Backstory time: for my birthday earlier this year, I went to Paris & Rome (I know, I was spoilt!) and went into indie bookshop, Shakespeare and Company. While there, I wanted to buy a book set in both Paris and Rome to celebrate this milestone birthday. After randomly googling and asking ChatGPT (I know, I’m an idiot), I was told this was set in both cities and I bought this beautiful hardback edition.

Oh, foolish human. I should have done more research as the our lead is only in Paris for 2 paragraphs and the rest of the book is set in Italy. Oh well…

I haven’t see the movie nor the Netflix TV series, but I wanted to read this and see what it’s about and, I will be honest, this isn’t what I expect. It wasn’t a thriller as I expected, but more of a look into the main character’s mind and behaviour.

Tom Ripley is a complex character, not only to the reader but to himself. Is he a sociopath, a psychopath, a social climber or someone who acts on impulse then has to coldly think his way out of the situation he’s placed himself in? And his queerness intrigues me as, when this was first published in the last 1950s, being gay was illegal in the UK and the USA.

While there character analyst was on point, the book itself was a slog. It took me over 6 weeks to read a 250-odd page book which I usually hammer out within 2-3. I’m not sure if it was the pacing or I didn’t gel with the writing - I do struggle with classics and their writing style.

Would I continue the series? No. But am I glad I read this: yes as I now see what the fuss is about and why Ripley has catch the readers imaginations.

I had read this before, years ago, but I wanted to reread after watching it on Netflix. The novel is so much better than the adaptation. Perfectly poised on the line between humour and horror.

Wanted to read this before watching the show and I remember reading years ago. As good as I remembered!

I recently watched the Netflix series, 'Ripley', starring Andrew Scott. It was so markedly different than Anthony Minghella's film version, "The Talented Mr Ripley' I was curious to read the novel, particularly as reviewers had commented that the Netflix series was closer to Patricia Highsmith's original vision of Ripley. It absolutely was, and I'm so glad I've now read the novel. It's interesting as Ripley is described as a con man. This is where his journey begins, but that in a single moment, when he kills Dickie Greenleaf, his life changes forever and he becomes Ripley the cold, ruthless killer. I absolutely loved the novel, and I'm so pleased I've finally read a book I only knew through the medium of film.

this is sooooo suprisingly short and light and easy! it's like written for being on a holiday??? deicious

One always fears going back to reread a book you previously loved just in case it doesn't hold up that well or is no longer the right fit for where you are in life, but this is a classic for good reason and remains a tense brilliant read. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the chance to reread it.

I wanted to read this book before I watched the TV series and I'm so glad that it did. As the book is always better. Looking forward to seeing how they bring it to life in the series.

The recently released Netflix series, Ripley, starring Andrew Scott is generating a great deal of buzz. As with the 1999 film starring Matt Damon and Jude Law Ripley is based on the Patricia Highsmith novel The Talented Mr Ripley.

There’s a common belief that the book is always better than the film (or, in this case, series), but based on the comments, Ripley is a formidable adaptation of the novel. Furthermore, it impresses because it remains truer to the novel than the film did. To coincide with the series, Vintage Classics reissued the novel with a new film tie-in cover. Before binge-watching the series, I decided to revisit the original.

Full review: https://westwordsreviews.wordpress.com/2024/05/02/the-talented-mr-ripley-patricia-highsmith/

Had never read this book but have been interested in picking it up since the show came out. It was good and I liked the way the tension was built.

This is a reissue of Highsmith's Classic first novel in the Ripley series ( there are 5 books, which she published in short shrift in the early 1950's) to tie in with renewed public interest due to the launch of The Netflix series, Ripley, starring Andrew Scott.
Tom Ripley is a con man and killer who feels no sense of guilt about his crimes or victims. He often comes periously close to be being caught but somehow manages to evade his persuers. He is a total psycopath but Highsmith manages to make him almost likeable and get her readers to root for him on some level. Fantastic, tense writing that draws you in to Ripley's world.

Tom Ripley is down on his luck when he is engaged by a shipping magnate to locate his son Dickie Greenleaf, who was a very slight acquaintance years before and who has gone missing in Italy. Ripley is tasked with persuading Dickie to come home to the U.S. and start working in the family business. Ripley tracks down Dickie who is living it up on his trust fund and becomes obsessed by both Dickie and his indulgent lifestyle. However, Dickie becomes bored with Ripley who is not a man to be spurned!

I read the Ripley series decades ago so they were just a vague memory so I was delighted to re visit this great novel. I do however, feel a bit conflicted about reading Highsmith's works as she was a vocal and rampant anti semite (whilst also living and having affairs with Jewish women). A strange woman, reported to keep 300 snails as pets, many of which she carried around in her handbag.

Always read the book before you watch the TV adaptation. This is my mantra. The book is a classic, It's not too long. It's a gripping read. Everyone who enjoys crime fiction or thrillers should read this book. This edition has been published to coincide with the new Netflix series. Andrew Scott is far too old to play Tom Ripley, but he's such a good actor its easy to get past this fact. I hope that people who pick this edition up because they have enjoyed the TV series will go on to read more Patricia Highsmith. For this reason I approve of TV tie in covers.

I’ve always struggled with classics, and this is no different. I can see why so many people love it, and Mr Ripley as a character is intriguing and incredibly well nuanced, but the story itself was hard for me to get into, and a little boring in parts. Still, the writing was incredible despite my struggles with the plot.