I'll admit I saw the movie first. But I didn't feel like I understood Holly after watching. So, I finally got around to picking up a copy of the book.

I definitely have a better understanding of the character now.
She's iconic ofcourse, I picture her immaculately dressed and browsing Tiffany's.
She's not always likable, she is without a doubt memorable. She leaves an impression on those around her, usually men. She can be very insensitive, though many of her comments in the book would have likely been considered more common dialogue during the 40's than today.

Above all, I think, poor Holly is pretty broken. She's doing what she can to pull herself up and away from her past.

Ultimately I'd suggest both the book and the movie.
In the movie, you get a glamour and light heartedness that isn't as present in the book.
In the book, you get to know Holly better and you get some really beautifully written lines that you'd miss by only seeing the movie. ( )

This short novella is worth a read. First, Capote is a brilliant writer. Second, it is NOTHING like the movie which is only very loosely based on the book. There's no way Hollywood would have faithfully made this book into a movie in 1961-- way too subversive and shocking. Audrey Hepburn is nothing like the raw, uncensored, sexually liberated Holly Golightly that Capote created. Read it-- it will only take a few days.

My only complaint, if it is that, is it would have been more interesting to see this story developed into a full novel. ( )

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is only 100 pages long and is an easy read, but it didn’t really do it for me and less than a week after finishing, I’m struggling to remember details –not a good sign!

However, this novella also contains three short stories - House of Flowers, a tale about prostitute in Port-a-Prince who falls in love and leaves her profession – a decision her close friends struggle to come to terms with, A Diamond Guitar about a hardened criminal in prison whose life is touched by a young man, and (my favourite of the three) A Christmas Memory a seven year old and a “sixty-something” year old who are cousins and best friends. I must admit that I preferred these to the main story – I would say it’s worth getting hold of the book for these as they were great! ( )

During a long train journey I red this book in one sitting.
While reading, I was truly wondering what is was that made this book so special, that it found itself a spot on the 1001-list. In my very humble opinion I must admit I do not see it, I didn't find it very special or extraordinary.
I'm glad I've read it, one more to tick off :-) ( )

It took me a while to read this delightfully written story. Not because it was hard-going, anything but. Not a plot heavy novel, more a beautiful character study of the enigmatic and lost Holly Golightly, who we all want to find the happiness she craves but will never because of the flaws in her character. Truman Capote's style reminded me somewhat of Raymond Chandler with its punchy pros and lively dialogue. Better than the film, in my opinion, with a completely different and poignant ending. ( )