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Melki's Reviews > The Talented Mr. Ripley
The Talented Mr. Ripley (Ripley, #1)
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I was not a big fan of Highsmith's Strangers on a Train, so I wasn't really looking forward to tackling another of her novels. Fortunately, I had a much better experience with Tom Ripley. Oh, if only his other acquaintances could say the same . . .
Our story begins with Ripley being sent to Italy to talk Dickie Greenleaf, the prodigal son of a wealthy man, into coming home. The two guys hit it off, and spend some time bopping around Europe like two Ken dolls on holiday. But things turn ugly when Ripley senses his time as Dickie's favorite toy may be coming to an end.
Written in 1955, this one manages to stand the test of time, and still seems fresh and surprising. Highsmith featured her character Ripley in four more novels. This book has inspired two movies - 1960's Purple Noon and the 1999 version which starredHowdy Doody Matt Damon.
This is a damn fine thriller, and one of those make-you-feel-skeevy-rooting-for-the-bad-guy books. On the whole, I enjoyed it very much. My only complaint? One of the same problems I had with Strangers on a Train: how can a female writer create such bland and uninteresting female characters? No wonder no one wants to hang out with poor Marge. She's not only boring, she's annoying as hell. But . . . Ripley's the star of this show, and oh, how he shines. I am tempted to follow him into another book just to see what happens next.
The Talented Mr. Ripley is our January read in the Pulp Fiction group - /group/show/... There's still plenty of time if you'd like to join us for the discussion. Martinis and pernod are recommended.
Our story begins with Ripley being sent to Italy to talk Dickie Greenleaf, the prodigal son of a wealthy man, into coming home. The two guys hit it off, and spend some time bopping around Europe like two Ken dolls on holiday. But things turn ugly when Ripley senses his time as Dickie's favorite toy may be coming to an end.
Written in 1955, this one manages to stand the test of time, and still seems fresh and surprising. Highsmith featured her character Ripley in four more novels. This book has inspired two movies - 1960's Purple Noon and the 1999 version which starred
This is a damn fine thriller, and one of those make-you-feel-skeevy-rooting-for-the-bad-guy books. On the whole, I enjoyed it very much. My only complaint? One of the same problems I had with Strangers on a Train: how can a female writer create such bland and uninteresting female characters? No wonder no one wants to hang out with poor Marge. She's not only boring, she's annoying as hell. But . . . Ripley's the star of this show, and oh, how he shines. I am tempted to follow him into another book just to see what happens next.
The Talented Mr. Ripley is our January read in the Pulp Fiction group - /group/show/... There's still plenty of time if you'd like to join us for the discussion. Martinis and pernod are recommended.
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Reading Progress
January 5, 2018
–
Started Reading
January 5, 2018
– Shelved
January 10, 2018
–
Finished Reading
January 11, 2018
– Shelved as:
eat-the-rich
January 11, 2018
– Shelved as:
crime-fiction
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Miranda
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Jan 11, 2018 05:57AM
Great review!
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I haven't wanted to read another thing by her ever since Strangers on a Train, but yours is now the second positive (friend) review of this book I've read recently...
Miranda wrote: "Great review!"Thanks, Miranda.
Caroline wrote: "I haven't wanted to read another thing by her ever since Strangers on a Train, but yours is now the second positive (friend) review of this book I've read recently..."The traveling around parts got a little tedious, but I kept turning the pages. Ripley is a fascinating character.
I am glad you read and enjoyed your first Ripley novel, I do think, however, that it is misplaced in your "pulp fiction" reading group.
Charles Dee wrote: "I am glad you read and enjoyed your first Ripley novel, I do think, however, that it is misplaced in your "pulp fiction" reading group."True, there's nothing "pulp" about it. It's tough coming up with something gritty to read every month. The good news is that this book is proving quite popular with group members.
I think you may be right CDM, but I've got to say I am blinking well loving the Pulp Fiction group just the way it is. The PFG just seems to know what I want to read. Thanks Melki et al.
Geoff wrote: "I think you may be right CDM, but I've got to say I am blinking well loving the Pulp Fiction group just the way it is. The PFG just seems to know what I want to read. Thanks Melki et al."You are most welcome, Geoff. Glad you enjoyed the book (and the group).
Terrific review, Melki! I loved this movie. Great crew.
George wrote: "Terrific review, Melki! I loved this movie. Great crew."Thank you, George. Reading the book has definitely made me want to see the movie again.
I have certainly heard of this and its sequels. I will see if I have a paperback. We have that kind of collection at our house!
