A review by bleadenreads
The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
dark
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
5.0
WOW
It has been a very long time since I read a thriller and my little naive brain was shocked and completely enthralled!
The sheer desperation of Tom to be included, cultured, liked and rich is very similar toxic vibes to The Secret History and I would argue that this gets even darker... clearly novels about men doing desperate things to fit in is a whole genre (thinking of The Scapegoat too)!
I've never read such a cold blooded and ruthless character - full of hate and disdain for those in the inner circle, with Tom forever on the periphery and willing to do anything to have what is theirs. Tom and Dickie both have insane insecurities about their sexuality leading to internalised homophobia towards each other. At the time of publication, homosexuality was still illegal in the US and so the fear of being found out and attempts to fit in shine through really clearly.
Highsmith builds the tension more and more, leaving the reader in disbelief and wonder with what Tom can get away with and how easily he can manipulate people. I found him a terrifying character, dangerous and very misogynistic. He was so entitled and believed those around him didn't deserve their luxuries - but *he did* - believing he was taking what was rightfully his.
The writing was superb with an Italian summer depicted so well you could almost feel the salt spray and sun tan.
I'll definitely read the sequels - just to see the pure audacity of Ripley unfold further. It was a 5🌟 read but I'll go back to my cosy romances now thanks
It has been a very long time since I read a thriller and my little naive brain was shocked and completely enthralled!
The sheer desperation of Tom to be included, cultured, liked and rich is very similar toxic vibes to The Secret History and I would argue that this gets even darker... clearly novels about men doing desperate things to fit in is a whole genre (thinking of The Scapegoat too)!
I've never read such a cold blooded and ruthless character - full of hate and disdain for those in the inner circle, with Tom forever on the periphery and willing to do anything to have what is theirs. Tom and Dickie both have insane insecurities about their sexuality leading to internalised homophobia towards each other. At the time of publication, homosexuality was still illegal in the US and so the fear of being found out and attempts to fit in shine through really clearly.
Highsmith builds the tension more and more, leaving the reader in disbelief and wonder with what Tom can get away with and how easily he can manipulate people. I found him a terrifying character, dangerous and very misogynistic. He was so entitled and believed those around him didn't deserve their luxuries - but *he did* - believing he was taking what was rightfully his.
The writing was superb with an Italian summer depicted so well you could almost feel the salt spray and sun tan.
I'll definitely read the sequels - just to see the pure audacity of Ripley unfold further. It was a 5🌟 read but I'll go back to my cosy romances now thanks