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macfromdownunder's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What a glorious grifter Tom Ripley is. This was sharp, witty, dark and at times very tense even though I knew the story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Homophobia, and Violence
teddybo's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It was an interesting and well-written book but ultimately the unlikeable main character made it a little hard for me to be invested in the book. If you like crime novels, it is worth a read because it is different than others in the genre.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Murder
eyesofcrows's review against another edition
mysterious
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
This was a fun book. Just loads of fun. Ripley’s journey of being a conman and a bit of a psychopath was something to witness. His relationship with Dickie was also odd, and I had the thought of “he either wants to with Dickie or be him” to which I received the answer to. A little bit of both. It’s clear he wanted to travel the world with Dickie but also he liked pretending to be him
While I wish there were more hiccups in the story to drive up the drama, I think the present paranoia of Ripley and all the dangers he faced were pretty good. His thought patterns were certainly something I enjoyed about the book, especially with how vivid his imagination is. The traveling was nice too. It’s actually a little disturbing how far he goes to live the life he wants. Nothing gets in his way and he’s completely willing to kill people, but also he manages to convince himself that he’s not a murderer until he needs to murder again. Man he is crazy. Absolutely adore it.
While I wish there were more hiccups in the story to drive up the drama, I think the present paranoia of Ripley and all the dangers he faced were pretty good. His thought patterns were certainly something I enjoyed about the book, especially with how vivid his imagination is. The traveling was nice too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Murder
Moderate: Homophobia
narzibenoucdel's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Homophobia, Classism, Violence, Alcohol, and Murder
themoonsbacchanal's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Alcohol, Violence, Blood, and Death
hochstaplerin's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism and Violence
Minor: Xenophobia and Racism
kimveach's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
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
4.25
I've had this on my TBR list since the movie came out in 1999, and now I've finally read it. I doubt that I would have liked this book twenty-some years ago. It's a character study of Tom Ripley rather than a plot-heavy mystery, which I prefer. Having seen the movie, I was willing to give the book the time needed to appreciate the inner workings of Tom's mind.
I'm also looking forward to reading more Ripley books and some of her others.
I'm also looking forward to reading more Ripley books and some of her others.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Classism, Terminal illness, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Violence, Chronic illness, Death, Gaslighting, Blood, and Toxic friendship
nunchikoi's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
fast-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
5.0
Super compelling page-turner! This was the first novel in my Modern Novels class, and what a great start: Highsmith does not waste a word, truly. Her writing drips in excess, but it's appropriate for a story about class and wealth. We are treated with lavish descriptions of Europe and its culture, art, and architecture, while a dark, quick-footed darkness stalks its streets.
Ripley was not super likeable to me, but I like watching reading as he waxed and waned from pathetic to a predator. This is a really well-crafted story that is bittersweet for both readers who cheer him on, or pray for his downfall.
Ripley was not super likeable to me, but I like watching reading as he waxed and waned from pathetic to a predator. This is a really well-crafted story that is bittersweet for both readers who cheer him on, or pray for his downfall.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Homophobia
The movie adaptation of this book has a queerer lens and focus. This book is more focused on classism and materialism._zrtx_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, Murder, and Suicide
poirot's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Death, Homophobia, Misogyny, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, Violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Chronic illness, Terminal illness, and Alcohol