Ratings40
Average rating3.7
The first of the acclaimed Ripley novels, this clever psychological thriller introduces the reader to Tom Ripley and his extraordinary modus operandi. Accepting a commission from a wealthy businessman to travel to Italy in an attempt to convince his wayward son to return to the United States, Ripley gradually develops a plan to assume the young man’s identity along with his bank account.
Series
5 primary booksRipley is a 5-book series with 5 primary works first released in 1955 with contributions by Patricia Highsmith.
Reviews with the most likes.
None of the characters are very interesting, particularly Tom Ripley. I'm amazed that there are several sequels to this book.
I'm glad I finally read this! It took a little while to gain momentum, but Highsmith did an astounding job of keeping me suspended between sympathy and judgment. I really couldn't decide if I was rooting for Tom to succeed or enjoying every time he squirmed in fear, eager to see him caught.
The character she paints is vivid and textured. Not a mere mechanical sociopath, but someone shoved out of “good society” throughout his life, looking for a way in. And maybe excluded because others sense his repressed homosexuality (or asexuality?). This thread lent an additional dimension to the story. Does Tom want Dickie Greenleaf, or does he want to BE Dickie Greenleaf? Would the latter be in play if the former were socially acceptable? Highsmith leaves it ambiguous, while still prompting meditation on social mores surrounding sexuality in this era.
There is an awful temptation to overrate this book. It has all the qualities of a literary novel, especially the penetrating psychological insight. It is extremely well-written, closely and carefully plotted and you feel that you come to know Tom Ripley. All of that is very laudable. It also features some cutting observations of the manners and mores of the upper-class Americans in Europe in the 50???s. Ultimately, however, it is about a con man and murderer, and although it has a commentary to make about the culture and morality of the time, it has limited ???literary merit???. I will read more Highsmith, but I rate her as an accomplished and exceptional crime writer, but not as one who transcends the form and becomes a literary novelist.