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

I’m a sucker for books that detail European life and also books that dig into social interactions way beyond the dialogue. This book does both, narrating omnipotently but simultaneously from Tom’s point of view. I think that is the exact point, given the central theme of identity to the plot. While the scheme itself is dark and uncomfortable to readers, reading everything from Tom’s calculating, objective, introspecting perspective kept my attention the whole way through.

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jay_hobday's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

3.5

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wossyboy's review against another edition

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adventurous dark lighthearted tense medium-paced

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

4.25

So good, so perfectly written. But so tense! I had to put it down at several points because I was too anxious. At other points I was flipping through the pages as fast as I can. Highsmith brilliantly changes pace to keep you on your toes and eek out the tension as long as possible.

I also really loved the romantic descriptions of Italy and Ripley's Italian life. It gave the book a sunny edge to what is otherwise quite a dark tale of death and deception.

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