Stephen Greco's novel Such Good Friends tells the tale of the friendship between Truman Capote and one of his 'swans' Lee Radziwill (otherwise known as Jackie Kennedy's sister) through the lens of Lee's housekeeper, Marlene. The novel begins in the early 60s and goes through to the death of Lee in 2019. Not only does Marlene have a front row seat to the high society of New York through Lee, but she also becomes friends with Truman, who finds Marlene interesting due to her background as a former Cuban heiress. The character of Marlene is kind of dull and naive with a supposed 'dark' past but hints at not being entirely truthful. Overall this was a fluffy read that just skims the surface of how cutthroat and bizarre it was with the 'ladies who lunch' scene while dipping into how fame and success seemed to drive Capote to an early grave of drink and drugs.

Such a thick book which didn’t deter me from reading it but I think some of it could have been eliminated.
It’s an interesting novel, based on the friendship between Lee Radziwill and Truman Capote.
Both were quite needy people and orbited around others’ shadows in order to feel wanted.
They are also clinger oners. Lee existed in the shadow of her sister her entire life and frankly couldn’t compete.
Truman was a spiteful little troll who plumbed his friendships for book fodder, a true leech and mooch.
I think both of them deserved each other.

After reading other stories about Capote I could not stand him and this contributed to that. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher!

The story paints a vivid picture of the dazzling personalities that populate Lee's inner circle, including the likes of Truman Capote, Gloria Vanderbilt, Rudolf Nureyev, and the iconic Kennedy couple. The author skillfully weaves historical events, such as JFK's assassination and the Black and White Ball, into the fabric of the characters' lives, providing a rich backdrop for the unfolding drama.

“Such Good Friends” by Martha Lindberg offers a captivating and revealing glimpse into the world of high society in the 1960s and 1970s, focusing on the friendship between Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill, sister of Jackie Kennedy. The story is narrated through Marlene, a housekeeper who becomes privy to the inner circles of the elite as she works in the Radziwill household. The narrative explores the lives of the rich and famous, painting a vivid picture of the opulent lifestyles, glamorous parties, and enthralling social gatherings that characterized this era. The famous figures who flit in and out of Lee’s life are showcased in all their dazzling glory. The list of names, including Jackie and President Kennedy, Ari Onassis, Gloria Vanderbilt, Gore Vidal, and Andy Warhol, reflects the dazzling allure of this bygone time.

Lindberg’s storytelling is sophisticated, with realistic and believable dialogue that immerses readers in the glamorous world of the upper crust. However, the plot primarily revolves around the evolving friendship between Lee and Truman, and how the relationships of the wealthy and influential in the 1960s and 1970s took a toll on Capote in the years following his immense success with “In Cold Blood.” The story reflects the heady days of post-success living, with the champagne-fueled parties and luxurious lifestyles, but also delves into the darker side of fame and indulgence. While the narrative is intriguing and gives readers insight into the lives of those in the highest social strata, there is a sense of an overflow of storytelling, at times making the plot seem a bit unwieldy. The writing, while competent, doesn’t necessarily stand out as extraordinary.

“Such Good Friends” is more about the idea of the story than the actual reading experience. The concept of exploring the friendship between Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill and delving into their privileged lives during the 1960s and 1970s is fascinating, but the execution could have been more refined and focused. The story effectively highlights the themes of betrayal, lost friendships, and the high price of fame, ultimately portraying Truman Capote’s rise and fall in an era of extravagance and indulgence. While not without its merits, the book could have benefited from more concise storytelling to enhance its overall impact.

I really was looking forward to this book because I was interested in learning more about Jacqueline Kennedy’s sister on whom many novelists rarely focus on. However, there was not much of a plot to this story. It is very slow moving. I could not connect with the characters. They seem very distant. Still, if you are a fan of the Kennedys, you should give this a try!

Marlene witnessess Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill relationship in times of parties of the 60s. She relates how they behaved and what happened afterward that finished this friendship.

