Rating: 
Summary: One way or the other
Review: Truman Capote has been widely criticised on the basis of his way of life and questioned about writing fact or fiction. In my opinion those who attack the author on the grounds of these critics miss the point, although they might seem quite successful. Capote in this book examines the depths of human nature, its marvels and horrors, no matter whether it is fact or fiction. I would not agree with those saying it is only 'Handcarved Coffins' that is worth to read. Every each story in this book has its own essence and personality, which makes it a valuable piece of literature, one way or the other. Deep thoughts in simple yet beautiful wording. I would strongly recommend it to everyone.
Rating:
Summary: This book was simply amazing
Review: Truman Capote is one of my favorite authors, and this book did not fail to impress me with its eloquence and humor. This novel embodies the simplicity, yet also the striking beauty of his writing. It both touches and intrigues me because of the truth that it depicts.
Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating Lies
Review: Truman Capote was far gone on alcohol and drugs when, near the end of his life, he managed to pull himself together sufficiently to produce these various short works. The results are fascinating: several are truly powerful vignettes. And yet the reader must tread carefully in this volume, especially when Capote claims to be writing "nonfiction." The tale "Handcarved Coffins," for instance, has been shown by Capote biographers Gerald Clarke and George Plimpton to be almost entirely fictional (as, indeed, it must be, given its wildly unlikely events). Further, the Preface---in which Capote claims to have been hard at work revising and rewriting his never-finished novel "Answered Prayers," and that's why he hasn't published in a while---is a patchwork of pretentious fantasy. (His drinking, drugging, and emotional problems were to blame for the long silence; he was not working.) The piece on Marilyn Monroe, while quite striking, is similarly to be doubted. Many of the essays are effective as writing, however, if slight in comparison to "In Cold Blood" or "Other Voices, Other Rooms." The volume will be of great interest to Capote fans as the final glimpses of a diminished, but still occasionally shining, talent.
Rating: 
Summary: One Has to Choose
Review: When reading this book, one is forced to choose between loathing Capote for attempting to pass off such unlikely encounters as Handcarved Coffins and the Monroe essay... and adoring his awesome writing ability. Yes, Handcarved Coffins is fiction, but does that mean that it's not very good? Far from it- it's (to coin a cliche) a haunting piece of writing that stays with you long after you've put the book down.
Music for Chameleons is similar to Lillian Hellman's memoirs: should either author be damned for fictionalizing so many chapters in their lives? One could argue yes, but if you love gorgeous writing, they're still both worth checking out. For me, the stories here are good enough to overlook the deceit. For others, they're not. It depends on the reader, really. So take a chance on them... with a grain of salt.
Rating:
Summary: A literature sandwich
Review: Yeah, on either side of the meat, Handcarved Coffins (which is fantastic), this is a mediocre book, for Capote anyway. But it's well worth it. And aw hell, there's some pretty damn funny stuff in Music For Chaeleons and Conversational Portraits. Too bad it had to unravel into pretention at the very end. I know every writer in the world thinks he's a genius, but you're not supposed to SAY so. Jeez, man, you're going to ruin it for the rest of us. PS: You don't have to read the bread to appreciate the meat. Read Handcarved Coffins. It'll take you an hour.
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