Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed
Review: I had to force myself to finish this book. I bought it because the movie is coming out soon. In my opinion, books are usually better than movie version of the book, but maybe this one will prove me wrong.This is an old enough book that you can probably find a copy at your library. I'd recommend that before buying it. I'm not sure what it is about the book that I didn't like. But too much was left unexplained. No, I don't have to have actions spelled out for me, I can pick out subtle undertones as well as the next person. But what made Ripley the person he is? Why did he do what he did? At one point, the relationship between Dickie and Tom is fabulous, the next minute, it's going downhill, because why? I am not sure. Also, maybe the '90's have made me too jaded. After all this book was written in the genteel '50's. But as far as being a psychopathic villain goes,which is what the book tries to make him out to be, Tom Ripley is pretty lame. He's got nothing on Hannibal Lecter.
Rating: 
Summary: More than just a Murder Mystery
Review: One of the great strengths of this book is the Authors ability to develop the theme of hero worship, its drug like highs and its dangerous lows. As Tom Ripley enters Dickie Greanleafs world Tom begins to idolize Dickie and the life Dickie so effortlessly lives. Most everyone growing up has idolized another, whether it be the highschool quarterback, the prom queen, the affluent, or the gifted artist. The adoration one feels towards a hero is a mixture of loyalty, obsession and unrealistic expectation. What happens when a person actually is able to get close to their idol? What happens when an idol becomes bored with a loyal follower? Ms. Highsmith reveals the darker side of desire and the intrigue that follows. The need for friendship and acceptance are the key factors that keep us as readers connected to Tom even though he is a murderer. Ms. Highsmith has chosen to explore the darker side of rejection and the effects on the participants. This book will hit you on many different levels and you will think about this story long after you have read through it. A true masterpiece!
Rating:
Summary: absolutely mesmerizing
Review: "The Talented Mr. Ripley" was spellbinding.....Patricia Highsmith wrote this novel brilliantly - full of suspense, macabre humour, everything. I know this is a trite phrase, but in this case....I found it true: I could hardly put this book down. Like other readers who have commented on this book, I found myself NOT wanting Tom to get caught. Horrible, rooting for a criminal, eh! But, I discovered that I pitied him and somehow liked him, despite his evils. Another of the author's novels, "Strangers on a Train" came alive wonderfully on the silver screen. It will be interesting to see how "Ripley" appears on film. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
Rating:
Summary: Cold Blooded Mind
Review: Highsmith is one of the few writers since Hawthorne with such a gift for vivid characters. Tom Ripley completely lacks a soul and once he decides to take over Dickie Greenleaf's life, he carries out the necessary actions with a cold-blooded effiency the IRS would envy. Tom is despisable, but you want him to succeed. This book has the wonderful ability to put you safely into the mind of a charming killer so that you can feel what it would be like if you had the liberation of your conscience.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent suspense novel
Review: This story was gripping, and Patricia Highsmith really got into the psyche of Tom Ripley. Every time I put the book down I was thinking about Tom and worrying about what he would do next. Though I probably should have been against him, I couldn't help but feel for him and pray that he wouldn't make any more foolish mistakes. The only negative I can say about the book is that there were a few incomplete sentences.
Rating:
Summary: The best murder mystery book out there.
Review: This was an amazing book. Ripley was an intricate character that kept me entralled throughout the whole book. Sometimes you hated him and sometimes you felt sorry for him. A must read book.
Rating:
Summary: The Talented Ms. Highsmith
Review: I just completed the book, and I found it amazing. It kept me riveted throughout and I never felt bored. It was nice too that it wasn't a very long book, but long enough to make you enjoy it. The characters are great and the story was wonderfully written. Patricia Highsmith was an amazing author. I can't wait to read the others in the series. I can't wait to see the movie, too!
Rating: 
Summary: Loved it, but I need a question answered . . .
Review: This comes not as a review, but as a request. Where WAS Dickie's passport? The book seems to put it in two places - the inside lining of Tom's luggage and in the materials Tom leaves at the American Express which is discovered by the authorities. Am I wrong about this?
Rating:
Summary: Great reader manipulation
Review: I didn't realize how much I identified with Tom until I read the reviews and found myself defending him every time his character was negatively described. As a matter of fact, I felt insulted when he was insulted and praised when he was praised! Talk about manipulation...I've never been obsessed by anyone in my life, but reading this book, I felt like Tom was my bad conscience (Sort of like the protagonist in "Fight Club"). I'd resist any risky move he made and then say, "I sure hope we get away with this one".It's a worthwhile read; it'll be interesting to see how the movie treats it.
Rating:
Summary: You will stay up late to finish this one!
Review: The central character Tom Ripley is egotistical, ruthless, and utterly amoral. Why, then is he so darn likeable? It says quite a lot about the talent of author Patricia Highsmith that she quickly leads you firmly into the cheering section for this reprehensible character, knowing full-well that you shouldn't be there. This is an unusual thriller where you will keep turning the pages, hoping that Tom escapes justice.
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