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Fiction. Literature. Mystery. Thriller. HTML: An American classic and the inspiration for the motion picture starring Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow. It's here, in the first volume of Patricia Highsmith's five-book Ripley series, that we are introduced to the suave Tom Ripley, a young striver seeking to leave behind his past as an orphan bullied for being a "sissy." Newly arrived in the heady world of Manhattan, Ripley meets a wealthy industrialist who hires him to bring his playboy son, Dickie Greenleaf, back from gallivanting in Italy. Soon Ripley's fascination with Dickie's debonair lifestyle turns obsessive as he finds himself enraged by Dickie's ambivalent affections for Marge, a charming American dilettante, and Ripley begins a deadly game. "Sinister and strangely alluring" (Mark Harris, Entertainment Weekly) The Talented Mr. Ripley serves as an unforgettable introduction to this smooth confidence man, whose talent for self-invention is as unnerving�??and unnervingly revealing of the American psyche�??as ever… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member richardderus
This nail-biting page-turner is the first of Patricia Highsmith's novels featuring amoral, mass-murdering sociopath and all-around bon vivant Tom Ripley.
What can I add to the generations of praise heaped on Highsmith's male alter ego? What else need be said? What delicious evil, what glamourous
Well, for one thing, Tom's as bent as a bow, and because the book came out (!) in 1955 it wasn't possible to say frankly that he was *that way* and so was Dickie (!!) Greenleaf and Marge was a big ol' fag hag and Daddy Greenleaf was sending Tom to Italy in hopes that a cute boy would succeed where a revolted father failed to convince his queer son to return to a soul-killing life of pretending to be straight.
And now that I'v delivered the post-Stonewallization of the book, I return to the text as presented.
The characters are all deftly drawn to present us their essences in a short burst: Tom cruising bars and letting an older man (Pa Greenleaf) pick him up; Dickie resisting Tom's charm until Marge, acting as wing man, throws them together; Marge then doing the twist as she sees her efforts rewarded with too much success. It's all done in 30pp and it's set from there on, so suspense has to be created with audacity on the writer's part. We're drawn into Tom's troublingly untroubled world of crime, we're seduced into seeing the problems of Tom's murders from his point of view as puzzles to be solved in order to protect his now-customary lifestyle.
It's a very difficult feat to pull off. It's even more amazing when one considers the author, a big ol' dyke, was writing in one of Murrica's most homophobic AND law-and-order obsessed eras. Highsmith, from all reports an unpleasant person to know, does this difficult balancing act with an assured hand at the storytelling tiller and a character-compass that pointed true north at all times. This is high quality storytelling, done in simple, unadorned prose. It is very much recommended and it's worth your time.
What can I add to the generations of praise heaped on Highsmith's male alter ego? What else need be said? What delicious evil, what glamourous
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grue, and told with such economy of language!Well, for one thing, Tom's as bent as a bow, and because the book came out (!) in 1955 it wasn't possible to say frankly that he was *that way* and so was Dickie (!!) Greenleaf and Marge was a big ol' fag hag and Daddy Greenleaf was sending Tom to Italy in hopes that a cute boy would succeed where a revolted father failed to convince his queer son to return to a soul-killing life of pretending to be straight.
And now that I'v delivered the post-Stonewallization of the book, I return to the text as presented.
The characters are all deftly drawn to present us their essences in a short burst: Tom cruising bars and letting an older man (Pa Greenleaf) pick him up; Dickie resisting Tom's charm until Marge, acting as wing man, throws them together; Marge then doing the twist as she sees her efforts rewarded with too much success. It's all done in 30pp and it's set from there on, so suspense has to be created with audacity on the writer's part. We're drawn into Tom's troublingly untroubled world of crime, we're seduced into seeing the problems of Tom's murders from his point of view as puzzles to be solved in order to protect his now-customary lifestyle.
It's a very difficult feat to pull off. It's even more amazing when one considers the author, a big ol' dyke, was writing in one of Murrica's most homophobic AND law-and-order obsessed eras. Highsmith, from all reports an unpleasant person to know, does this difficult balancing act with an assured hand at the storytelling tiller and a character-compass that pointed true north at all times. This is high quality storytelling, done in simple, unadorned prose. It is very much recommended and it's worth your time.
