Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing in Light of the Movie
Review: After seeing the movie I was compelled to read the book, as I wanted to get more into Tom Ripley's brain. I found the story line and the psychological part of it to be fascinating. I was disappointed. The movie, though not fast-paced nor entirely suspenseful, was exciting compared to the book. My greatest disappointment in the book was the lack of character development. There is not one round character; even Tom remains flat from beginning to end. It was obvious that the author's intention was to continue the story in a sequel, but I was given no reason to sympathize with Tom. He's a poor, lonely person who covets the wealthy lifestyle and believes he deserves it just because he is smart. That brings up another point. No one in the book is smarter than Tom. Everyone is of "average intelligence" or worse. I found that to be rather a pitfall of the book because I was looking for a nemesis, or at least someone who could give Tom a run for his money. If you liked Marge in the movie, you'll be disappointed with her in the book. Her character was very well-written in the movie version, but she was a rather disappointing presence in the book, for all her lack of intelligence, beauty and talent. All in all, while this book was mildly entertaining, it barely surpasses your typical pulp fiction. It's good as "escape literature" but if you are looking for something that challenges your mind, look elsewhere.
Rating: 
Summary: One Of The Best Books I've Ever Read
Review: I read "The Talented Mr Ripley" after seeing the movie, and frankly I adored the book. I am only 14, and it is sometimes hard for me to really get into a book, but I read this every chance I got. I actually got in trouble once because I couldn't resist reading it in the middle of class. I recommend the book and the movie to everyone!
Rating: 
Summary: I saw the movie first....
Review: and I don't think I should have. I am not the best writer in the world, but I'll try. Usually, reading a book after seeing a film doesn't affect my involvement or interest, except in this case. As I read, I had the vision of Matt Damon in my brain and I couldn't shake it. Damon did a good job but I think the realization of the Tom Ripley character might have been more imaginatively rewarding through Highsmiths' writing. It is a solid read that is far less sensational than the film, where as another reviewer put-it, spent a lot effort dwelling on a latent homosexual. I enjoyed the pace that didn't race but didn't drag and having never read any Highsmith's novels or have been to Europe, her vivid detail of life in the area was a highlight for me. I do suggest this book and this film, but read first and let your mind tell the story, set up this character (smooth, calculating and evil) in your imagination and the let the film serve the purpose I suppose it was intended to, one person's interpretation.
Rating:
Summary: The Talented Miss. Highsmith...
Review: I read this novel in less than 24 hours. It was so gripping, so enthralling that I could hardly put it down for real life. The background is absolutely divine (supplemented by the movie's set in my mind, of course), the characters are all sympathetic and humourous in their own way and the end left me hungry for more. I also have to say this is one of the very first times I have enjoyed the movie half as much as the book. Both movie and novel held a certain Hitchcock appeal to me. Thank goodness there are more Ripley novels for me in store!
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely amazing...
Review: Mr. Ripley is one of the best characters I've ever read. He's an insane man, yet he has a consience. Patricia Highsmith is so gifted. She has the ability to write this character so well...I love "The Talented Mr. Ripley"!
Rating:
Summary: Gripping story; very well written
Review: Highsmith creates both an engaging story and an unforgettable character in this novel. By leaving so much unsaid, and only hinting at the origins of his behavior, she lets your mind wander into the subtext, trying to figure out how Ripley ended up this way. The novel is definitely worth reading even if you've seen the movie. Highsmith's Ripley is more understated and less of a leech than the film's version. He's stronger in the book, and somehow that strength makes him even more of a compelling character. The supporting characters -- Madge, Dickie, etc -- are well-drawn, too. In some cases, Highsmith's characters are so perfectly crafted, you want to do them in, too. When I picked up this book, I expected second-tier detective fiction, but I was pleasantly surprised by about the third page when it hit me -- all of a sudden -- how well Highsmith can write. She takes great care with each sentence, a care that you see too infrequently in detective fiction (and fiction generally, IMO). You'll be intrigued, too, by Highsmith's sense of timing. Several times in the book, things are going along "normally" and just as you're starting to say to yourself, "Hmmm this is starting to get a little slow," BAM! Something crazy happens, and then, you can't put the book down. So, if you haven't seen the movie, read the book for the character, story, and good writing. If you have seen the movie, read the book for an alternative portrayal of Ripley, and some filling-in of the gaps. Finally, if you liked this book, check out Lew McCreary's "The Minus Man", about a similar character, and just as well written.
