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The Talented Mr. Ripley: 1 (A Ripley Novel, 1) Paperback – 5 Aug. 1999

by Patricia Highsmith (Author)

8,921 ratings

Book 1 of 5: Ripley

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'The No.1 Greatest Crime Writer' The Times

'Ripley, amoral, hedonistic and charming, is a genuinely original creation' Daily Telegraph

Tom Ripley is struggling to stay one step ahead of his creditors and the law, when an unexpected acquaintance offers him a free trip to Europe and a chance to start over.

Ripley wants money, success and the good life and he's willing to kill for it. When his new-found happiness is threatened, his response is as swift as it is shocking.

**One of the BBC’s 100 Novels That Shaped Our World**

From the Publisher

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One of the great crime novels of the 20th century, Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley is a blend of the narrative subtlety of Henry James and the self- reflexive irony of Vladimir Nabokov. Like the best modernist fiction, Ripley works on two levels. First, it is the story of a young man, Tom Ripley, whose nihilistic tendencies lead him through a deadly passage across Europe. On another level, the novel is a commentary on fiction making and techniques of narrative persuasion. Like Humbert Humbert, Tom Ripley seduces readers to empathise with him even as his actions defy all moral standards.

The novel begins with a play on James's The Ambassadors. Tom Ripley is chosen by the wealthy Herbert Greenleaf to retrieve Greenleaf's son, Dickie, from his overlong sojourn in Italy. Dickie, it seems, is held captive both by the Mediterranean climate and the attractions of his female companion, but Mr. Greenleaf needs him back in New York to help with the family business. With an allowance and a new purpose, Tom leaves behind his dismal city apartment to begin his career as a return escort. But Tom, too, is captivated by Italy. He is also taken with the life and looks of Dickie Greenleaf. He insinuates himself into Dickie's world and soon finds that his passion for a lifestyle of wealth and sophistication transcends all moral compunction. Tom will become Dickie Greenleaf--at all costs.

Unlike many modernist "experiments", The Talented Mr. Ripley is eminently readable and is driven by a gripping chase narrative that chronicles each of Tom's calculated manoeuvres of self-preservation. Highsmith was in peak form with this novel, and her ability to enter the mind of a sociopath and view the world through his disturbingly amoral eyes is a model that has spawned such latter-day serial killers as Hannibal Lechter.-- Patrick O'Kelley

Review

Ripley, amoral, hedonistic and charming, is a genuinely original creation ― Daily Telegraph

As haunting and harrowing a study of a schizophrenic murder as paper will bear. A glittering addition to the meagre ranks of people who make books that you really can't put down ― Sunday Times

Precisely plotted, stylishly written and kept alert by an icy wit. Streets ahead of the conventional thriller: a cool little classic of its kind ― Evening Standard

An outstanding thriller which has deservedly become a classic ― Spectator

Beautifully escapist, utterly thrilling ― Healthy, *Summer Reads of 2021*

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0099282879
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Vintage
Publication date ‏ : ‎ 5 Aug. 1999
Edition ‏ : ‎ New Ed
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780099282877
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0099282877
Item weight ‏ : ‎ 193 g
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 12.8 x 1.6 x 19.6 cm
Book 1 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Ripley
Best Sellers Rank: 4,988 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 105 in Fiction Classics (Books)
- 364 in Science Fiction Crime & Mystery
- 543 in Psychological Thrillers (Books)
Customer reviews:
8,921 ratings

About the author

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Patricia Highsmith

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Patricia Highsmith (1921-1995) was the author of more than twenty novels, including Strangers on a Train, The Price of Salt and The Talented Mr. Ripley, as well as numerous short stories.

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Customers find the book engaging and better than the film adaptation, with a fascinating plot that's a great example of a 1950s crime novel. They appreciate the character development, with one review highlighting the evocative portrayal of young privileged Americans, and find it highly appealing, with one noting how it paints a wonderful picture of Europe. The writing style receives mixed feedback, with some praising its intelligence while others point out typos, and the pace is also mixed, with several customers finding it slow.

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Readability Plot Character development Entertainment value Appeal Writing style Pace Ages

113 customers mention ‘Readability’106 positive7 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a fantastic and entertaining novel that surpasses the film adaptation.