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LibraryThing member DieFledermaus
A tense and twisty thriller about a seemingly ordinary psychopath. Patricia Highsmith immediately lets the reader know that Tom Ripley, a insignificant man barely making ends meet and sponging off his “friends”, is up to no good. He’s paranoid about being followed, and his paranoia is
I never fully sympathized with Tom–honestly not because he’s a sociopathic murderer but because he’s so petty and judgmental. Still, he was fun to read about, as he continually gets into risky situations but manages to avoid detection. Also, weirdly enough, if you put aside the murdering and crimes, Tom seems like he could be the protagonist of a contemporary novel–the awkward underdog who might have a happier ending or continually be subjected to ordinary misery. He’s uncomfortable around the wealthy and confident but can sometimes put on a good show, which tires him out. He is frequently shown as the awestruck tourist–always wanting to go on trips, excited over books and art, and worrying about whether something is too “touristy”. His sadness and hurt over covert rejection can be sympathetic, although he tends to react in boundary-breaking and highly emotional ways (in addition to the murdering). There is also the fact that his character is coded as gay–it’s directly mentioned, and although Tom denies it, the issue is a major wedge between Dickie and his friends. There are enough clues to conclude that Dickie is also gay, which could partially explain his rejection of Tom. However, although this could suggest that Tom is an example of the “evil gay/bisexual” stereotype, he has plenty of reasons for his actions: class is an ever-present issue, he had an unhappy childhood growing up with his unpleasant aunt and he seems to be misanthropic in general. The ending was great, as HIghsmith has a number of tropes and set-ups that usually go one way but end up in a different place here. A definite page turner–I’ll be looking for further Ripley books.
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somewhat justified as he is running a minor scam. He doesn’t even make any money–the thrill of successfully pulling off a con seems to be motivation enough. He lucks into an even better opportunity, as wealthy businessman Mr. Greenleaf sends him on an all-expenses paid trip to Europe to convince his son, Dickie, to come back to America. Because of the well-known movie, the way the plot unspools is probably known–Tom becomes obsessed with Dickie and his easy life in Italy, but when his new happiness is threatened, he goes to extreme lengths to protect it.I never fully sympathized with Tom–honestly not because he’s a sociopathic murderer but because he’s so petty and judgmental. Still, he was fun to read about, as he continually gets into risky situations but manages to avoid detection. Also, weirdly enough, if you put aside the murdering and crimes, Tom seems like he could be the protagonist of a contemporary novel–the awkward underdog who might have a happier ending or continually be subjected to ordinary misery. He’s uncomfortable around the wealthy and confident but can sometimes put on a good show, which tires him out. He is frequently shown as the awestruck tourist–always wanting to go on trips, excited over books and art, and worrying about whether something is too “touristy”. His sadness and hurt over covert rejection can be sympathetic, although he tends to react in boundary-breaking and highly emotional ways (in addition to the murdering). There is also the fact that his character is coded as gay–it’s directly mentioned, and although Tom denies it, the issue is a major wedge between Dickie and his friends. There are enough clues to conclude that Dickie is also gay, which could partially explain his rejection of Tom. However, although this could suggest that Tom is an example of the “evil gay/bisexual” stereotype, he has plenty of reasons for his actions: class is an ever-present issue, he had an unhappy childhood growing up with his unpleasant aunt and he seems to be misanthropic in general. The ending was great, as HIghsmith has a number of tropes and set-ups that usually go one way but end up in a different place here. A definite page turner–I’ll be looking for further Ripley books.
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LibraryThing member MeditationesMartini
Patricia Highsmith, you are the female Graham Greene and made me identify--not sympathize, identify--with a stone-cold killer better than anyone I can think of, and even got me to think of him as a class hero a little bit, which was unsettling. This was a riveting read; you were also a stone fox.
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Thank you on both counts. Show Less
LibraryThing member lisapeet
This was thoroughly entertaining, more of a noir than what I'd call a thriller. It isn't about the suspense, really, since you know Highsmith wrote four more Ripley novels, so he obviously survives to do more dark deeds in the world. Rather, the fun is all in watching Ripley—a big baby of a
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psychopath gallivanting around the mid-'50s Mediterranean—twist in distress and then brighten up again, over and over, as he thinks his gig is up and then turns out to have fooled everyone yet again… which essentially gives the reader a little taste of the joys of psychopathy, for what it's worth. And I have no quibble with that. I did pause at the fact that his bad behavior is framed—at least somewhat—as the outcome of not-very-arguably closeted homosexuality, but Highsmith is out to punish everyone here, no matter whether their impulses are decent or dark. Like poor docile Marge—I don't know anything about the other Ripley books, but I kind of hope she shows up out of the blue later on and TAKES HIM DOWN. I'm not sure I'll read further into the series, but I might—Ripley is a good guilty pleasure. Show Less
LibraryThing member kraaivrouw
Some writers lead you gently into their plot & setting. They let you amble a bit, getting familiar with where you are & who you're with before they get down to business. It's like being at a cocktail party with a socially skilled hostess who escorts you, introduces you, & provides some conversation
I came to this book via the Anthony Minghella film. The film was wonderful in its own way - good acting, good writing, good setting, good music, great cinematography. I generally hate it when people turn books into movies because they often do it so poorly, but this is a good version of the book, although different in some aspects. The performance in the film that really sticks with me is that of Philip Seymour Hoffman as Freddie Miles - a minor character in the book who is more fleshed out in the movie to, I thought, good effect. Hoffman's entrance in the film is breathtaking - driving up in his fiat convertible, climbing out over the hood, all predatory sleaze & sexiness. Amazing.
