The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith****
Reading dates: 05 – 31 August 2015
As I was finishing the edit of my new book Make Me Yours, I came across the chapter that discusses Tom Ripley, so I thought I would re-read the Ripliad. My experience of the first novel in the series was similar to the first time I read it, if not better. The Talented Mr. Ripley is a mediocre book to begin with, a little ruthless in its treatment of women, a little hateful, but which turns sublime about mid-way though. I don’t know why I like it so much. The writing is not extraordinary and I am sure other novels depict Italy more vividly. Yet, there is something about Tom Ripley’s insanity that I find so compelling … This is not identification, or perhaps it is, at an unconscious level. I, too, would like to get away with the worse.
It’s just so darn stylish. Feels almost like an Existentialist novel. The writing verges on minimalism, which to my mind is good writing: the opposite of florid.
The main characters give women short shrift, don’t they? But I don’t think we’re supposed to ride with them. I feel the book ultimately comes down quite firmly on the side of women. A woman is the true hero of the sequel too.
I agree with you on the women thing. It is only a little ruthless and, given the theme, necessary too. I am looking forward to re-reading the whole Ripliad, although I am not sure I can take the next one straight away …