An interesting view of Truman Capote and his swans. i enjoyed reading of the high society and their inner circle.
Many thanks to Kensington and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I wanted to love this. I really did. I’m a huge historical fiction reader and felt certain this would be one of my new favorites of the year. But 30% into the story I can’t bear to go on. The pacing is painfully slow and nothing seems to be happening AT ALL. I don’t know what I was expecting (maybe something like When We Were Strangers), but this isn’t it. This is for those who love deep character studies and writing workshops, neither of which appeal to me.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for the arc!
What a great historical fiction story. Character development was spot on.
Highly recommend!⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

I was interested in this book from the cover and description. I like historical fiction and was keen to see how a story about Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill would pan out.

While I did like some of the flashback stories, I found the overall structure of the book strange and sometimes confusing, especially when we were in the present with narrator, Marlene, in one paragraph and then back into the past with Truman and Lee in the next. I also found parts of Marlene's story completely irrelevant, and probably would've enjoyed the book more without her parts entirely.

This book was long and took me a long time to get through it as I kept losing interest. I liked it, but not nearly as much as I was hoping to. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review it.

This book really just took me for a ride. I loved the build up, the character development, and the writing. I would definitely read more from this author!

3.5 out of five. Grading it down to a 3 because it isn't worth the 4. I was excited to read Such Good Friends and its take on Truman Capote's relationship with his swans, especially Lee Radziwill. However, while the story is supposed to be told through Marlene, Radziwill's fictional maid, the narrative was more omnipotent and disconnected than I would have preferred.

I was excited to be immersed in the gossip ladened, luxurious world of the 1960s upper-crust society, however, with the narrative viewpoint, never are we fully in the world, nor are we relegated to the 'below stairs' viewpoint of this world. The world ends up feeling hollow, disjointed, and the intrigue I found so captivating in works such as The Swans of Fifth Avenue was missing.

The 'cameo appearances' from the time, faces such as President and First Lady Kennedy, seemed dropped in, instead of sewn in. Almost an "if we don't mention someone soon, the reader will get bored.' I don't want my readership to be a game the author toys with. Well, ok, maybe in a thriller, which this is not.

If you are looking for something to read on a plane, something that you can escape with, without feeling disappointed when you lose your place or coffee is spilled on it. This is the book for you.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

A fascinating at the long-lived friendship between Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill. Full of gossip and celebrities, I totally enjoyed this look at a world many of us are not familiar with. The book seemed to be historically accurate and well written.

Thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy of such good friends. This was very good, historical fiction about Truman capote and friends during his life time and up until a disconnect later.

This is an entertaining story filled with glitzy, jet set drama featuring Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill. While I've definitely seen Capote fictionalized before, and I've even read another book about his "swans", Lee Radziwill was a figure I'd never thought much about, and the parts that focused on her story were the most interesting- what a life she led! There is a lot of glamour to the story, but also plenty of the tragedy and difficulties that come with being human, even if you are at the height of society. The book is a little too long- it didn't need to be almost 500 pages- but it's definitely solid.

Anything with Truman Capote and Harper Lee's relationship is going to get a good review from me. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to friends.

I enjoyed this but it is for a niche audience.

Lee Radziwill and Truman Capote's friendship told through the lens of Lee's housekeeper, she recounts the parties, lunches, and jet set life of the New York elite in the 60's and 70s. A glamorous era long gone by.

I really enjoyed reading about Lee and Truman's lives, the people they knew, the everyday fabulousness. At times it felt like I was just reading a journal (with too long chapters) and it didn't feel like it was leading to a climax; if this was on a plot chart it would be a near flat line with a small bump rather than a steep line with a big peak. Again, I liked reading this but I can see others being turned off or bored.

I knew nothing about Truman Capote other than he was the author of In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany's. I learned so much about him from this story, and also was introduced to Lee Radziwill. I liked learning about their friendship through the eyes of an outsider. Truman Capote was a fascinating person, and I'm intrigued to read more about Truman and his swans.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

This is a well researched, and detailed account that for the most part, I found enjoyable, but yet, seemed to miss the mark for me. It was hard to stay focused on what was going on because of the sometimes, over description of events and happenings. I did not know much about Truman or Lee so it was fascinating reading about their extraordinary and extravagant lives. I recommend this to any history buff or lover of historical fiction books based on real events.