Book Review : In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote (Breakfast at Tiffany's) has been on my reading list for a long time. I finally got around to reading it a few weeks back and well, I am still thinking about the book. The book deals with a true crime that was 'investigated' by a private individual and the resulting investigations may have impacted the punishment meted out to the culprits.

'In Cold Blood' details the story of four members of the Clutter family residing in Holcomb, Kansas in the late 1950's who were gruesomely murdered in their home, one after the other. There was no apparent motive for the crime and it was a seemingly perfect murder with almost no clues left behind. Truman Capote apparently read a short newspaper article carrying news of the murder and was so intrigued by the chain of events, that he along with his close friend Harper Lee (of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' fame) set off to Holcomb to research the facts. What followed was copious amounts of research, numerous interviews with Holcomb residents and gathering as much information about the Clutter family as was possible. Capote then goes on to reconstruct the murder, the ensuing police investigation including the arrest, trial and finally execution of the killers.

What stands out about 'In Cold Blood' is that the outcome / identity of killers is known from the start but still Capote manages to build suspense. I kept turning the pages in sheer awe, disgust, astonishment and anger in turns. Capote has clearly taken some liberties in doing his 'factual assessment' of the situation and the book should not be read as a 100% factual account. Omission of the surviving members' account of the situation coupled with questionable detailed insight into the killers' behavior and mannerisms makes one think Capote had prize winning aspirations at the back of his mind from the onset of this book's journey. However, full credit must be given where it is due. Capote has managed to achieve the seemingly impossible : create some sympathy for the murderers while detailing minute details of a murder committed in the coldest blood.

'In Cold Blood' became the greatest crime seller of its time and is considered a cult classic of its genre. It also created significant controversy with regard to Capote's excessive involvement in an ongoing legal case and whether his involvement may have impacted the judicial process. The fact that Capote 'benefited' from the misfortune of an innocent family also tends to play on one's mind.  Despite the criticism 'In Cold Blood ' continues to be regarded highly in the non-fiction crime-writing genre. The 2012 horror movie 'Sinister' has Ethan Hawke explaining to his wife why he must undertake his current venture and how it could be his 'In Cold Blood moment.' Such is the aura of Capote's book. It is undoubtedly heavy reading and may not appeal to all readers. But it will leave you thinking. 

Restaurant Week 2012 Review : The Knolls at Capella Hotel, Singapore

I've been a regular at Singapore Restaurant Week for few years now. The objective of Restaurant Week (RW) is to attract new clientele by showcasing a fixed menu at an attractive price. Once your customers are hooked, they will get sticky and pay the regular meal price - that is the thinking. Hence, you have RW dinners priced at SGD 35++ per person. Gourmet restaurants charge a premium for their menu and will set you back by SGD 55++ per person. Considering a 'discounted' meal for 2 at a gourmet restaurant will set you back by SGD 150 atleast including taxes, you look for a superlative experience when you make your RW reservation. On going through the list, I saw quite a few new upscale entrants this year and decided to give one of them a try.

We headed to the much touted and talked about 'The Knolls' at Capella Hotel. From the moment we walked in, we knew this would be an average evening. The restaurant was practically empty save couple of tables which were occupied by RW diner groups. It is a testimony to the restaurant's popularity that even with 'discounted' prices, the place wore a deserted look. The gracious Maitre d' showed us to our table set in the furthest corner of the restaurant. The smiling staff walked us through the RW menu. We started off with a glass of Taittinger Brut (champagne) each priced at a whopping SGD 30++! First course of creamy soup with foie gras filled ravioli was served promptly and was delicious. I had a small gripe with the service timing. My husband had to take an urgent business call which kept him busy for about fifteen minutes during which time the soup was served. By the time he got back to the table, the soup had cooled down considerably and the staff did not bother to ask if we wanted it re-heated. Anyways, this was a minor irritant with the otherwise flawless service. The main course consisted of risotto with a fillet of sea bass. The portion size was small and the preparation itself was just decent. If there are other choices, I would probably not order the dish again if I went back to The Knolls for a regular meal. The final course was creme brulee served with mango sorbet which was good but nothing to rave about.

Overall, I was unimpressed with The Knolls. Capella is a world class property which reeks of understated opulence with its classic architecture and immaculately kept grounds. The Knolls however does not give off a similar vibe probably due to its standard coffee shop decor. The layout is quite boxy and tables are placed very closed to one another. There is an option to sit outdoors which should be taken up on a breezy day. Apart from the prices, nothing is first class about The Knolls. The service is attentive and polite but the crux of the matter, i.e., the food leaves a lot to be desired. If the RW menu was a showcase for Capella's culinary expertise, I am disappointed. Its hard to believe this 3 star food is the best 7 star Capella could come up with.