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audreytallulah's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Body horror, Chronic illness, Death, Eating disorder, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Violence
laurenleigh's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’m not sure why or when this made it onto my TBR list, but I did enjoy this wild ride! Though maybe it wasn’t a great choice for my bedtime book, since it’s pretty tense all the way through. But in a very soft, gentle, creepy way. Tom Ripley is a sociopathic murderer, but he’s somehow still a relatable character at times. Highsmith is quite masterful in that regard. I was constantly kept guessing, always on the edge. Which is much like Tom himself. His identity and his grasp on reality is similarly in constant flux. He, or should I say Highsmith’s writing, truly amazes me. What I also enjoyed about this novel was its European setting. Most of the action takes place in various Italian cities and villages, and I loved their descriptions. I’m itching to travel so badly these days! I love how Highsmith mirrored the setting with the plot twists and also Tom’s internal turmoil. Things are pretty bucolic in the little beachy village of Mongibello, but the pace definitely picks up once they get to Rome and beyond!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Homophobia
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