"...the film but I guess that ruined this story for me although it is a good read not an endurance like some books can be. Not the best Ive read either...." Read more

"...As for the book itself, a great read, couldn't put it down...." Read more

"A classic. Well worth a read." Read more

"Great book, couldn’t put it down. Better than the movie because there’s so much the movie doesn’t capture. Great holiday read" Read more

58 customers mention ‘Plot’51 positive7 negative

Customers find the book's plot engaging and suspenseful, describing it as a great example of a 1950s crime novel.

"Great story, why the typos?..." Read more

"This was a great story, however having enjoyed the film, and visited many of the locations, I was a little disappointed how the book differed so..." Read more

"...The book is way better than the film, full of suspense and beautifully crafted, elegant writing...." Read more

"...depth still make the novel a gripping read, even when the plot feels familiar. If you’re a fan of psychological crime fiction, this is a must-read." Read more

34 customers mention ‘Character development’24 positive10 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one review highlighting the highly evocative portrayal of young privileged Americans.

"...Not only can he impersonate people, their voices, their mannerisms, he can even adapt his appearance...." Read more

"...The characters are drawn in minute detail, all adding to the tension of the main character, Ripley’s, fate." Read more

"...I am certainly glad I did. Tom Ripley is by no means a likeable character, yet he is a character who intrigues the reader and evokes..." Read more

"Highsmith has a very distinctive style. The character of Ripley is convincing, as are the other characters, large or small. None is a cipher...." Read more

13 customers mention ‘Entertainment value’11 positive2 negative

Customers find the book highly engaging and exciting, with one customer noting it's never a dull moment, while another describes it as a thrilling ride with Tom Ripley.

"...The fast pace means that a series of events happen - exciting and thrilling events, but we lose something of "the talented Mr Ripley" as a..." Read more

"...But the dialogue is also magnificent and enthralling. Best watch of the year so far, so well acted, produced and directed...." Read more

"...loving the film, but after reading this, I'd say the book was a bit more enjoyable for me. You get more of a grasp of Tom's psychopathy and motives...." Read more

"...Obviously a crime novel, Patricia Highsmith's books are always highly engaging...." Read more

9 customers mention ‘Appeal’9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book appealing, with one customer noting its distinctive style and another mentioning how it paints a wonderful picture of Europe.

"...of Tom Ripley, a totally insidious personality who is at once charming and frighteningly devious...." Read more

"Highsmith has a very distinctive style. The character of Ripley is convincing, as are the other characters, large or small. None is a cipher...." Read more

"A true work of art. You could turn the sound of and just watch it for the beauty of the scenes and scenery...." Read more

"...Paints a wonderful picture of Europe and introduces a brilliant main character, amoral, selfish & wicked yet somehow sympathetic and strangely..." Read more

54 customers mention ‘Writing style’35 positive19 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing style of the book, with some finding it very intelligently and masterfully written, while others point out numerous typos and readability issues.

"The Talented Mr Ripley is a well written, engaging tense thriller...." Read more

"I enjoyed reading this book very much. There were quite a few typos which made me read sections twice as I thought I had misread...." Read more

"Really great to read this after seeing the film. You also realise what a good job they did in the Matt Damon/Jude Law film...." Read more

"A classic. Well written and highly evocative portrayal of young privileged Americans spending the early part of the 20th century gaining some..." Read more

8 customers mention ‘Pace’3 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with several finding it slow, while one customer notes it zips along at a good pace.

"Slow and lacking interest. I think the book over rated." Read more

"...The fast pace means that a series of events happen - exciting and thrilling events, but we lose something of "the talented Mr Ripley" as a..." Read more

"...It wasn’t terrible but it wasn’t great and it seemed to take ages to go anywhere. Then Tom starts down his dark path and I perked right up...." Read more

"...All a bit slow and not my idea of a page-turner." Read more

6 customers mention ‘Ages’3 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's age, with one customer noting it's older than expected, while another mentions it's a favorite all-time novel.

