So, as Kelly already stated, we're going to tackle this first time blog post as a way to let everybody else know what this book is all about through the basic five questions: Who, what, where when, and why?
Considering I have yet to buy the book, nor do I know too much about it, I'm taking this blog post as an opportunity to not only inform others, but myself. My knowledge of this book simply extends to discussions we have in class within our groups, so bear with me.
The history of "In Cold Blood" essentially starts in Europe, before the tragic events this book is actually based on, even happen. Our author, Truman Capote, skipped college and moved across seas. He began writing short stories and novels, and made himself an important figure in film and stage. After writing "Breakfast at Tiffany's" he decidedly got bored with his work and moved back to the States. It was at this time he had hoped to write, and I quote, "An epic nonfiction novel."
That "epic" novel is "In Cold Blood." His idea behind the story came from a small newspaper article detailing the gruesome murders of a wealthy farmer and his family in 1959. Capote and his BFF Nelle Harper Lee (which is pretty cool) traveled to Kansas soon after looking to research further into the crimes. After almost six years of interviewing residents, investigators, and of course, the two murderers, "In Cold Blood' was released.
So what happened? Herbert Clutter was a devout Methodist, and wealthy farmer, widely respected throughout the community. Richard "Dick" Hickock and Perry Edward Smith were two ex-convicts informed by a fellow prisoner (claiming to be a former Clutter farmhand) that the Clutters secretly kept cash and other valuables stashed away on their property. From here, Hickock and Smith hatched a plan to commit a robbery and leave no witnesses. In November of 1959, the two convicts entered the Clutter home while the family slept, and to no avail, found nothing. Turns out that guy back in prison had lied...jerk. With that, Hickock and Smith murdered Herb Clutter, his wife, and two of his children. Brutal.
This book was the first of its kind during that time period. It has been regarded as the pioneering work of the true crime genre and some critics consider Copote's work to be the original non-fiction novel. In Cold Blood is said to be paced at a slower rate, allowing Copote to detail each person related to the crime, supposedly, to build suspense. He wanted his novel to fell so much like a fiction novel, people forgot it wasn't.
Should provide for an interesting read...
~Abby Barufaldi
For not having read the book yet, you still seem well informed of what is happening and the general motives behind the murders and the reason for why he wrote the book. Even though I'm already going to read the book, you've given me another reason to based on your own interest in the book. The research you did gives another insight into the happenings that would make anyone interested in this novel.
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