[Talented MR Ripley] [By: Highsmith, Patricia] [August, 1999]

Ripley #1-4

by Patricia Highsmith

In a chilling literary hall of mirrors, Patricia Highsmith introduces Tom Ripley. Like a latter-day Henry James Hero, he is sent to Italy with the commission to coax Dickie Greenleaf back to his wealthy father. But Ripley finds himself very fond of this prodigal young American. He wants to be like him - exactly like him. Suave, agreeable, and utterly amoral, Ripley stops at nothing-certainly not only one murder-to accomplish his goal.

Genres: Fiction, Crime, Thriller, Mystery, Novels

Paperback

First published October 1, 1992

About the author

Patricia Highsmith was an American novelist who is known mainly for her psychological crime thrillers which have led to more than two dozen film adaptations over the years.

She lived with her grandmother, mother and later step-father (her mother divorced her natural father six months before 'Patsy' was born and married Stanley Highsmith) in Fort Worth before moving with her parents to New York in 1927 but returned to live with her grandmother for a year in 1933. Returning to her parents in New York, she attended public schools in New York City and later graduated from Barnard College in 1942.

Shortly after graduation her short story 'The Heroine' was published in the Harper's Bazaar magazine and it was selected as one of the 22 best stories that appeared in American magazines in 1945 and it won the O Henry award for short stories in 1946. She continued to write short stories, many of them comic book stories, and regularly earned herself a weekly $55 pay-check. During this period of her life she lived variously in New York and Mexico.

Her first suspense novel 'Strangers on a Train' published in 1950 was an immediate success with public and critics alike. The novel has been adapted for the screen three times, most notably by Alfred Hitchcock in 1951.

In 1955 her anti-hero Tom Ripley appeared in the splendid 'The Talented Mr Ripley', a book that was awarded the Grand Prix de Litterature Policiere as the best foreign mystery novel translated into French in 1957. This book, too, has been the subject of a number of film versions. Ripley appeared again in 'Ripley Under Ground' in 1970, in 'Ripley's Game' in 1974, 'The boy who Followed Ripley' in 1980 and in 'Ripley Under Water' in 1991.

Along with her acclaimed series about Ripley, she wrote 22 novels and eight short story collections plus many other short stories, often macabre, satirical or tinged with black humour. She also wrote one novel, non-mystery, under the name Claire Morgan , plus a work of non-fiction 'Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction' and a co-written book of children's verse, 'Miranda the Panda Is on the Veranda'.

She latterly lived in England and France and was more popular in England than in her native United States. Her novel 'Deep Water', 1957, was called by the Sunday Times one of the "most brilliant analyses of psychosis in America" and Julian Symons once wrote of her "Miss Highsmith is the writer who fuses character and plot most successfully ... the most important crime novelist at present in practice." In addition, Michael Dirda observed "Europeans honoured her as a psychological novelist, part of an existentialist tradition represented by her own favorite writers, in particular Dostoevsky, Conrad, Kafka, Gide, and Camus."

She died of leukemia in Locarno, Switzerland on 4 February 1995 and her last novel, 'Small g: a Summer Idyll', was published posthumously a month later.

Gerry Wolstenholme
July 2010

Reviews

[Thomas Stroemquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read all 4 books in Swedish translations the first time around, but I was not surprised at all they were even better in original language. Across 4 parts, of course there are less fantastic passages, but as a whole, it's a great journey across the quartet (yes, I know there's 5 - I need to get to that final chapter at some point!)

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone knows the 1999 movie, that featured Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 psychological thriller is just as good! A really good thriller, following a unique character named Thomas Phelps Ripley (Tom Ripley).

The reading was truly engaging. Along with the with the most upstanding main character that I could remember. Tom Ripley as a character evoked conflicting fears of trust for us the readers. We’re left wondering if Tom’s a Sociopath or Psychopath? A unique villainous character nonetheless,

Tom’s biggest impact is how unpredictable he is. I can't remember the last time I've seen such a range of emotions from one character in a book. Can’t say enough about this but wow. A true classic thriller that any reader will love.