The thing the film does poorly is Tom Ripley. In the film, Tom kills Dickie Greenleaf because he is a closeted homosexual who has fallen in love with Dickie & Dickie rejects him. The plot diverges further by giving Tom a different (& true) male lover who he ends up having to kill because of his game of pretending to be Dickie Greenleaf. This makes for a nice tidy Hollywood story, but the real one, the story in the book is so much chillier & more real. You see, Tom doesn't kill Dickie because he wants to be with Dickie. Tom kills Dickie because he wants to BE Dickie - & he does it admirably well.
Highsmith didn't believe in tidy moral endings & one is not provided in this novel (to its overall benefit, frankly). Rather, Highsmith builds a complex portrait of a very blank person. Tom Ripley isn't much of anything or anyone - there's no there there. He is a cipher, an actor on the stage of life performing for his supper & taking up roles as they suit his need. When given the chance to assume Dickie's good life - his wealth, his social ease, his Gucci luggage - Tom jumps at the chance. It's wonderful in its own twisted way & beautifully handled by this author.
The lack of a tidy moral ending may give some readers pause - after all, we're used to our fictional criminals being punished in various ways (cf., Hannibal Lecter). For me this is one of the major strengths of the book & in a way made it all more plausible. Think of how many crimes must be committed in any given place on any given day & how many of those crimes go undetected or unpunished. Being caught & being convicted, despite all of our wonderful science, frequently comes down to some combination of skill & luck & Tom has both in abundance. You find yourself cheering him on & that's maybe the most disturbing thing of all because Tom really isn't a very nice person. He's not much of a person at all.
Where Tom & his interior monologue is all blank & flat & gray, the world of objects (the Gucci bag, Dickie's blue-and-white striped shirt, the art books Tom is able to purchase with Dickie's money) is super real as is Italy & all the rest of Europe. Tom's awareness of his physical surroundings is deep & intense & the descriptions of Italy & of Paris are colorful & rich & warm in all the ways Tom is not.
This is a deceptively simple read that is hiding something complex & interesting. Highly recommended.
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starters before leaving to fend for yourself. Patricia Highsmith is not interested in being a good hostess. In this book you are plopped down into Tom Ripley's world & essentially told to sink or swim. You should swim. It's an interesting world.I came to this book via the Anthony Minghella film. The film was wonderful in its own way - good acting, good writing, good setting, good music, great cinematography. I generally hate it when people turn books into movies because they often do it so poorly, but this is a good version of the book, although different in some aspects. The performance in the film that really sticks with me is that of Philip Seymour Hoffman as Freddie Miles - a minor character in the book who is more fleshed out in the movie to, I thought, good effect. Hoffman's entrance in the film is breathtaking - driving up in his fiat convertible, climbing out over the hood, all predatory sleaze & sexiness. Amazing.
The thing the film does poorly is Tom Ripley. In the film, Tom kills Dickie Greenleaf because he is a closeted homosexual who has fallen in love with Dickie & Dickie rejects him. The plot diverges further by giving Tom a different (& true) male lover who he ends up having to kill because of his game of pretending to be Dickie Greenleaf. This makes for a nice tidy Hollywood story, but the real one, the story in the book is so much chillier & more real. You see, Tom doesn't kill Dickie because he wants to be with Dickie. Tom kills Dickie because he wants to BE Dickie - & he does it admirably well.
Highsmith didn't believe in tidy moral endings & one is not provided in this novel (to its overall benefit, frankly). Rather, Highsmith builds a complex portrait of a very blank person. Tom Ripley isn't much of anything or anyone - there's no there there. He is a cipher, an actor on the stage of life performing for his supper & taking up roles as they suit his need. When given the chance to assume Dickie's good life - his wealth, his social ease, his Gucci luggage - Tom jumps at the chance. It's wonderful in its own twisted way & beautifully handled by this author.
The lack of a tidy moral ending may give some readers pause - after all, we're used to our fictional criminals being punished in various ways (cf., Hannibal Lecter). For me this is one of the major strengths of the book & in a way made it all more plausible. Think of how many crimes must be committed in any given place on any given day & how many of those crimes go undetected or unpunished. Being caught & being convicted, despite all of our wonderful science, frequently comes down to some combination of skill & luck & Tom has both in abundance. You find yourself cheering him on & that's maybe the most disturbing thing of all because Tom really isn't a very nice person. He's not much of a person at all.
Where Tom & his interior monologue is all blank & flat & gray, the world of objects (the Gucci bag, Dickie's blue-and-white striped shirt, the art books Tom is able to purchase with Dickie's money) is super real as is Italy & all the rest of Europe. Tom's awareness of his physical surroundings is deep & intense & the descriptions of Italy & of Paris are colorful & rich & warm in all the ways Tom is not.
