Reviews with content warning for Violence - The Talented Mr. Ripley

Reviews tagging 'Violence'

The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

33 reviews

fliss_83's review

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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singalana's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I have seen the 1999 movie based on this book. However, I didn’t remember much from it, so I can’t really compare these two.

Patricia Highsmith is an interesting character who has written many novels, many of which dealt with homosexuality in some way. The Talented Mr. Ripley, the opening book of the Ripley series, is a mystery thriller, but it takes time to tell the story, so you’re not actually on the edge of your seat with this one.

Tom Ripley is sent to Italy to try to persuade a wayward Richard Greenleaf to return home to America. When in Italy, Ripley develops a taste for the lifestyle of Richard (Dickie). He’s desperate to hang on to this life and doesn’t stop at anything to keep his newfound freedom.

Ripley’s character is something to be mulled over. In many sources, he’s considered to be a sociopath, and he certainly displays traits that are related to these disorders. While Dickie and his close friend Marge live a very carefree life, Tom has struggled. Do people like Dickie appreciate enough the life they’ve been given?

Highsmith certainly brings Italy to life in this novel with her vivid description. However, I would have liked to have read a little more about Ripley’s reasoning behind his actions. As the noose began to tighten around him, I wish I could have gotten a bit more sense of urgency and danger.

It is an interesting story with interesting characters, but somehow, I felt it kept the reader at arm’s length, and I didn’t love it as much as I could have. Still, it is a solid read and a rare perspective.

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andrewhatesham's review against another edition

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dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Sometimes I find it hard to review classics and other old books because I'm not sure how to go about it — should I think of it solely through a modern lens, or should I put myself in the shoes of those who made the book a classic? That change in perspective can significantly affect my thoughts. Is this vaguely homophobic and forgettable, or is it riveting and bold?

I found roughly the first half of this book to be fast paced and gripping. I was drawn in by the mysterious main character, Mr. Tom Ripley, and the height of the plot was excitingly creepy, but that's where the problem lies. The interesting part happens less than halfway through the book! From then on, it's a trifling drag. Way too many details about every little decision the MC makes and how it may or may not affect him and his plans. I wish there was a bit more character development, or at least a little more focus on action rather than logistics.

In terms of purely personal taste, I disliked the European vacation settling. Too much coming and going from one place to another; it was hard for me to picture what each scene looked like and to really feel immersed.

This might have been a banger read back in the day, but I didn't find it to be anything special and I'm honestly not sure what modern readers like so much about it. I don't plan on picking up the next book in the series.

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ellius's review against another edition

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dark funny tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I love our relatable, bisexual, murder king Tom Ripley.

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_polaris_'s review against another edition

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adventurous dark sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I really struggled with the book.
Tom Ripley is unbelievable unlovable as a Character. And I would go so far as to say that I almost don't know who he is. He is always putting on a mask to get what he wants.

The story switches in pace a lot. From long very slow (boring) passages ,to very fast and intense ones.

It can be very interesting but only in parts

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emmafagan's review against another edition

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challenging hopeful tense medium-paced

Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I liked this book. I really did but it’s unusual for me to like a book as much as I liked this one and not love it. I don’t know what kept me from it since I truly enjoyed reading it… Still Highsmith did a wonderful job at making you empathise and “root for” the villain and I thought her style was just fantastic.

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dsalazar's review against another edition

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dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Exactly like the show minus Caravaggio stuff. Well-written, not overly descriptive but just enough to set the scene, and the way his conflicting thoughts over his sexuality were written was well done. Enjoyed and would recommend for a quick read.

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