Likes: Characters, range of emotions, psychological thriller.

[Arhondi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highly readable and timeless treatise on human nature, the faces of good and evil and survival of the fittest. Patricia Highsmith knows how to write in the most distanced manner while making you sink in the depths of this classy psychopath, Tom Ripley, making you like him in the end. A truly one of a kind character and writer.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the Talented Mr Ripley and would rate that 4/5 stars, but I found that Ripley's character palled as I read each book in the series and, ultimately, I didn't care about him, for him nor about what happened to him.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most people have not read all of the Ripley series. They are all worth reading. They are page turners full of suspense and intrigue.

[Nancy C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would have been 5 stars if not for one of the grizzliest body disposal scene ever written. Otherwise, great revisiting Tom Ripley now that he’s married to a rich French heiress and settled in their wedding gift villa outside Paris. Of course Tom has a nice little art scam on the side, but mostly lounges around in designer clothes. Tough life. Book #3 coming up.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Years ago, a friend recommended Patricia Highsmith as a writer of black and wicked tales. Although I didn't realize it at the time, I had seen the film version of one of her books: Strangers on a Train, which I would have agreed was black and wicked. Several years later, I saw The Talented Mr. Ripley. I liked the film and I liked the character, but I came away thinking of Ripley more as a conventional con-artist. On a hunt through a used bookstore looking for Greene's Stamboul Train, unfound, I came across one Highsmith novel, Ripley Underground. I went for it. Now I understand the special category Highsmith is in. She has created an amoral hero who is simultaneously repellent and magnetic. Ripley is capable of anything, instinctively grasping escape as his foul deeds close in on him. Loyal and sympathetic, too. In this novel, Ripley is involved with forged paintings, a collector who is crying fraud, and a forger with soul-troubling misgivings. The plot gets wonderfully complicated as Ripley manipulates everyone on the scene, including death (by the way, I found a copy of Ripley Underground, not the Omnibus picture above, which was all that was available on Goodreads and Amazon).

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

All 5 books in this omnibus cover the ongoing saga of the evil, self-serving Tom Ripley--one of my favorite villains. I recommend it highly. Highsmith was a unique person and writer. I discovered her in 1995 while spending a month in Athens, Greece, during the winter. I like Athens in the winter. It was excellent weather to hunker down and read chilling thrillers by fellow Texan, Patricia Highsmith.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review for Ripley Underground, the second of the Ripley series by Highsmith. Ripley has emerged relatively unscathed from murdering Dickie and has inherited his fortune and is living in relative luxury outside Paris. All devolves when a phony art scam starts to unravel. Ripley, the psychopath, continues his disturbing career of deception and murder. Not quite as mesmerizing as Talented, but a good read.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was supposed to like Tom but try as I might I didn't. The setting in Italy was lovely but Tom's character was weak and despite the time it was set and written I couldn't forgive him for killing off his friend or believe that the police would let it rest so easily.

[Adele Samberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book ends with Tom still free, but he's always worried. He might get caught any day. This ending keeps you wondering about Tom's future.

I didn't like Tom, but I couldn't stop following his story. The book illustrates how someone can lose themselves when they desire something excessively. It's a stark warning about the dangers of envying another person's life.

Tom's story made me feel nervous and excited. It's intriguing to watch how he manipulates situations, but it's also disturbing because he harms others. The book prompts you to contemplate moral questions. Tom is clever, but he uses his intelligence for deceitful purposes.

In resume "The Talented Mr. Ripley" by Patricia Highsmith is about a man named Tom Ripley who desires a life filled with luxury, but lacks the means. He's sent to Italy to retrieve a wealthy man's son, Dickie Greenleaf. Tom and Dickie become friends, but Tom's desires grow too strong. He ends up killing Dickie to take over his life. Tom cleverly convinces everyone that he is Dickie, but maintaining this deception proves challenging.