This is a deceptively simple read that is hiding something complex & interesting. Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member Katie_H
This is a wonderful suspense novel; I loved it! Tom Ripley is a pathetic young man, with few obvious opportunities ahead of him. Not surprisingly, he jumps at the chance to travel all expenses paid to Italy in order to convince an old school acquaintance, Dickie Greenleaf, to return to the states.
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While in Italy, he falls in love with Dickie's lifestyle, dreaming of the same thing for himself. Ripley pushes his way into Dickie's life, hoping to become the focus of his attention, but when Dickie becomes bored of him, Ripley murders him and assumes his identity. What makes the book so great is the way that the reader begins empathizing with Ripley, a morally repugnant sociopath, understanding the reasons behind his misdeeds, recongnizing the potential killer in all of us. As an added benefit, the book also serves nicely as an Italian travelogue. The movie is a faithful adaptation to the novel, so those having seen the movie already may be disappointed with the book, but I highly recommend it regardless. Show Less
LibraryThing member NativeRoses
This is a chilling portrayal of the mind of a young man becoming a serial killer. Paranoia, hypersensitivity, narcissism, entitlement, envy, longing, rage, and pain crowd the mind of Tom Ripley as he inserts himself into the lives of well-heeled acquaintances in southern Italy. His inadequacies and
This is a suspenseful, brilliant, chilling page-turner which I recommend highly.
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mis-readings of the people around him would be funny if they didn't create such pain in his life and eventually lead him to consider and then commit horrible crimes. This is a suspenseful, brilliant, chilling page-turner which I recommend highly.
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LibraryThing member nigeyb
This is the second time I have read this book. The first was in 2000, and was inspired by the 1999 film adaptation directed by Anthony Minghella. Sufficient time had elapsed for me to have forgotten most of the detail of both the book and the film. I think this resulted in me enjoying it even more
The story is all told from Tom Ripley's perspective, and somehow, despite his reprehensible behaviour, Patricia Highsmith had me rooting for him. The book is full of insights into Ripley's character, including short flashbacks to his dysfunctional childhood that credibly help to explain his personality and behaviour.
As I was reading, I became very intrigued about Patricia Highsmith, and - on the basis of the biography on her Wikipedia page - can quite understand how she was able to conceive of a character like Ripley.
Ripley is a fantastic character, and this is a well written, psychological thriller.
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this time round. It's a compelling tale of how the opportunistic and amoral Tom Ripley takes advantage of situations. Tom Ripley is a deeply flawed individual, who - whilst clever and cunning - takes foolish risks and makes occasional mistakes. These ratchet up the tension for the reader. The story is all told from Tom Ripley's perspective, and somehow, despite his reprehensible behaviour, Patricia Highsmith had me rooting for him. The book is full of insights into Ripley's character, including short flashbacks to his dysfunctional childhood that credibly help to explain his personality and behaviour.
As I was reading, I became very intrigued about Patricia Highsmith, and - on the basis of the biography on her Wikipedia page - can quite understand how she was able to conceive of a character like Ripley.
Ripley is a fantastic character, and this is a well written, psychological thriller.
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LibraryThing member sturlington
I really like Patricia Highsmith’s writing style. It is a little old-fashioned, perfectly conveying the time and place of the story, but her word choices are so precise and evocative that I can almost see the action unfolding in technicolor in my imagination’s eye. I hope it’s not spoiling
The Talented Mr. Ripley is probably Highsmith’s most well-known novel, and the first by her that I have read. Her antihero, Tom Ripley, is a character who is impossible to like, or even to sympathize with, but he does fascinate. Tom is not particularly clever or charming, or even that self-aware. Rather, he is a very lucky opportunist who wants to be anyone other than who he actually is — he despises himself — and he gets away with what he does through a combination of skillful lying and unthinking brazenness. Therein lies Tom’s talent: He doesn’t just lie effectively, but he convinces himself that his lies are what actually happened. Since he believes them so sincerely, everyone around him must believe them too.
We may not like Tom Ripley, but we do love his story, as it goes completely against the kind of story we’ve been conditioned to expect, in which the good guys triumph and no one gets away with murder. I’m sure that’s why several more Mr. Ripley books have followed this one.
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anything to tell you that there is a scene where a murder takes place, and that scene is so well narrated that I actually felt like I was the one committing the crime. At the risk of sounding like a fuddy-duddy, I don’t know if people write like this anymore.The Talented Mr. Ripley is probably Highsmith’s most well-known novel, and the first by her that I have read. Her antihero, Tom Ripley, is a character who is impossible to like, or even to sympathize with, but he does fascinate. Tom is not particularly clever or charming, or even that self-aware. Rather, he is a very lucky opportunist who wants to be anyone other than who he actually is — he despises himself — and he gets away with what he does through a combination of skillful lying and unthinking brazenness. Therein lies Tom’s talent: He doesn’t just lie effectively, but he convinces himself that his lies are what actually happened. Since he believes them so sincerely, everyone around him must believe them too.
