Best Books of the Decade: 1950's
18 books |
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The Talented Mr. Ripley
by Patricia Highsmith
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Read in February, 2008
recommends it for:
Those interested in the history of crime thrillers
(Reprinted from the Chicago Center for Literature and Photography [cclapcenter.com]. I am the original author of this essay, as well as the owner of CCLaP; it is not being illegally reposted here.)
The CCLaP 100: In which I attempt over the next two years to read a hundred so-called "classic" novels for the first time, then write reports on whether or not I think they deserve the label
This week: "The Ripley Trilogy," by Patricia Highsmith (1955-1972)
Review #5 ...more
The CCLaP 100: In which I attempt over the next two years to read a hundred so-called "classic" novels for the first time, then write reports on whether or not I think they deserve the label
This week: "The Ripley Trilogy," by Patricia Highsmith (1955-1972)
Review #5 ...more
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Read in March, 2008
Oh Tom Ripley... what to say that hasn't been said dozens of times already? I clipped through the last pages at work tonite, hungry to know! desperate to hold hands with Tom Reeepley as he navigated his way through layer after layer of lie upon lie upon psychopathology! I found myself irked at customers who disturbed my reading, mid-paragraph (inconsiderate indecisive patronizing people! pick out your own damn flowers! take a chance for Christ's sake! No, I don't know what white roses "...more
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bookshelves:
crime-fiction,
vicarious-travel
Read in June, 2008
My first Highsmith book, The Talented Mr. Ripley delivers not only a delightfully amoral and delusional protagonist, but one who for all his flaws (such as his knee-jerk impulse to kill people), is truly sympathetic. It's an interesting blend: Ripley vacillates between being extremely pathetic and obnoxious to tugging at your heartstrings. When, for instance, after systematically disposing of his object-of-obsession, Ripley realizes that with all of his ex-friend's money in hand, he can s...more
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fiction
Has a copy to sell/swap
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Read in November, 2007
The engaging novel, The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith, is a quirky crime thriller. Highsmith dismisses with many of the traditional aspects of the crime thriller and presents the amoral criminal, one Tom Ripley, from the inside out. From the very first page of the novel you are sharing the thoughts of Tom as he looks over his shoulder expecting the police to emerge from the shadows to take him away. As the novel ends, he is still looking over his shoulder, so to speak, as he imagines...more
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freaks,
read-2008
Read in February, 2008
recommends it for:
everyone
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
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bookshelves:
crime,
literature
Reread in an effort not to read Ripley Underwater and thus no longer have a new Ripley book to read.
I love the series for those of you haven't read it the great thing about The Riplaid is that it reads like, this great perverse Horatio Alger story. It's rags to riches in the most cutthroat worst, and often times funny way.
Ripley never kills because he want's revenge, or he's angry, normally he likes his victims, it's just very very convienent for them to die is all. (this is what the mo...more
I love the series for those of you haven't read it the great thing about The Riplaid is that it reads like, this great perverse Horatio Alger story. It's rags to riches in the most cutthroat worst, and often times funny way.
Ripley never kills because he want's revenge, or he's angry, normally he likes his victims, it's just very very convienent for them to die is all. (this is what the mo...more
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Read in January, 2001
recommends it for:
those curious about the dark side
This is a phenomenal series. It's a great escapist read where you're transported to places like the French Riviera and get to live a little decadently amongst the young and fabulous expats of the 1960s. The first book follows the desperate yet brilliant Tom Ripley. Tom comes from a dubious background, and is ashamed of his possible homosexuality. He is driven by a hunger to become a rich, hot young thing, and he will do anything to attain it. His exploits seem to hatch from his dark subconcious,...more
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bookshelves:
mystery
Read in July, 2007
recommends it for:
writers, readers who love suspense and strongly written character studies
I haven't seen the movie and know that many people were dissatisfied with it, but The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith is a fast and fascinating read. Although written in the 1950s, the novel is still timely because it exposes the human flaws of those who are so insecure that they can only see what is wrong with themselves. In this case, this insecurity leads to a series of impulsive actions and it is the outcome of these actions the reader wants to learn. No spoilers here, bu...more
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Read in August, 2007
I have always been curious about this particular book and I don't know why it took me so long to get to it. Highsmith definitely writes sophisticated mysteries. There is a constant state of tension and paranoia in this book, which I imagine is hard to maintain as a writer. I had seen the movie when it first came out and thought that is was beautifully shot. What I had forgotten was what jerks all the characters are! There really isn't a sympathetic character in the whole thing. If I have any cri...more
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Read in April, 2008
I love a good murder mystery. They're like my literary version of comfort food. Nothing makes me forget my troubles quicker than diving into the world of twisted sociopaths and the detectives trying to catch them. The interesting thing about Ripley is that even though he's a murderer, and his victims don't deserve their fate, you really don't want him to be caught. Originally published in 1955 (so forensic science is very basic--not a book for CSI fans!), the story focuses mostly on Ripley and h...more
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Read in August, 2007
This was a very well written book. I found myself in suspense from the first thought of murder until the last line. I also found that I was in fear of Tom Ripely being caught. I would at times remind myself of his villainy but I would inevitable find myself hoping he would escape and cursing the mistakes that he made.