The book also does a fantastic job of capturing the vibrant atmosphere of Italy. As Tom explores places like Rome and Venice, you can almost feel the warm sun and see the bustling streets and beautiful, old buildings. The vivid descriptions of Italian cafes, scenic boat rides, and charming coastal towns make you feel like you are traveling alongside Tom. This rich setting adds a layer of excitement and allure to the story, making the contrast between the beauty of Italy and the darkness of Tom's actions even more striking.

If you enjoy narratives that keep your heart racing and challenge you to think deeply about ethical dilemmas, this book might appeal to you. However, be prepared for its darker themes and emotional intensity.

[Malin Svärdmalm · Rating 4 out of 5]

All up to the last page I was sure to give this book the five stars is rightfully deserves. However, after some thought I decided not to give the full pot just because of the somewhat not satisfying ending. Though as I’m writing this I’m still unsure, because what a book. So capturing, delighting put and with such a visual element to it. And from the perspective of a delirious murderer with great manners.

[Selina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wouldn’t say it is highly recommended. Got book from Hotel Vis in Dubrovnik book swap as had nothing else to read. Watched movie on Netflix which had extra twists due to the novel not having enough substance. Portraying how manipulating humans can be and the desperate attempt to get what they want regardless of how they get it.

[Susan Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think my favourite in the series so far. Ripley shows a different side to his character when he stumbles across a young man in need of guidance and support. However Ripley does of course continue with his shady dealings and there’s the ongoing need for murder. Interested in how this series will conclude

[Robert Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and re-read these novels and will read them again not only for the detailed character development and the detailed plot but the excellent vividness descriptive language used and capturing the true mid twentyth century dialog of the characters.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ripley Underground is fast moving with twists and turns. Very enjoyable

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Other than it being really outdated, it was very boring for a thriller

[Georgina Blackwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read, Mr Ripley is a very interesting character.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book the first time I read and enjoyed it once again the second time years later. Have devilishly beautiful!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

On to Ripley II after that one. Very suspenseful.

[Paul Berriman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling read from beginning to end! As the second half really took off, this was hard to put down.

[Sofía Niño Arteaga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me gustaron los plot twists pero me estresaba demasiado jjasjsj

[Amelia Valentino · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The Talented Mr. Ripley is a thriller that follows Tom Ripley as he covers up his cons in Europe.

It’s an interesting perspective but I wish it was tighter and expansive as to why. It’s also a tad dated.

[vegarf · Rating 5 out of 5]

akkurat hva jeg lette etter

[Gavin Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Ripley is one of my literary heroes. Intelligent, suave and sophisticated. The perfect conman.

[Barbarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

At 70% read, I'm thoroughly enjoying "Ripley Underground." I expect I'll finish it with 4 stars. Patricia Highsmith absolutely nails the essence of this sociopath, an unlikable & self centered creature, whom I'm somehow rooting for throughout the story. He's not charming nor cute, as Michael C. Hall is in the TV series "Dexter."

Ripley seems the true sociopath; not filled with rage, but filled only with his empty self. The story is chilling & creepy, not action-packed but with plenty of action. The creepiness is Tom Ripley's chronic puzzlement at other people's motives & points of view.

The story doesn't thunder along, twisting itself about, but rather Tom Ripley darts this way & that, his decisions made only at the moment of necessity.

[Bayneeta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Ripley Underground from this volume. Not ready to read other titles in the series yet, but I will someday. Didn't like this one quite as much as the first one, but Ripley is still an interesting character to me. In this one he has married, lives in a charming house in the suburbs of Paris, and lives a life of leisure. A couple of murders.

[Rose Zivkovich · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first novel - The Talented Mr. Ripley - but I felt that the next story was too similar so it became boring.

[Susan]

Really enjoying this author's books.Raiding my local library's shelves for copies!😃