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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.
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Cursing, Homophobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, and Classism
inkslate's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Moderate: Biphobia, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexism, Violence, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Addiction, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Cursing, Fatphobia, Gore, Terminal illness, and Death of parent