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elfcup's review against another edition
4.75
Graphic: Murder and Violence
Moderate: Homophobia and Misogyny
annainthebooks's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Homophobia
kari_f's review against another edition
dark
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
“His stories were good because he imagined them intensely, so intensely that he came to believe them.”
This is a book I’ve been wanting to read for a long time, and I’m glad I finally did! I can see why it’s considered a classic and why there have been multiple screen adaptations made, and I’m excited to track them down to see how they compare!
I enjoy the occasional book where the protagonist is a nuanced villain, and Tom made for an excellent case study! While it’s clear to the reader that he’s a manipulative sociopath, he’s also charming enough that I found myself wondering how Highsmith had me wavering in what I wanted his conclusion to be. (Let me clarify that in a real life situation, there would be no question… but in this literary world, part of me was hoping he’d get away with everything in the end.)
Saying much more might give away spoilers, so I’ll just say that this book left me with a lot to think about!
Moderate: Murder
juliana05's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
3.5
Graphic: Murder and Violence
Moderate: Homophobia
madlain's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Suicide and Terminal illness
wossyboy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
So good, so perfectly written. But so tense! I had to put it down at several points because I was too anxious. At other points I was flipping through the pages as fast as I can. Highsmith brilliantly changes pace to keep you on your toes and eek out the tension as long as possible.
I also really loved the romantic descriptions of Italy and Ripley's Italian life. It gave the book a sunny edge to what is otherwise quite a dark tale of death and deception.
I also really loved the romantic descriptions of Italy and Ripley's Italian life. It gave the book a sunny edge to what is otherwise quite a dark tale of death and deception.
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Murder
kier_joe22's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Moderate: Murder
goldfinch123's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
Graphic: Murder and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Homophobia
minnaohrner's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
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
3.5
Graphic: Murder
jesshindes's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I've seen the film of The Talented Mr Ripley several times so reading the book was inevitably a bit of an exercise in comparison. There are plenty of differences between the two both plot and character-wise (Marge is very un-Gwyneth-like in the novel, for instance) but one thing that struck me was that Tom's sexuality is much more to the forefront in the novel. It's so clearly part of who he is, the way he sees other people, how his view of society and his place in it is formed. This is a good thing, I think, and another very good thing about the novel is just Highsmith's style. She's a pleasure to read. Tom's constant struggle with the contempt he feels for those around him is sad at points but it's mostly very entertaining. There are so many great lines and funny observations. She's also as great at suspense as you'd expect - even though I knew there were several more Ripley books in the series, I was stressed about the possibility of discovery throughout 😂 In summary a great read and I'll definitely look to consume more Ripley in future!
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and Misogyny
Moderate: Suicide