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The Talented Mr. Ripley

Book 1 in the series:Ripley

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In 'The Talented Mr. Ripley,' Tom Ripley is sent to Europe by Dickie Greenleaf's father in an attempt to persuade Dickie to return home. Instead, Ripley becomes obsessed with Dickie and decides to take over his life, leading to a series of deceptions and close calls that create suspense throughout the novel. The story delves into the chilling portrayal of a young man's descent into becoming a serial killer, showcasing themes of paranoia, narcissism, and manipulation.

The narrative follows Ripley's calculated actions as he navigates through Europe, inserting himself into Dickie's life and facing the consequences of his immoral decisions. Patricia Highsmith's writing style is described as clinical yet engaging, offering readers a glimpse into Ripley's mind and his twisted motivations, creating a suspenseful and thrilling reading experience.

Characters:

The characters are complex, particularly Tom Ripley, who embodies both charm and sinister motives, making him a compelling anti-hero.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is pragmatic and clear, allowing readers to delve deeply into Ripley's disturbing psyche.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is centered on the morally ambiguous Tom Ripley who engages in manipulation, deception, and murder as he pursues a luxurious life.

Setting:

The setting is richly detailed, immersing readers in the glamorous yet treacherous world of 1950s Italy.

Pacing:

The pacing starts slowly but builds suspense effectively as Tom's actions become increasingly risky.
‘He’s been in Europe for two years. The Schrievers spoke very highly of you, and thought you might have some influence on Richard if you were to write to him. I want him to come home. He has responsib...

Notes:

The Talented Mr. Ripley was first published in 1955 and has been reprinted many times since.
Patricia Highsmith's character Tom Ripley is often described as a charming psychopath.
The novel has been adapted into two notable films, one in 1960 titled Plein Soleil featuring Alain Delon, and another in 1999 starring Matt Damon and Jude Law.
Ripley is characterized by his skills in impersonation and forgery, reflecting his desperate desire for a lavish lifestyle.
Despite his immoral actions, readers often find themselves rooting for Ripley, highlighting Highsmith's skill in character development.
The narrative is presented entirely from Ripley's perspective, creating an eerie intimacy with his psychological state.
One recurring theme in the novel is Ripley's identity crisis and his obsession with the wealthy lifestyle he envies from Dickie Greenleaf.
Highsmith's writing style in this book has been noted for its clarity and ability to evoke the atmosphere of 1950s Europe, particularly Italy.
There are five novels in the Ripley series, collectively known as the Ripliad, showcasing Ripley's ongoing escapades and moral decline.
The story has been critically praised for its complex exploration of themes like identity, class, and the nature of evil.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers/content warnings include themes of murder, deception, sociopathy, and psychological manipulation, which may be disturbing to some readers.

From The Publisher:

'He is using you for what you are worth'

Tom Ripley wants money, success, and the good life - and he's willing to kill for it.Struggling to stay one step ahead of his creditors, and the law, Ripley leaps at the chance to start afresh on a free trip to Europe. But when his new-found happiness is threatened, his response is as swift as it is shocking.

This is the first in Highsmith's classic series featuring the character of Tom Ripley. The Talented Mr Ripley also inspired the Academy Award-winning film starring Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law.

One of the BBC's 100 Novels That Shaped Our World.

Ratings (39)

Incredible (7)
Loved It (12)
Liked It (12)
It Was OK (8)

Reader Stats (131):

Read It (40)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (70)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (19)

1 comment(s)

Incredible
3 months

Mr. Ripley es uno de esos caracteres en literatura que tienen una voz propia, lejos de los cliches que afectan a este tipo de personajes, Mr. Ripley siempre sorprende.

Una novela por otro lado muy normal, pero entrar en el mundo interior de Ripley es tan interestante que uno no puede mas que adorarla.

 

About the Author:

Patricia Highsmith was born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1921 but moved to new York when she was six. In her senior year she edited the college magazine, having decided to become a writer at the age of sixteen. Her first novel Strangers on a Train, was made into a famous film by Alfred Hitchcock in 1951. Patricia Highsmith died in Locarno, Switzerland in 1995. Her last novel Small g: A Summer Idyll was published posthumously just over a month later.

 
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