Beauty in a Treehouse

Rarely does a fairy-tale become real. Under the magic wand and lucid metaphor of Truman Capote, however, this odd tale about three old women--all over 60--and a boy who choose to live in a tree-house leaps into true life. Capote's success as a writer (really a poet at times) lies in his gradual revelation of the human soul through humorous colloquial expression and the simple language of the heart. The "Grass Harp", for instance, is a field of tall Indian grass which "sighs" the wisdom of people buried in a cemetery near by. Avoiding the heavy symbolism of Thomas Mann, the author shows simply how several eccentric individuals and an evangelical caravan are drawn to the tree-hut in the "Harp", handled brutally by the suspicious town folk, and finally become resigned to their former life--much the wiser.

Dolly is the most colorful character. According to the boy (who narrates the story), "her presence is a delicate happening." She compensates for her loveless existence with letters from her dropsy-cure customers, as does the cold, business-minded Verena with her profitable, secret ventures. Catherine, who is "dark as the angels of Africa" takes delight in cursing That One (Verena). "Her ugly moods sifted through the house like sour yellow mist. That One. Hush now, hush."

When Dolly learns that Verena planned to usurp her beloved formula, she whispers to the boy. "To the tree house." A host of outcasts follows. Each one reveals his hopeless search for love, and, in the process, all feel a deep love towards one another. Although none forgets the Transformation, Verena, who is sick and needs sympathy, calls them back.

As the boy says, "So little, once it has changed, changes back: the world knew us: we would never be warm again: I let go, saw winter coming toward a cold tree, cried, cried, came apart like a rain-rotted rag." The impression after the last word is not pessimistic, however. It is a sad wisdom, a beautifully told truth.