We may not like Tom Ripley, but we do love his story, as it goes completely against the kind of story we’ve been conditioned to expect, in which the good guys triumph and no one gets away with murder. I’m sure that’s why several more Mr. Ripley books have followed this one.
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LibraryThing member ecw0647
The first Tom Ripley book (I believe) was The Talented Mr. Ripley which has been reprinted in vol. II of The Library of America's magnificent collection of "American Noir" crime novels of the 1950's. Tom begins his amoral life of crime with good intentions, traveling to Europe at the behest of a
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chance acquaintance to attempt to persuade Herbert Greenleaf's son Dickie to return to the United States. Tom befriends Dickey, but soon in an odd twist, kills Dickey in order to assume his identity (and money). Partly it is because of his jealously of the relationship that has begun to flourish between Dickey and Margie, another expatriate. Soon, however, Tom is forced to kill again in order to protect his new identity when he is recognized in Rome by a mutual acquaintance. The boat that Tom has killed Dickey in is discovered covered with blood, and now the police believe Dickey might have killed Tom. Soon the reader doesn't quite know whom to root for. Tom's credo might be that of modern America: "He loved possessions, not masses of them, but a select few that he did not part with. They gave a man self-respect. Not ostentation, but quality, and the love that cherished the quality. Possessions reminded him that he existed, and made him enjoy existence. It was as simple as that." Highsmith is quite a talent. All the Ripley books are real page-turners. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookworm12
Tom Ripley is a quiet unassuming young man. When the opportunity to go to Europe to track down a former classmate comes along he jumps at the chance. Once he's there we begin to see the real Tom. He finds the old acquantance, Dickie Greenleaf, and Dickie's friend Marge. He insinuates himself into
The beauty of this book is watching Ripley slowly reveal himself to the reader. It's not a single snap, it's peeling layers off an onion, exposing his inability to connect with the world around him. He sees murder, deceipt and theft as a game.
"Risks were what made the whole thing fun."
He thrives on the cat and mouse interactions he has with the police and Dickie's family and friends. It's a twisted view of the world, but it's fascinating. For a book that deals with so much dark action it feels very calm. Highsmith manages to convey Ripley's distance from everything to the reader. Even as people edge closer to the truth, he is hardly ruffled. He has no remorse, no compassion. He justifys his actions in his own mind and smoothly moves forward to the next challenge.
BOTTOM LINE: Ripley is one of the most fascinating characters I've ever encountered and this story is an enthralling look at his slow creep towards his true nature.
"Tom didn't think too much of him, but, on the other hand, it was not wise to underestimate one's opponent."
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their lives in a small Italian village. There's a line at the beginning of the book where Ripley tells Dickie's father something and then in his own mind he says, "which was true." It immediately cues the reader into the fact that they can't trust the narrator and most of what he tells people is probably a lie. The beauty of this book is watching Ripley slowly reveal himself to the reader. It's not a single snap, it's peeling layers off an onion, exposing his inability to connect with the world around him. He sees murder, deceipt and theft as a game.
"Risks were what made the whole thing fun."
He thrives on the cat and mouse interactions he has with the police and Dickie's family and friends. It's a twisted view of the world, but it's fascinating. For a book that deals with so much dark action it feels very calm. Highsmith manages to convey Ripley's distance from everything to the reader. Even as people edge closer to the truth, he is hardly ruffled. He has no remorse, no compassion. He justifys his actions in his own mind and smoothly moves forward to the next challenge.
BOTTOM LINE: Ripley is one of the most fascinating characters I've ever encountered and this story is an enthralling look at his slow creep towards his true nature.
"Tom didn't think too much of him, but, on the other hand, it was not wise to underestimate one's opponent."
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LibraryThing member themythbookshelf
This book right here has become a favorite of mine – it’s a pageturner, thriller, and travel memoir rolled into one. Tom Ripley is a young American who, upon the request of Mr. Greenleaf, sails off to Italy in search of the man’s son, Dickie Richard Greenleaf to convince him to return home.
Patricia Highsmith’s absolutely floored me with her ability to deconstruct Tom’s psyche, particularly his emotional processes. Tom is a meek, obsessive and underdeveloped man, and Highsmith fleshes him out with such accuracy that the reader comes to explore antithetical feelings of both sympathy and disgust towards the character. His thoughts and reasoning reflect his unresolved character flaws that propel the story forward, making even the most far-fetched aspects of the book believable.