Rating:
Summary: Premeditative Murderer
Review: Tom Ripley: the name conjures up an image of the all American boy--a little shy, modest and not as suavely in control as a European counterpart. The old adage that one should not judge a book by its cover could not be a truer in this instance. Poor, underprivledged Tom takes his pursuit of the American dream a little too seriously, yet he manages to pull off unbelievable and almost unspeakable acts with the finesse and skill of a master jeweler and the audacity of a veteran politician. Highsmith's impressionistic style enables the reader to get into Ripley's all too calculating mind while viewing his mild mannered sidebars with a droll aplomb. The transition from cornered felon to cold murderer flows unperturbed into one's mind unquestioningly. Ripley's activities are deemed acceptable and surprisingly the reader is not shocked. On the contrary, one finds oneself rooting for him to dupe or subdue anyone who gets in his way. Anyone who has seen the 1999 movie offering starring Matt Damon, will not be satisfied with its director's interpretation of Tom's motives. Instead of the cold, enigmatic, amoral, asexual goal-seeker of the book, the audience is confronted with a flawed nobody who is definitely less than Highsmith's Ripley. The movie version is a haunted soul attracted to homosexuality, buoyed by a yearning for the post WWII dolce vita of America's privledged class and incensed with the underdog's cowed yet vengeful need to fight back when shunned and bested by his so-called betters. Although the movie is highly entertaining, and Damon's performance is commendable, Highsmith's Ripley is reduced to what we are all too familiar with--an unfortunate product of dysfunctional 20th century life who would benefit greatly from prolonged sessions with the best Park Avenue psychiatrist, whereas the 'hero' of the book is perfectly happy with who he is and the decisions he makes to further entrench himself on the path he has chosen. Bravo Ripley!
Rating:
Summary: The talented Mr. Cunaan
Review: It's a great book. But what amazed me most was the incredible parallel between Tom Ripley and the guy who killed Gianni Versace, Andrew Cunaan despite the fact that the book was written decades ago. Remember how Cunaan was supposed to be a master of disguise. Also the way he prefers to be an impostor rather than an insignificant. Food for thought
Rating:
Summary: Sinister Genius
Review: As good as the new movie is, Highsmith's novel offers details that let you know from the beginning that Tom Ripley is not your average 'good boy gone wrong.' His little game with the IRS in the first chapter displays a kind of cat-like cruelty abscent from Matt Damon's character. His ability at mathamatics, especially finance, was also replaced with music in the film, perhaps to move the story along, but abstract calculation is the key to Tom's 'success'. And Tom's final touch of forging Dickie's will is much more convincing than the 'gift' of part of the trust fund in the film. This is the first of Highsmith's five Ripley stories. The first three are stunning, frightening, and wonderful, as we watch Ripley evolve in power and confidence. The last two are interesting but as Tom grows mature and secure, he also grows complacent. While he is always cunning, in 'The Boy That Followed Ripley' and 'Ripley Under Water' he is very slow to anger and his 'crimes' are more like selfdefense. Another thing missing from the film that permeates the novels is Highsmith's drole humor. Tom Ripley's stories are quite funny if viewed with an eye toward reality. No one can possibly be so reprehensibly lucky. I've often tried to imagine what his astrological chart must look like.
Rating:
Summary: Taut, gripping, and you root for the anti-hero
Review: Where has this book been for the last 45 years? Amazingly, Patricia Highsmith weaves a story that is just as fresh and believable today as when she published it in 1955. The characters are compelling, intriguing, and as a reader you find yourself snared in the ever deepening complexities that Mr. Ripley faces. Also, I found myself facinated by and amazingly sympathetic to Tom Ripley, at times even rooting for him against the established, moneyed, empty cultured lifestyle he both despises and longs for. In addition, the ending is a bit unexpected, but one I had secretly hoped for...it will be hard for the movie to top this piece of fiction. Enjoy!
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