Much has been written about Truman Capote’s rise and precipitous fall, when an excerpt from his novel of New York society revealed what he really thought of his wealthy friends. Veteran biographer Laurence Leamer’s focus is not only on the writer but on these stylish, glamorous women who trusted Capote with their secrets, only to be betrayed by his thinly veiled story.

"What CAPOTE’S WOMEN captures is how these myriad and multilayered friendships came about and nourished him for so long, until his inner demons proved too damning for all but a few of his faithful."

Witty and gay in every sense of the word, Capote was welcomed everywhere and knew how to engage his prey --- usually beautiful, wealthy, smart society women whom he genuinely admired. As he posed no threat to men, they and their wives --- his “swans,” as he called them --- adored him. The list of swans included Babe Paley, Pamela Churchill Harriman, Slim Hayward, Lee Radziwill (the younger sister of Jackie Onassis), C.Z. Guest, Marella Agnelli (who grew wary of Capote long before his exposé), and Gloria Guinness, a Mexican socialite. Long before most women could have successful careers, these ladies were obsessed with marrying rich, powerful men who could give them an entrée into society. Not one of them was happy with her husband or, in many cases, successive husbands.

Capote was part of New York society before the success of BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S, but that book and IN COLD BLOOD assured his place as a literary figure. His ability to develop friendships with interesting women extended back to his Southern childhood, when Carson McCullers and Harper Lee were companions long before they rose to fame. After his fall from society, Esquire published the excerpt from his ever-forthcoming novel, ANSWERED PRAYERS, in 1975. Some of his socialite friends like C.Z. and Lee remained (for a time, at least) by his side, but eventually drugs and alcohol consumed him. He died in Los Angeles, ironically while visiting his dear old friend, Joanne Carson --- Johnny’s ex-wife.

Capote’s own life story was so intertwined with his remarkable friendships that it’s impossible to understand the man without the friends. What CAPOTE’S WOMEN captures is how these myriad and multilayered friendships came about and nourished him for so long, until his inner demons proved too damning for all but a few of his faithful.