In Cold Blood

What I love most about reading is the ability to escape reality and be entertained for awhile. No matter what is wrong in the 'real world,' a good plot can make you forget all that for awhile. Every once in a while, a book doesn't fit into that category. The story is sad and poignant; it's moving but not lighthearted. Even less often, a story like that is true. Enter In Cold Blood. A true story, this novel by Truman Capote follows the murder of the Clutter family and the tracking, trial, and execution of the murderers. On November 15, 1959, Herby, Bonnie, and their two younger children, Nancy and Kenyon, were tied up and shot with a shot gun. Why? Dick and Perry thought they would find thousands of dollars in a safe in the study. They left the house with less than $50.

The novel is in four parts: 1. The Last to See Them Alive, 2. Persons Unknown, 3. Answer, and 4. The Corner. Part 1 sets the scene with wonderful description of the town of Holcomb, character profiles of the Clutter family and close friends, and a general idea of the way of life in a small town in the 1950's. Capote is talented at grabbing readers' attention right away and drawing them into the story. Several times in this first section, he makes comments like 'unaware that it would be his last [day].' Reading all of this, you can't help but be filled with a sense of dread as each chapter switches between the Clutter family's last day alive and the murderers preparing for their trip to Holcomb.

Part 2 follows Dick and Perry (the murderers)to Mexico after the fact and gives a more detailed glimpse into their childhoods. Due to a shortage of funds and the lower minimum wage in Mexico, they decide to return to the states. It amazes me the small things that happen that cause their capture. Would this case have ever been solved if Dick and Perry had stayed in Mexico? The KBI officers are also introduced, and it is revealed how little evidence they have to work with.

Part 3 follows Dick and Perry throughout the US as they travel around bored and looking for easy money. The KBI officers work really diligently to find them. Dick and Perry are finally captured in Las Vegas. It's not until this point that a true description of what happened 'that night' is given. It is truly disturbing what happened in the house. The first time I read this book, back in high school, I had to put the book down for a couple of days. The title of the book is incredibly appropriate when Perry and Dick each describe so matter-of-factly how they killed each family member.

Part 4 gives details of the trial and then Dick and Perry's time on death row before their execution. I think the saddest part is the last scene. While one of the KBI agents is at the execution (which didn't happen until April 1965, 5.5 years after the murders), he recalls a memory that had happened the year before at the cemetery in Holcomb. While visiting his father's grave, he stops by the Clutters' graves and sees Nancy's close friend, Susan. She is in college now and reveals that Nancy's boyfriend is now married. She has to run off, late for an appointment. It was this short scene that truly upset me. Nancy and Kenyon were completely robbed of these experiences: college, falling in love, marriage, a family of their own.

This was a wonderfully written book. Capote gives wonderful description of people and places. He presents a horrible crime in a very unbiased view. I don't think I could say that I love this book--it is truly a horribly story--but it is a great piece of literature that I would recommend to anyone.

Note: Eventually there will be additional blogs reviewing the two movies, Capote and Infamous.