The Talented Mr. Ripley - Pre-reading Discussion

[John]

Let’s set the stage for our April 2025 read! This is the place for any pre-reading discussion about The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith, our Fools and Tricksters pick.

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It’s here, in the first volume of Patricia Highsmith’s five-book Ripley series, that we are introduced to the suave Tom Ripley, a young striver seeking to leave behind his past as an orphan bullied for being a “sissy.” Newly arrived in the heady world of Manhattan, Ripley meets a wealthy industrialist who hires him to bring his playboy son, Dickie Greenleaf, back from gallivanting in Italy. Soon Ripley’s fascination with Dickie’s debonair lifestyle turns obsessive as he finds himself enraged by Dickie’s ambivalent affections for Marge, a charming American dilettante, and Ripley begins a deadly game.

[Julie]

I’ve never read the book. I saw the movie but I am not a Leonardo fan. I don’t think I was paying attention because of this. Or it did not leave an impact. I can’t say I remember a thing.
I’m a member of 3 libraries and none have this on audiobook but Audible does. Since I don’t have credits until May, I will be late to the reviews on this one. That’s good because I need to work on not associating the story the Leonardo. (I know I’m controversial in my opinion.)

[Kristen]

Julie wrote: "I’ve never read the book. I saw the movie but I am not a Leonardo fan. I don’t think I was paying attention because of this. Or it did not leave an impact. I can’t say I remember a thing.
I’m a me..."

Matt Damon, you mean? Leonardo DiCaprio was in that other con-man movie, Catch Me if You Can. They do look a little alike, think it's the eyes.

[Julie]

Thank you Kristen for clarifying. I was mistaken. Perhaps I have not seen the movie!

[Devon]

I look forward to tackling this movie after i finish the book. To those who’ve started, what are your thoughts so far? Speaking of Catch Me If You Can, I think i went into this expecting Mr Ripley to have a similar personality Frank Abagnale’s.

[April]

Is Catch Me if you Can by the same author? Edit: nevermind, i see the connection (fake/imposter)

Mr. Ripley- I have seen the movie (with Matt Damon) and really liked it. So, really want to read the book now. Had to order it on loan though, so Im not sure when I will get it. Hopefully this month tho!

[Tiffany]

Just got the book from Libby. I will read it.