an adventure in reading: BOOK: The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

Sunday, March 4, 2012

BOOK: The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith, 290 pages

Venice in February

I know, the movie is really good. Matt Damon and Jude Law? I will watch is someday. But for now, I read the book, practically a classic, right? It was very good. Taking the perspective of Tom Ripley and his dastardly mind gives a view of a very warped, self-centered person. Tom gets sent to Europe to try and bring Dickie Greenleaf back home to his rich parents. Tom gets caught up in the lifestyle and his selfishness leads to some very bad decisions.

My only complaint was that I knew there were more Ripley books, so clearly he gets away with this episode. The chase of Ripley, and his conniving to get away with everything was very tense. It is challenging for the reader when the main character has few redeeming qualities. The book builds and builds, setting atmosphere, plus, it's Italy. Wonderful. Ripley spends time in a small village, Sicily, Rome and Venice. The jet-set life is glamorous. I'm glad I've read this classic mystery, and look forward to Highsmith's other famous book, Strangers on a Train.

Comments (11)

Logging you in...

Dashboard | Edit profile | Logout

Logged in as

0 Vote up Vote down

Nan · 682 weeks ago

I liked both the book and movie, and the soundtrack which I bought. Very creepy, as was the author herself I believe.

1 reply · active 681 weeks ago

+1 Vote up Vote down

raidergirl3 91p · 681 weeks ago

Ooh, I read about the author. Very weird. So many talented artists span that line between normal, and not. Interesting, that she wrote about a sociopath. I'm surprised how many Ripley books she wrote. He must go on quite the rampage.

0 Vote up Vote down

booklogged · 682 weeks ago

Hmmm... Sounds like one I would love. I haven't seen the movie but I'm definitely adding the book to my list. Is this the Mr. Ripley of Ripley's Believe It or Not?

1 reply · active 680 weeks ago

+1 Vote up Vote down

raidergirl3 91p · 680 weeks ago

Oh dear, your comment got stuck in moderation and I just found it.

The book was deliciously creepy.
No connection at all to Ripley's Believe It or Not.

+1 Vote up Vote down

jennysbooks 89p · 682 weeks ago

I've only seen the film, not read the book, but the film made me tres sad. All the characters I liked died, and I felt sorry for one of them particularly. That's what happens when charismatic actors are cast in roles destined to be killed.

1 reply · active 681 weeks ago

+1 Vote up Vote down

raidergirl3 91p · 681 weeks ago

The casting looks so strong in that movie. The book is pretty sad too, especially as it is from Ripley's point of view.

0 Vote up Vote down

Sim · 682 weeks ago

I saw it soooo long ago but I remember loving the film and feeling, like Jenny says, tres sad!
You've inspired me to add the book to my Nook wish list! Thanks. By the way, is Stranger on a Train another Ripley novel?

1 reply · active 681 weeks ago

+1 Vote up Vote down

raidergirl3 91p · 681 weeks ago

I dont' think Stranger on a Train is Ripley at all. All his books seem to have Ripley in the title. Strangers on a Train is the book Throw Mama from the Train is based on. (Actually, it's based on the original movie) The movie is Hitchcock, I'm pretty sure. Classic scary movie.

0 Vote up Vote down

Buried In Print · 682 weeks ago

I watched the film almost immediately after I finished the book and I didn't enjoy the film quite as much as everybody else did; I think it was one of those cases where something in particular was changed for the film that I got hung up on, whereas, if I'd waited awhile, I probably would've forgotten all about that bit and just enjoyed the film on its own merits. Y'know?

1 reply · active 680 weeks ago

+1 Vote up Vote down

raidergirl3 91p · 680 weeks ago

exactly. Most times it is better to have a good size break between film and movie, but what usually happens is I try to read the book just before the movie comes out (cause that's the order, right?) and then it is too close.

I missed your comment because it got stuck in moderation so I just found it today! sorry