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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
I listened to the audio version. It was read by my Washington Consultant for my job--so that was weird and kind of hard to get past. SO this is the first in the trilogy of books about Tom Ripley. This first book is the one the movie "The Talented Mr. Ripley" is based on. The movie follows the book pretty closely. I've seen the movie many times so it made the book a bit boring and predictable. I'm very much looking forward to the next two in the series. I still enjoyed this book and found it disturbing to follow Thomas Ripley's ability to have no regard for anyone else but his own plight for wealth and greatness. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys stories about characters that have psychological issues and the deeds they do.
I thought this was just alright. I watched the movie ages ago and remember thinking it very creepy. I was impressed that the writing conveyed that feeling as well. Otherwise I didn't feel like this was a must read.
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
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
This was excellent. So much of this book complements it's elements. The narration placing you in the mind of Tom, who's amoral dialogue and motivations match the matter-of-fact tone as he carries out acts of obscenity. Allowing you to feel his anxiety and despair positions you in the unique position of hating and rooting for this character. The backdrop of Italy was wonderful and the transition from beautiful mongibello to Gothic winter-time Venice mirroring the transition of Tom was superb. The tense feeling this book provides is it's driving force however the plot stalls a little towards the end. All in all an exquisite and nerve-wracking read. Would definitely recommend :)
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Crime and punishment for neurotic people pleasers <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexism
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
dark
funny
tense
fast-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
“You were supposed to see the soul through the eyes, to see love through the eyes, the one place you could look at another human being and see what really went on inside, and in Dickie’s eyes Tom saw nothing more now than he would have seen if he had looked at the hard, bloodless surface of a mirror. It was as if Dickie had been suddenly snatched away from him. They were not friends. They didn’t know each other.”
The book is very well written and I enjoyed being able to truly picture Tom as the manipulating character he is. Despite my times of disliking him I was divided in how I wanted the book to end which made it more enjoyable. I willed for him to be caught at the same time as getting away with everything. An easy and enjoyable read with the dealings of Tom Ripley to keep you hooked.