Tom Ripley’s ventures across Italy paint this books’ settings as pleasant and romantic as an actual escape to the places he visits, such as Rome, Florence, and the beautiful waters of the Southern Italian countryside. Highsmith’s use of Italian words and sentences within the conversations held can be distracting for some, but for others a tasteful touch on the author’s part, coloring the pages vividly with Italian culture and mannerisms.
It’s certainly hard to praise the book without giving away spoilers, but I’ll say give the book a chance to unravel. Some readers may not stand Tom’s personality, but it is precisely what sets the ball in motion, resulting in plenty of plot twists and cliffhangers to leave anyone hooked.
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The mission is really quite simple, yet things take a turn for the worse when complications arise and Tom jealously attempts to resolve them through his own means. Patricia Highsmith’s absolutely floored me with her ability to deconstruct Tom’s psyche, particularly his emotional processes. Tom is a meek, obsessive and underdeveloped man, and Highsmith fleshes him out with such accuracy that the reader comes to explore antithetical feelings of both sympathy and disgust towards the character. His thoughts and reasoning reflect his unresolved character flaws that propel the story forward, making even the most far-fetched aspects of the book believable.
Tom Ripley’s ventures across Italy paint this books’ settings as pleasant and romantic as an actual escape to the places he visits, such as Rome, Florence, and the beautiful waters of the Southern Italian countryside. Highsmith’s use of Italian words and sentences within the conversations held can be distracting for some, but for others a tasteful touch on the author’s part, coloring the pages vividly with Italian culture and mannerisms.
It’s certainly hard to praise the book without giving away spoilers, but I’ll say give the book a chance to unravel. Some readers may not stand Tom’s personality, but it is precisely what sets the ball in motion, resulting in plenty of plot twists and cliffhangers to leave anyone hooked.
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LibraryThing member thioviolight
This book was such an enjoyable read for me! Even though it was always clear who committed the crime, the narrative kept me in suspense right to the very end. It was very engaging and the characters so well-drawn and intriguing. Despite Ripley's deeds, I couldn't help but be in awe of his
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"talents." I saw the Anthony Minghella film years ago and bought the book right after, but that didn't do anything to spoil my enjoyment of Patricia Highsmith's story. I'm keeping an eye out for her other Ripley books! Show Less
LibraryThing member TheDivineOomba
I found this book at a thrift store - and picked up because of a barely remembered movie that involved a very creepy man. I'm glad I did pick up that book - this was a book about a very creepy psychopath that you can't help but root for. Which says a lot about the author's ability to write. A
As for the ending - it really kept me guessing. The part of me that absolutely was horrified at the main character and really wanted him to pay for what he did, but the other part (the part that was cheering Tom on) wanted him to get away with it all.
The writing was excellent - the author captured how young Americans in their 20's would probably act when given free rein in Europe. Tom Ripley is a horrible person - always thinking he deserves better, but at the same time - he is highly relateable. Seeing the world through his perspective (highly skewed) view makes him a very understandable protagonist.
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lesser author wouldn't have been able to keep Tom as such as an engaging character, even with his criminal activities. As for the ending - it really kept me guessing. The part of me that absolutely was horrified at the main character and really wanted him to pay for what he did, but the other part (the part that was cheering Tom on) wanted him to get away with it all.
The writing was excellent - the author captured how young Americans in their 20's would probably act when given free rein in Europe. Tom Ripley is a horrible person - always thinking he deserves better, but at the same time - he is highly relateable. Seeing the world through his perspective (highly skewed) view makes him a very understandable protagonist.
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LibraryThing member BookConcierge
Long before Dexter there was Tom Ripley.
Ripley is smart and talented, but he’s also bored and restless. He has a good head for figures and has worked at several jobs that make use of his bookkeeping/accounting skills. But he never stays anywhere for long. He’s just getting by and longs for
What I find so fascinating about Ripley is that Highsmith has created a rather smarmy and petulant “hero” – easy to dislike, and yet charmingly fascinating. How can we help but cheer for him as he strings Mr Greenleaf along and ingratiates himself with the young, wealthy Americans lolling about Europe? But there is a definite dark side to Tom. He is guarded and sneaky, a careful observer and willing to do whatever is necessary to further his own plans. It’s not his fault that he has to kill people; they posed a threat to his dream of wealth.
Ripley is smart and talented, but he’s also bored and restless. He has a good head for figures and has worked at several jobs that make use of his bookkeeping/accounting skills. But he never stays anywhere for long. He’s just getting by and longs for
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wealth, travel, friends and excitement. Enter Mr. Greenleaf who is desperate to have his son, Dickie, return from an extended stay in Italy. Would Tom be willing to go there and convince Dickie to come home? Mr Greenleaf would happily pay his expenses. This seems the perfect opportunity – a chance to get on the road to success and the kind of lifestyle Tom feels he deserves. What I find so fascinating about Ripley is that Highsmith has created a rather smarmy and petulant “hero” – easy to dislike, and yet charmingly fascinating. How can we help but cheer for him as he strings Mr Greenleaf along and ingratiates himself with the young, wealthy Americans lolling about Europe? But there is a definite dark side to Tom. He is guarded and sneaky, a careful observer and willing to do whatever is necessary to further his own plans. It’s not his fault that he has to kill people; they posed a threat to his dream of wealth.
