That Quail, Robert is a warm, sweet tale of a retired couple and their three and half years with Robert. Robert's antics are the fun little stories thThat Quail, Robert is a warm, sweet tale of a retired couple and their three and half years with Robert. Robert's antics are the fun little stories that you would not think a bird capable of. At Christmas, Mrs Kienzle found a nest, guilded it and placed it in the tree. Robert found it and enjoyed the nest and gave up the red velvet hat for a spell. Her singing, cooing and announcing of the telephone reminded me of any other child needing attention. Avairy experts did not think it would last. The instincts of the Quail would pull Robert away, she would have none of that. Robert had free reign of the home and had no desire not to be with her family and friends. Her personality is the story, Robert was well loved and loved back by all that met her.
As a child growing up in Madison County, my Father rescued a pheasant that was frozen and iced over during the storm in 78 and also a pigeon that had an injury to it's wing. He let them stay in the house until they healed but they were nothing like Robert. ...more
Capote wanted to write a non-fiction novel, his choice? was not one of a successful life, but was what he wanted to portray as serious journalism. He Capote wanted to write a non-fiction novel, his choice? was not one of a successful life, but was what he wanted to portray as serious journalism. He did hours upon hours of research and interviews along with his friend and Author Harper Lee. The make-up would have never been covered in the news or in a newspaper, at that time. The everyday life of the Clutter's before the immense loss. The planning of the robbery by Hickock (H) and Smith (S).
Clutter Family were gentle, kind and down to earth, as were the towns people. They lived in the beautiful prairies of American Farm life. the dream. This experience shattered the folks of the town. Some to the point of not wanting to be left alone, who in their community would do such a thing? the effects lasting long after the capture and their hanging. At the time this crime was not that common. So to show both sides of the spectrum was very unusual. It was a true shock to life as they knew it, a true horror to the small town reality.
The account of the murders is mind-boggling. At first I thought they were searching for the money, so why not leave, but than the re-telling by H & S left me more at a loss and not understanding the 'Why?' for $40.00 that they had to scrounge to find. H had other intentions regarding Nancy from the get go, S stopped that from happening. The only considerate thing that was done. The Clutter's wonderful life was shattered by two petty criminals, that the explanation of their lives lead did not excuse this horrific action.
Capote writings had conversations that even gleaned in an interview would be hear say, he is telling his story. What made me think that? The hitchhiking tales made it feel more like fiction. He was opposed of the death penalty that is obvious, was that because of his friendship with S? Just the little things as they say made me wonder.
At times hard to put down, at others times I was distressed, so at times I was looking up the story under wikipedia and news outlets trying to figure things out, could not get the answers fast enough.
"I think there must be something wrong with us, to go and do something like that."--Perry Smith Definitely!...more
Have to admit, I finished this book late on the 4th but before the fireworks. I have had an emotional battle with myself in deciding how I would revieHave to admit, I finished this book late on the 4th but before the fireworks. I have had an emotional battle with myself in deciding how I would review this novel. It has left me with mixed emotions. The words of the novel from Solomon you can tell he was an educated man, so what happened to him was heartbreaking. To go from a free man, to a deceived man, to a drugged man, to a captive in the Slave Pen, to a somewhat favored slave, to a man the master who was the mortgage holder's treatment was unbelievable and made me grit my teeth several times. He knew what freedom meant and I think that is what got him through. Solomon's telling of his story is told like he was doing it from a distance (but well detailed) more like a statement of what he endured and how it happened. He explained that not all Masters were mean, each getting what they want done achieved by different means: treating the slaves as men, some gave them comforts or rewards for their work, others did nothing-just expected it to be done by sheer terror alone. His feelings towards the ones that tortured him? he did not villianize or judge them, giving them a respect they did not deserve even after a decade+ of horrible conditions and barbaric treatment. The part that struck me the most was when he realized what his life was like as a slave he wished his life would have ended when he was younger. So heartbreaking and sad. A letter written in the beginning allowed them to know what had happened to him but they had no way of knowing where he was taken. Letters to several people finally was delivered to family and told them where he was, it took so long that even Bass who became friends with Solomon was debating to go himself. Such thoughts had to go into rescuing Solomon that I surprised it even happened.
He wrote this book in the first year he was free in a matter of 3 months....more