating how they were able to incorporate major milestones in history throughout the story to help you follow the passage of time and narration. This is not a time period I often read about often, and I’m glad I got a chance to learn more about it.
I enjoyed the “narrator” character’s personality but sometimes found myself wondering why the author felt she was necessary as a narrator. I wished that either we spent more time “with” her, or just focused on the relationship of Lee and Truman.
I received and ARC of this book for free from the publisher.
I enjoyed the “narrator” character’s personality but sometimes found myself wondering why the author felt she was necessary as a narrator. I wished that either we spent more time “with” her, or just focused on the relationship of Lee and Truman.
I received and ARC of this book for free from the publisher.
June 7, 2023
Here we have the story of the friendship between Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill as seen through the eyes of her fictional housekeeper, Marlene. I have read most of the author's source books so there were few surprises for me but I am fascinated by stories about TC and the swans he both adored and betrayed. Regardless of one's social status true friendships are difficult to achieve but well worth the effort to maintain. Trust is key and any friend who talks about others behind their backs is also talking about you to others behind your back. TC and LR betrayed each other both privately and publicly. It seems few of the people in TC's group seemed capable of forming true and lasting relationships. TC was a genius and an entertaining person who has forever haunted by his demons. This is a very well structured story by Stephen Greco and I would recommend it to anyone interested in these people or this time in history. 3.5 stars.
May 29, 2023
I loved this telling of Lee, Truman and those around them during and after their friendship. Although our storyteller, Marlene, is fictional, I couldn’t help but get caught up in her perspective of their world and, of course, jumping into this glitzy social scene alongside her.
All of the teasing of possible gossip and woes and drama and scandal of the time made me want to grab all the bios I can dig up on Truman, who was heartbreaking in the end, and Lee who seemed to stand tall for years but with the weight of many secrets she’d take with her.
I found even Marlene’s own fictional story to be intriguing along the way and not without a surprise of its own.
Enjoy the glamour of the times and be prepared to dive deep into researching some of the names and stories told!
All of the teasing of possible gossip and woes and drama and scandal of the time made me want to grab all the bios I can dig up on Truman, who was heartbreaking in the end, and Lee who seemed to stand tall for years but with the weight of many secrets she’d take with her.
I found even Marlene’s own fictional story to be intriguing along the way and not without a surprise of its own.
Enjoy the glamour of the times and be prepared to dive deep into researching some of the names and stories told!
June 25, 2023
Wow, what a ride this book gives!! It’s a mystery, love story, a journey, a memory and a rebirth all in one!! I knew nothing of the people, Capote or Radziwill, but I knew if the times. This book brought them to life and created the most sensational movie in my mind. Life in the 60’s and 70’s was fluid, fast, ever changing and this book encompasses it all. Fascinating lives of extraordinary people told through the eyes of a companion/servant- brilliant!!
May 23, 2023
Such Good Friends focuses on the friendship between esteemed writer Truman Capote and Jackie Kennedy's sister, Lee Radziwill. The story is told through twenty-one-year-old Marlene, who becomes a housekeeper and reliable presence in the Radziwill household. The book isn't plot-heavy but instead shows the evolution of these characters over the decades. Through their ups and downs, Truman and Lee had each others' backs. I also enjoyed reading about the glitzier aspects of the 1960s and 1970s, and the name-dropping was perfectly embedded into the story and never felt out of place. While I wish the plot had more of a focal point, I still found this to be a fun, glamorous tale.
March 24, 2023
Dense with description & felt long.
Told from the POV of Lee’s housekeeper it read more as a memoir than a novel.
With thanks to NetGalley & Kensington Books for this e-ARC!
Told from the POV of Lee’s housekeeper it read more as a memoir than a novel.
With thanks to NetGalley & Kensington Books for this e-ARC!
November 28, 2023
very interesting book,
I enjoyed this book so,much. It’s about people and places I know nothing about. Truman capote and Lee (jackie O sister) had many tales traveling and hobnobing together. This story is written by a lovely lady who worked for Lee.
I enjoyed this book so,much. It’s about people and places I know nothing about. Truman capote and Lee (jackie O sister) had many tales traveling and hobnobing together. This story is written by a lovely lady who worked for Lee.
August 6, 2023
This one just missed the mark for me. I didn’t feel like there was much of a plot just glimpses of the timeline of Lee Radziwill and Truman Capote’s friendship. Bits and pieces of the book could be interesting but there are other sources that offer more entertaining views of these two famous friends.
* I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
* I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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