The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin

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Melanie Benjamin writes historical fiction novels.  She doesn't just connect facts with anecdotes, she finds the narrative thread in each story she tells.  

I knew three things about Truman Capote before reading this book:  he wrote In Cold Blood, was an embarrassing talk show guest in the 70s, and was a boyhood friend of Harper Lee.  After reading this book I know many more things about Capote, and I now truly understand the meaning of the word sycophant.  

This book provides a look into the Cafe Society of the uber wealthy in NYC. The reader saw how Capote curated the group of women he called his "swans", and how he wormed his way into high society.  Even though Babe Paley was the richest and most privileged of the swans she never found happiness - few friendships, loveless marriage, strict social norms. I never felt sorry for her, she had the resources and options to change her situation It didn't escape me that in telling this story she is using the "nonfiction novel" approach that Truman Capote was claimed he created. It seemed just.