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LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
I thoroughly enjoyed The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith. Full of games, deceit, manipulation and murder, this was a mesmerizing read. As much a psychological study as a thriller, Tom Ripley is a character that one does not forget. A conniving sociopath who made his first appearance in
The Italian setting made a great backdrop for this tale of betrayal and although you couldn’t help but be aware that Ripley’s crimes would not be as easily concealed with today’s forensics, it was still a fascinating case of cat and mouse. Even though Ripley was a despicable character with an enlarged sense of superiority, it was difficult not to root for him. This is due to the genius of the author who was able to put her readers into Tom Ripley’s skin, while at the same time making the other characters a little less sympathetic. This is interesting because it is obvious that Tom Ripley would rather live in anyone else’s skin than his own.
Overall, I found The Talented Mr. Ripley a unique and thought-provoking story that alternated between being disturbing and exhilarating. A very good read.
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1955, one can still see his lasting impression on many of today’s authors.The Italian setting made a great backdrop for this tale of betrayal and although you couldn’t help but be aware that Ripley’s crimes would not be as easily concealed with today’s forensics, it was still a fascinating case of cat and mouse. Even though Ripley was a despicable character with an enlarged sense of superiority, it was difficult not to root for him. This is due to the genius of the author who was able to put her readers into Tom Ripley’s skin, while at the same time making the other characters a little less sympathetic. This is interesting because it is obvious that Tom Ripley would rather live in anyone else’s skin than his own.
Overall, I found The Talented Mr. Ripley a unique and thought-provoking story that alternated between being disturbing and exhilarating. A very good read.
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LibraryThing member SigmundFraud
A compelling if a little too detailed and complicated read. Somewhat dated but still relevant. It seems to be that the ending must have been problematic when it was published in 1955. The criminal walks away scot free which is more typical of European than American fiction of the era.
LibraryThing member JBD1
I'd been meaning to read this one for a long time, and finally ran across a copy at the library book sale. It's a good, creepy read - what a character Highsmith has created in Tom Ripley! I'll be on the lookout for the rest of the series now, certainly.
LibraryThing member BBcummings
I truly admire how the author, with artful understatement, generates suspense even though I knew from the very beginning of the story that Tom Ripley would get away scot-free no matter what heinous acts he would perpetrate. How did I know this? (I haven't seen the movie) Because anyone who searches
Some might find the ending a bit anti-climatic, but knowing there were sequels, I expected something of that nature.
Highsmith does a great job of making Ripley a sympathetic character. Although reviewers have referred to him as a sociopath, this is not an accurate label, (having recently read up on this subject myself), in that he does not fit that profile, namely an extroverted, dynamic, self-confident charming individual totally lacking empathy for others. Risk-taking, impulsiveness, and a mastery over fear are certainly among his attributes. but he is basically a shy person with low self-esteem who would rather be someone else other than Tom Ripley. Despite what he does, I found myself feeling for him, and disliking the other characters that surround him - again I attribute this to the skill of the author because the other characters were not necessarily odious.
I loved this book and I enjoyed reading it. One caveat, however. It is quite clear that the narrative is from Ripley's perspective throughout the whole book, and so there was no need whatsoever to end any sentence, "..Tom thought, which breaks the flow of an otherwise fluid prose and unfortunately this occurs numerous times.
Other than that, I have no qualms about recommending this book to other readers who enjoy suspense and roguish characters.
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for this book will see that there are sequels that feature this character (and therefore I don't consider this disclosure a spoiler). Still, I read on with great anticipation to the end. This truly is an example of great writing.Some might find the ending a bit anti-climatic, but knowing there were sequels, I expected something of that nature.
Highsmith does a great job of making Ripley a sympathetic character. Although reviewers have referred to him as a sociopath, this is not an accurate label, (having recently read up on this subject myself), in that he does not fit that profile, namely an extroverted, dynamic, self-confident charming individual totally lacking empathy for others. Risk-taking, impulsiveness, and a mastery over fear are certainly among his attributes. but he is basically a shy person with low self-esteem who would rather be someone else other than Tom Ripley. Despite what he does, I found myself feeling for him, and disliking the other characters that surround him - again I attribute this to the skill of the author because the other characters were not necessarily odious.
I loved this book and I enjoyed reading it. One caveat, however. It is quite clear that the narrative is from Ripley's perspective throughout the whole book, and so there was no need whatsoever to end any sentence, "..Tom thought, which breaks the flow of an otherwise fluid prose and unfortunately this occurs numerous times.
