Reviews

The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

Only show reviews with written explanations

overkastkid123's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

He's definitely gay

rosekk's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

It was well done, and Ripley is an impressively built character. So far this is the only novel of it's kind that I've read, where the murderer doesn't get caught in the end (I'm curious to see if he does in one of the remaining novels featuring him). That in itself seemed pretty daring - I wasn't sure how the novel would feel resolved if Ripley wasn't caught.

irritablepowell's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

donafava's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

praddington's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

chaoticmissadventures's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.25

Oh I loved this!! I didn't realize it was a series, and I am excited to continue Toms twisted journey.

I loved the setting of 1950s Italy and the players that moved in and out of the story, the stakes are high throughout. Thinking a lot about the time frame - how Tom was able to get away with so much more than he would today. I really enjoyed Highsmith's writing and story telling it is utterly compelling. Tom is very annoying especially at the beginning, and you see him start to grow into what he can be throughout, his confidence ebbing and waning as the situation changes. Often times him making things worst (beyond the general killing) for himself. Highsmith has created a fascinating multidimensional character with Ripley.

A perfect summer read.