Tom Ripley would rather be anyone but himself. The Talented Mr. Ripley, Patricia Highsmith’s psychological thriller published in 1955, presents the reader with a sociopath protagonist the reader can’t help but sympathize with. Lucky for Tom, the perfect opportunity presents itself when he is approached by Dickie Greenleaf’s wealthy father. Tom barely remembers Dickie, but he agrees to travel to Italy to attempt to talk the errant son into returning to New York City. Dickie’s father covers Tom expenses, and it becomes painfully clear just how much Tom longs to rise above his life of petty crime and self-inflicted feelings of nothingness.
Upon arriving in Mongibello, Tom begins to worm his way into Dickie’s life, and they soon become inseparable chums. Tom writes regular letters to Mr. Greenleaf to keep him appraised of his son’s intention to return to help with the family’s shipping business. All the while, Dickie’s friend and would-be love interest Marge, keeps no secret about her dislike for Tom. She even goes so far as to tell Dickie that Tom is gay. Soon after, Dickie discovers Tom dressed in his clothes and imitating his mannerisms. Tom’s obsession sees the gradual decline of Dickie’s interest in him.
Tom’s talents do not just dwell in the art of mimicry. While on a trip to San Remo, he brutally murders Dickie when they are out in a sailboat. Tom then assumes Dickie’s identity. He does a good job of covering his tracks, while also establishing a new home in Rome. From there, the story becomes even more twisted and desperate as Tom must continually try to stay one step ahead of those who could crack his carefully crafted, albeit stolen, facade.
As a study in human psychology, The Talented Mr. Ripley does not disappoint. When Tom must go back to being himself in order to elude the police, he likens the experience to being forced to wear shabby clothes. He can’t bear the thought of a life without the beloved possessions he amassed with Dickie’s money. Perhaps most telling his how “possessions reminded him that he existed, and made him enjoy his existence. It was as simple as that. And wasn’t that worth something?”
Coincidence abounds in the novel, and at times may strike the reader as being a bit too much at the expense of being believable. However, luck really is on Tom’s side and he manages to come into even greater fortune once his name has been cleared and the proverbial dust has settled. The author wrote four other books about Tom’s misadventures, and the 1999 movie version helped spark renewed interest in her work. It’s safe to say I enjoyed this book enough to want to read the rest of the series.
What morally corrupt protagonists have given you a glimpse into the criminal mind?
Read more about Patricia Highsmith or buy now via Amazon.
For more insight, read my Book Review Criteria. Please share responsibly. Jeri Walker, 2013.
Highsmith is one of those authors to read without her backstory. My mother — a devoted mystery fan and the woman responsible for my early interest in mysteries — was never able to enjoy Highsmith because of the author’s outspoken antisemitism and fascist rants.
Highsmith was a difficult person. She was cruel to people who were close to her and narrow minded about the world, but her story “Strangers on a Train” started a “train” of movies, stories, TV scripts, books that follow the basic, and terrifying, idea of strangers becoming partners in crime.
Today, the backstory of artists is a key part of marketing. We, as a society, want to know why this painter lives here or that actor supports which political movement. Highsmith was definitely of her time.
Candy, I agree that knowing an author’s background can present problems for readers, but there are still authors in this day and age who voice some pretty extreme views and still receive a lot of interest in their work. The recent attempted boycott of the movie Ender’s Game comes to mind. Before people started raising a fuss, I was not aware that Orson Scott Card is outspoken against gay marriage. I knew he was a Mormon, so his extreme views on certain areas of life shouldn’t come as that much of a surprise. Needless to say, I bought Ender’s Game before the movie came out, but now I don’t think I’ll be seeing either the book or reading the movie. Grrrr, I suppose is I read more about Highsmith I may change my mind when it comes to reading the rest of the Ripley books as well… or not. Time will tell.
I haven’t read this book. I haven’t even seen the movie. No good reason. It sounds like a well crafted book/series worth a look.
Susan, it’s been awhile since I saw the movie but now with the book fresh in my mind I wouldn’t mind watching it again.
We saw the movie years ago. The book isn’t one I would be able to get into but the author’s background that Candy refers to, that is interesting. I am always interested to find out and understand the mental map of those behind the work. This would probably explain why I love how to shows and documentaries.
Jon, it’s harder for authors in this day and age to have extreme views but not unheard of. I’m always up for any dirt that can be dished 😉
Good book review, Jeri! I too saw the movie many years ago and your post reminded me of the excellent content. Interesting take on knowing/not knowing an author’s background. Personally, I like to read up them to see “where they are coming from.” I will add this to my to-read list 🙂
Mike, an author’s background and the light it can shed on a text always makes for an interesting critical lens.
Loved the movie, but didn’t read the book. It’s an oddity for me as I usually do the reverse. As to what morally corrupt protagonist provides a glimpse into the criminal mind? The first that comes to mind is Hannibal Lecter. I’ve read all of Thomas Harris’ work…loved it, but slept with the lights on for a while 🙂
Jacquie, I’ve been wanting to re-visit Dr. Lector. Nabokov’s Humbert Humbert is also another sympathetic psycho that comes to mind.
This is one book I always wanted to read and never got round too. I haven’t seen the movie either, maybe I’ll get to finally read it this year as I travel : ) My sister-in-law insisted I read Catcher in the Rye when I came here… Bored me to tears! I know really! LOL I was brought up on English classics like Kes, a morbid little tale about a boy and a kestrel : /
Claire, I had not heard about Kes until now. Since you mention it’s morbid, I’m sure I’d like it!