Other than that, I have no qualms about recommending this book to other readers who enjoy suspense and roguish characters.
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LibraryThing member EBT1002
I have finally read this brilliant, creepy portrait of a murderer. Tom Ripley is sent to Italy by Herbert Greenleaf to find his son, Dickie, and persuade him to return home to New York. Dickie's mother is ill and his parents want him home to assume his place as successor to his father in their
I have seen the film with Matt Damon starring as Tom; the images permeated my reading of the novel but in no way detracted from the experience.
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lucrative and successful business. Tom finds Dickie and a friend (girlfriend?), Marge, in an Italian seaside village; he befriends them and half-heartedly tries to persuade Dickie that he should return home. Instead of success at that mission, however, Tom ends up deeply intertwined with Dickie's carefree lifestyle, desiring for it never to end. One thing leads to another, Dickie ends up dead, and Tom's assumption of Dickie's identity becomes the main story. Fascinating and psychologically complex, this masterpiece deserves its reputation. I have seen the film with Matt Damon starring as Tom; the images permeated my reading of the novel but in no way detracted from the experience.
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LibraryThing member LibraryCin
3.5 stars. Tom Ripley is sent to Italy by Dickie Greenleaf's father to try to persuade Dickie to come home to the US. Tom becomes a bit obsessed with Dickie, and things take a turn for the worse.
I found the first half a little bit slow, but it really picked up in the second half. I have seen the
I found the first half a little bit slow, but it really picked up in the second half. I have seen the
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movie (though it's been a while, so I don't remember details), but it surprised me that I was still on the "edge of my seat" as they were trying to put together what happened. I found it interesting to get inside of Tom's head a little bit. Show Less
LibraryThing member brakketh
Very enjoyable murder mystery. The character of Tom Ripley is well portrayed and his sense of continual threat throughout the novel brilliantly conveys a sense of claustrophobia.
LibraryThing member TooBusyReading
This is one of those books I've always meant to get around to reading but rarely do. Tom Ripley is an unlikable character from the beginning, but that does not make for an unlikable book. He is devious and without morals, and no one to have as a friend.
This book does start out a little slowly, and
While the book does move a bit slowly throughout, it is interesting to see how tangled this particular web gets, and the end cries for a sequel. Because this is an older book, we know that cry was answered.
Good solid entertainment, I can see why this book has retained its popularity.
This book does start out a little slowly, and
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it took awhile for me to get into the story. Tom is sent to bring home a friend, Dickie, at the request of Dickie's father. Of course, there is something for Tom to gain, or he would never have agreed.While the book does move a bit slowly throughout, it is interesting to see how tangled this particular web gets, and the end cries for a sequel. Because this is an older book, we know that cry was answered.
Good solid entertainment, I can see why this book has retained its popularity.
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LibraryThing member japaul22
Very satisfying thriller-type book (thriller is too dramatic but I can't think of a better word) about a young man who murders a friend and takes over his personality. I thought the writing and the story were both good and it suited my mood for a page turner. I'd like to read more by Highsmith. Not
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sure if I'll continue with her other Ripley books right away, but probably some day. Show Less
LibraryThing member Gregorio_Roth
Tom Ripley calculated murder like a mathematician solving a difficult proof; with painstaking precision he scratched to uncover his way into a power. He imagines someday being tied to the power brokers. He imagines one day from being able to pay off his creditors. Then the unexpected happens, a
I enjoyed this book a lot. Although at times I had a hard time suspending disbelief. I do not think that Tom would find it today so easy to cover up his steps. This disbelief kept me from enjoying it to the fullest.
The book also reminded me a lot of a modern adaptation, “American Psycho” by Brett Easton Ellis. I wonder if Tom Ripley is one of the sources for Ellis’s character Jason Bateman. The book is a classic example of the Anti-Hero in American Literature.
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rich man with a favor sends Tom packing to Europe. As Shakespeare said, “Some are born with it; others are propelled into by life’s allegiances and currents.”(Paraphrased for Emphasis) Tom was the type that has been pushed forward by his unexpected involvement with the rich expatriates hanging out in the 1950’s Post-War Europe. A perfect place for those seeking exile outside of the policed 1950’s U.S.A. Will he get away from the swift and shocking events that have propelled his life forward? Patricia Highsmith asks, “Does life deal out just desserts? Do we get what we deserve; is there a law of karma? I enjoyed this book a lot. Although at times I had a hard time suspending disbelief. I do not think that Tom would find it today so easy to cover up his steps. This disbelief kept me from enjoying it to the fullest.
The book also reminded me a lot of a modern adaptation, “American Psycho” by Brett Easton Ellis. I wonder if Tom Ripley is one of the sources for Ellis’s character Jason Bateman. The book is a classic example of the Anti-Hero in American Literature.
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Awards
Edgar Award (Nominee — Novel — 1956)