Fifth Avenue 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and The Dawn of the Modern Woman by Sam Wasson is the back story about the writing of and eventual production of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Wasson also delves into how Breakfast at Tiffany’s helped shaped the modern woman and usher in the sexual revolution of the 60’s. Beginning with Capote writing the short story Breakfast at Tiffany’s and ending with the reception of the film version, the book chronicles the long arduous journey from short story to produced film. Fifth Avenue discusses all the ways that Breakfast at Tiffany’s helped usher in the ideals that shaped a modern woman. The ideas that a woman could be in control of her own sex life, work, and be independent.
Sam Wasson articulates his thoughts and points beautifully. He takes all of these fantastic bits and pieces of knowledge about the story writing, screenplay writing, costume design, lighting, character casting, just everything and molds it into a narrative that flows from beginning to end. The reader can definitely feel his love and appreciation for Tiffany’s through this work.
One of my favorite things about the novel are the sections about how it influenced pop culture and society. As a HUGE film fan I absolutely love reading about the power that films have to impact our lives. To read about how the film influenced modern culture and also how it’s choice of leading lady helped lead a feminist revolution was awesome.
I find it really interesting that a lot of modern cultural references to the empowerment of women, such as Sex and the City and 9 to 5, can trace their roots to the image of a strong and confident Holly Golightly. The way the book analyzes what made Holly Golightly such a new female is very interesting.
I cannot recommend this book enough. You will not be disappointed!
5 out of 5 Stars
Fifth Avenue 5 A.M. by Sam Wasson
Harper Collins Publishers (2010)
Hardcover 231 pages
ISBN: 9780061774157
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