Reviews tagging 'Classism'

The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

11 reviews

andrewhatesham's review against another edition

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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Content Warnings

Moderate: Violence, Blood, and Murder

Minor: Cursing, Homophobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, and Classism

ellius's review against another edition

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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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Gore, Homophobia, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Stalking, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism

_polaris_'s review against another edition

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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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Violence, Grief, Murder, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Classism

Moderate: Homophobia

abijoupansy's review

adventurous dark tense fast-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder

Moderate: Child abuse and Homophobia

Minor: Classism

niliii's review against another edition

challenging dark sad tense 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

3.0

3.0 for tense/atmospheric writing style, 2.5 for actual enjoyment of the book, hated all the characters and the storyline 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Homophobia, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Classism

Minor: Abandonment

narzibenoucdel's review against another edition

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Homophobia, Violence, Murder, Alcohol, and Classism

woodenpersonality's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Murder and Toxic friendship

Minor: Body shaming, Homophobia, and Classism

kimveach's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective tense slow-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

4.25

I've had this on my TBR list since the movie came out in 1999, and now I've finally read it.  I doubt that I would have liked this book twenty-some years ago.  It's a character study of Tom Ripley rather than a plot-heavy mystery, which I prefer.  Having seen the movie, I was willing to give the book the time needed to appreciate the inner workings of Tom's mind.  

I'm also looking forward to reading more Ripley books and some of her others.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Chronic illness, Death, Homophobia, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism

stateofhailey's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense slow-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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Classism

Moderate: Homophobia and Suicidal thoughts

Minor: Ableism and Cancer

poirot's review against another edition

dark tense medium-paced

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

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Homophobia, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Xenophobia, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Classism

Moderate: Chronic illness, Terminal illness, and Alcohol