"Answered Prayers" is a posthumously published novel by Truman Capote, left unfinished at the time of his death in 1984. It follows the life of P.B. Jones, a young aspiring writer, and his experiences within the affluent circles of New York City. Divided into three parts, the book delves into themes of morality, betrayal, and the corruption of the upper class.
In the first section, "Unspoiled Monsters," Capote paints a vivid picture of the opulence and allure of high society. However, beneath the glamorous façade lies a world filled with shallowness and deceit. Through Jones' journey, Capote exposes the true nature of these wealthy socialites.
The second part, "Kate McCloud," explores Jones' involvement in a scandalous affair with a married woman. This section delves into the complexities of desire, infidelity, and the emotional turmoil that ensues. Capote masterfully explores the consequences of such actions and delves into the depths of human relationships.
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Unfortunately, the third and final part of the book, titled "Answered Prayers," remains incomplete. Of the planned six chapters, only three were finished. In this portion, Jones takes on the role of a disillusioned observer, peeling back the curtain on the upper class and exposing their secrets and scandals. However, the thinly veiled portrayals of real-life socialites depicted in this unfinished section garnered controversy and criticism from Capote's close friends, who felt betrayed by his revelations.
Despite its incomplete state, "Answered Prayers" exemplifies Capote's incredible storytelling prowess. It offers a glimpse into the extravagant lives of the rich and famous while also shedding light on their darker sides. The novel is a testament to Capote's ability to capture the essence of a time and place, and it remains an important part of his legacy.
What are readers saying?
Answered Prayers by Danielle Steel has generated a range of opinions from readers on Goodreads. The novel centers around Leslie Stewart, the female lead, as she navigates various personal and professional challenges, rising from a modest background to great success.
Some readers commended Answered Prayers for its engaging plot and fast-paced narrative. They found the book to be a captivating blend of romance, drama, and suspense, with many unexpected twists. These readers appreciated Danielle Steel's talent in crafting complex characters and found themselves emotionally invested in their stories.
However, other reviewers expressed disappointment with Answered Prayers. They felt that the plot was predictable and lacked originality, making the story formulaic and unexciting. Some also noted that the book seemed rushed, resulting in underdeveloped characters and shallow relationships.
Several readers enjoyed the overarching theme of resilience and determination in Answered Prayers. They admired Leslie Stewart as a strong-willed and independent woman who overcomes obstacles and achieves success. Her journey inspired these readers and they appreciated the positive message of the book.
Conversely, some reviewers criticized the book for its lack of depth and character development. They believed that Leslie Stewart was portrayed as too perfect, making it challenging to relate to her. These readers felt that the story would have benefited from more nuanced and flawed characters.
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