For some reason, this was a movie that I always thought started straight with a screenplay, did not know there was a book behind it! Innnnneresting.
Laura, now that I’ve read the book I’m looking forward to watching the movie again. From what I’ve read, the movie leaves out a lot from the book, which is usually par for the course. Any reason to watching a movie with Matt Damon and Jude Law is time well spent.
I loved the movie, but so far have not yet read the book. I think it’s because I saw the movie. I hate watching then reading; I prefer reading then watching. I like to create my own interpretation and then see if the movie measures up.
The same thing applied to Savages; I saw the movie, then read the book – and I only did so at my son’s insistence. He’s not a reader of books, only magazines. So I felt obligated to.
The movie was better. Sadly.
Lorraine, I can’t count the times I saw a movie version of a book and felt totally betrayed by the choice of actors for the characters. To this day I am haunted by Tom Cruise playing The Vampire Lestat. He was so not what I pictured when I would spend every waking minute of my teenage years reading Anne Rice books.
I haven’t seen the movie …yet, but I am curious. I kept thinking about the television character, Dexter as I read about Tom in your post. Dexter is a sociopath that I found myself cheering for season after bloody season. He is based on “Darkly Dreaming Dexter” a 2004 novel by Jeff Lindsay.
Debra, I hadn’t thought of Dexter. I’ve watched the series on and off, but hubby records every episode. For some reason, I find sympathetic psychos utterly irresistible.
I did see the movie and thought it was excellent, though disturbing how one man could destroy someone else’s life. Another famous evil protagonist is Hannibal Lecter in the movie “The Silence of the Lambs” — which scared me to death.
Jeannette, Matt Damon definitely nailed the role that’s for sure. It’s safe to say he’s one of my favorite actors, plus he is very outspoken in regards to the state of education and treatment of teachers in America.
This story is a great example of a well-wrought psychological thriller. I didn’t know Highpoint’s background before reading the comment above–makes me pause. I do wonder to what degree her strong passionate opinions forged her into the writer she became? And Orson Scott Card–now that’s a disappointment. I really like his writing and Ender’s Game is one of my long-time faves.
Jagoda, there are unflattering sides to all authors so I try not to dwell on it too much, though the more I know the less likely I am to read the books of someone who holds views widely opposed to my own.
Read it such a long time ago I honestly don’t remember it.
Love thrillers and whenever I just want to relax and escape I lose myself in one. Have you read the books of Michael Ennis? His last book The Malice of Fortune is on the New York Times bestseller list.
The interesting things about his books is that he takes historic events where nobody’s certain what actually happened and write fiction about what might have taken place. You hence get to know charachters such as Leonardo da Vinci and Machiavelli. And not to forget, the Borgia pope.
His books are well worth reading, especially if you know European history. He frequently quotes someting Caesar said for instance.
Catarina, I’ve not read anything by Ennis, but I am going to add The Malice of Fortune to my Amazon wishlist to remind myself to pick it up at some point in the future.
I have seen the movie but not read the book!! Ackkk another one to add to the growing reading list 🙂
Christy. if we had a dollar for every book we wanted to read, we would most certainly be rich.
I watched the movie a while ago, but it does look like the book is worth checking out. You’ve given me too many other books to put on my list already though 🙂
Dan, of all the books I’ve mentioned that you’ve shown interest in, I most hope you read Sherman Alexie.
Great review! I have neither seen the movie, nor read the book, but like others who have commented Jeri, I am very interested in both. The story sounds like something that will definitely captivate me!
Thank you for sharing!
Mark, it really is a good read even if some of the incidents are way too coincidental. The strength of Tom Ripley’s character makes up for any shortcomings.
I read this book a couple of years ago after seeing the film several times; I was amazed to find I liked the film MORE. I seem to remember that I did like the book very much but found the end disappointing. If I hadn’t seen the film, though, I’d have loved it, I think
I saw this movie and really liked it. In fact, I watched it more than once, which is a rarity for me. It was so well done. I never read it – didn’t even realize there was a novel attached, although I probably should have. Interesting stuff about the author’s background. I dislike hearing things about authors that are…”blech”. I loved Ender’s Game and it sucks Orson S.C. is a tool about gay marriage. However, it doesn’t take away how I feel about the story and I’d still recommend the book.
Love Dr. Lector and the adaptation of silence of the lambs.
Beth, it’s good to hear you enjoyed Ender’s Game. I downloaded it, then heard about the author’s extreme views and that sort of deflated my drive to read it. My husband read it to and seemed to like it well enough. Oh well, it’ll be on my Kindle forever so I’m sure I’ll get around it reading it someday.
Hi Jeri,
I don’t get over here as often as I should.
I must say in this rare case, I have seen the movie but not read the book.
I am sure it is a lot better than the movie, as I recall parts of it, but nothing major.
It seems to be a story that can certainly draw you in.
That people come up with these stories amazes me – perhaps not you as a writer :>
thanks for the review
ashley
I saw parts of this movie, but it didn’t capture my interest. I’m sure the book is much more powerful when it comes to delving into the psyche.
I can’t recall if I’ve seen the movie version of this or not. I do watch a lot of crime shows that make me think “How can they do that?”.
Krystle, if you like crime shows you’d most likely enjoy the movie version of this book. You should check it out! Plus, Matt Damon and Jude Law are in it 😉