This is the first in a series of books containing this character which are no doubt as thrilling. I despise him so much though that I don't think I can endure another. Definitely ...more
This is the first in a series of books containing this character which are no doubt as thrilling. I despise him so much though that I don't think I can endure another. Definitely ...more
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bookshelves:
crime-fiction
Read in February, 2007
recommends it for:
lovers of mystery/psych majors
Somehow I got into reading mysteries and I came across this list of the ten best mystery books of all time. Mr. Ripley was on there, and I was intrigued to read it. This is a great book--it's a psychological portrait of a killer and just a nutcase in general. Tom Ripley is such a fun mix of smart and twisted. This book was so much better than the movie which changed large parts of the plot (why?) I enjoyed the European settings...it was like looking at vintage postcards from Italy in the '5...more
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Read in October, 2005
Tom Ripley is one of my favorite literary characters primarily because of the way Highsmith makes you connect with him. I felt his insecurities of being an outsider, of wanting the acceptance of people but you can't stand to be around sometimes. Only these anxieties and insecurities manifest themselves entirely into a single, ordinary character. I feel sorry for Tom to the point that I dwell in his anxiety as the police close in on him and I found myself rooting for this murderer to escape.
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Read in April, 2008
recommends it for:
people who enjoyed the movie, fans of psychological fiction
I read this book after hearing a reprise of Terry Gross's interview of Anthony Minghella, the director who directed The Talented Mr. Ripley with Jude Law, Matt Damon, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
The first half of this book is outstanding -- fast paced, clever, extremely interesting character development. I didn't like the second half as much, but if you like psychological thrillers, this is a good one (plus, it really gives you a sense of the time period in which it was written)
The first half of this book is outstanding -- fast paced, clever, extremely interesting character development. I didn't like the second half as much, but if you like psychological thrillers, this is a good one (plus, it really gives you a sense of the time period in which it was written)
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Read in January, 1986
Some time ago when I stayed in Europe for three to four months I read nothing but Patricia Highsmith novels. It seemed to fit my mood, especially when I was in Italy. Highsmith writes characters that gets under your skin. In fact I rarely read an author who understands the nature of evil so well.
In fact I think her work is evil. But its a form of evil that is extremely seductive. And let's be honest, I think we all know a Tom Ripley or two, right?
In fact I think her work is evil. But its a form of evil that is extremely seductive. And let's be honest, I think we all know a Tom Ripley or two, right?
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15 comments
bookshelves:
fiction,
mystery
I really loved the whole Ripley series. It was a guilty pleasure for me - like curling up on the couch with a box of dark chocolate truffles. It's not exactly high brow, but if you're in the mood for a really fun and engaging mystery series this is it.
However, once I finished up all the Ripley books and started to explore some of her other novels and short stories, I was disappointed. I'm still sad that there are no more Ripley books to enjoy:(
However, once I finished up all the Ripley books and started to explore some of her other novels and short stories, I was disappointed. I'm still sad that there are no more Ripley books to enjoy:(
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Read in January, 1995
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Read in January, 2006
Patricia Highsmith is fantastic and Tom Ripley is one of my favorite characters. He's a likeable, guiltless guy you would/would-not want to meet (haven't decided how I'd feel about him in person). This book is good for anyone who likes suspense or reading about beautiful places to visit.
I'm almost finished with the final book in the series and it makes me sad. I want to prolong the book, but can't put it down.
I'm almost finished with the final book in the series and it makes me sad. I want to prolong the book, but can't put it down.
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Read in May, 2008
Yet another of Doublejack's finished reads...that's right, he throws 'em aside, I scoop 'em up.
I'd seen the movie years ago, and really liked it, but I like the book even better. I am personally fascinated with sociopath's personalities, and I was surprised to see how the author dealt with the homosexuality issue in such an up-front manner. I wonder if it was considered risque back in the day...
I'd seen the movie years ago, and really liked it, but I like the book even better. I am personally fascinated with sociopath's personalities, and I was surprised to see how the author dealt with the homosexuality issue in such an up-front manner. I wonder if it was considered risque back in the day...
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Highsmith is another of my favorite writers. She had an unsettling morbid streak and could write an evil protaganist better than anybody, but she always did it with humanity and humor. The Ripley books are all over the map in terms of quality, but the first one is undeniably great. Forget the movie!
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book data (includes all editions)
avg rating (all editions): 3.92 (954 ratings) avg rating (this edition): 3.91 (713 ratings) number of reviews: 95popular shelves
other editions
trivia question
What was Tom Ripley doing prior to being engaged by Dickie's father to go to Italy and persuade him to come home?The Talented Mr. Ripley
a. Working in an antique shop faking antiques.
b. Pretending to be an IRS inspector and collecting taxes at his friend's home.
c. Living in Boston with his aunt.
d. Playing with his collection of pet snails.
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a. Working in an antique shop faking antiques.
b. Pretending to be an IRS inspector and collecting taxes at his friend's home.
c. Living in Boston with his aunt.
d. Playing with his collection of pet snails.
more »




























