A Christmas Memory (1956)

This book is bittersweet. I love that Capote highlights an unusual friendship: that between the very old and the very young. It's not a common grouping and it reminds me of the immense love and friendship shared between my grandmother and my young son. Of course the ending is sad, as it must always be in these cases, but the rest is so filled with warmth, love, and happiness. Do we dwell on the outcome, or the journey there?

As always, Capote's prose is easy-to-read yet filled with depth and nuance. I adore it. ( )

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Celebrated American novelist Truman Capote looks back to his childhood in this lovely short memoir, recalling the Christmas customs he observed with his best friend and distant grown relative, Cousin Sook. Declaring, at the end of every November, that "it's fruitcake weather," this childlike grownup, her young boy cousin, and their dog companion Queenie set out to gather the pecans and to purchase the other necessaries for the many cakes they will make and mail...

Apparently first published in 1956, this beautifully descriptive and emotionally resonant short story was made into a picture-book, with the artwork of Beth Peck, in 1989. This new edition from 2014 contains that artwork, as well as a CD with the narration of Celeste Holm. Despite being well familiar with Truman Capote's name, I had never before read any of his work, so A Christmas Memory was my introduction to his writing. I certainly was engrossed in its pages, by turns amused and moved by its narrative. It is clear that Cousin Sook, in addition to her physical ailments, has some sort of developmental disability, but to the seven-year-old Truman, who considers her his best and only friend in a family of distant (and seemingly cold) relatives, this is entirely irrelevant. I appreciated that, and I appreciated the poignant conclusion. The accompanying artwork done by Beth Peck is absolutely lovely, capturing the close emotional bond between Truman, Cousin Sook, and the lively Queenie. Recommended to fans of the author, and to anyone looking for short stories set at Christmas. Although not written for children, I do think it can be shared with them, with the proviso that parents and guardians be aware that there is loss here, especially in the conclusion. ( )

A very poignant story of a young boy learning to love life with a mentally challenged older cousin. Quite moving. ( )

This Christmas story is based on Capote's relationship with an aunt and recalls Christmases where they gathered nuts and scraped pennies to gift fruitcakes. It's a lovely novella which captures the spirit of giving at Christmas. ( )