"I appreciate the book was used, but it was a lot older than I expected, the pages were very yellow." Read more

"...Feel like I’ve got a faulty book! Vintage 1999 edition - get a different one!" Read more

"One of my favourite all-time novels. Hearing it read aloud gives a new dimension. Highly recommended." Read more

"...I guess it's a bit dated and has to be regarded within the context of the time it was written in...." Read more

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Michael Chang
Read the novel first, watch the Netflix series later.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 June 2025
Verified Purchase

I initially bought this book after seeing the stunning trailer for Netflix’s Ripley miniseries. Therefore, I watched the series before reading the novel which was a big mistake on my part. Don’t get me wrong, the show was well made and the cinematography was excellent but because the show was such a faithful adaptation of Highsmith’s novel, it did make my reading experience slightly less thrilling, as I already knew every twist and turn. That said, Highsmith’s sharp prose and psychological depth still make the novel a gripping read, even when the plot feels familiar. If you’re a fan of psychological crime fiction, this is a must-read.

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Mysterious, haunting and tremendously entertaining
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 May 2014
Verified Purchase
Unlike most of my reading, I came to The Talented Mr Ripley through the film version starring Matt Damon: having enjoyed the film, I wanted to read the book. I am certainly glad I did.

Tom Ripley is by no means a likeable character, yet he is a character who intrigues the reader and evokes sympathy. Whilst I am wary of making too many comparisons between screen and page, one clear advantage the book has is that it permits a delve into characters minds, feelings and motives that cannot be evoked on screen. Perhaps this books charm lies in the fantasy of an assumed identity and alias.

Highsmith writes skilfully and clearly, telling the reader of Tom's actions and how these relate to a particular character or persona he tries to emulate. We have the sense however that these actions are subconscious rather than artfully thought out and implicit in his thoughts rather than explicit. This leads, largely to our sympathy for him: it is evident that he is a young man hugely uncomfortable in who and what he is.

Unlike many novels, this is certainly led by both character and plot and it is fair to say that as the plot reaches its climax, the character development stalls somewhat: this is ultimately what prevented the novel having five stars. The fast pace means that a series of events happen - exciting and thrilling events, but we lose something of "the talented Mr Ripley" as a result. Nonetheless, the novel is worth reading and I look forward to familiarising myself with its sequels.

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Valerie J.
RIPPING GOOD YARN
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 July 2012
Verified Purchase
To me, this is writing at its best. Highsmith's protagonist is Tom Ripley. He is a talented young man with ambition and very little else. He works, for the time being, in a United States of America Tax department where he fiddles extra money from the tax payers to line his own pockets, and he moves from the home of one friend after another until he outstays his welcome. Then, one day, good luck walks through the door of a bar in the form of Mr Herbert Greenleaf, a wealthy businessman whose son, Richard (Dickie) is living the good life in Mongibello, Italy. Herbert Greenleaf has followed Tom, recognising him as an acquaintance, even friend, of his son who he wants to return from America and join him in his boat-building company. Tom is easily persuaded, by the offer of excellent expenses, to go to Mongibello to try and persuade Richard to return. When Tom arrives in Italy, Richard Greenleaf barely recognises him but when Tom makes light of the fact that he is supposed to persuade Richard to return home, Richard finds it all great fun and takes Tom under his wing much to the annoyance of Richard's friend, Marge. Richard Greenleaf has everything that Tom could ever want. He is popular, he doesn't need to work, he lives in wonderful Italy, wears wonderful Italian clothes, eats at restaurants, attends parties, and better still, he has lots of money. The only thing that stands in the way of Tom having the life of Richard, is Richard. Tom Ripley, however, is gifted. Not only can he impersonate people, their voices, their mannerisms, he can even adapt his appearance. He is also very, very, gifted at forgery.

--------------------------------------------

First published in 1955 and written in limited third person, Patricia Highsmith allows us into the thoughts, actions, and motivations of Tom Ripley, a totally insidious personality who is at once charming and frighteningly devious. We are privy to his feelings of guilt and repelled by how he justifies his murderous actions, amazed at his daring, and impressed by how skillfully he manipulates and deceives others, including the police, Richard's father, Marge, and anyone else who gets in his way.

What I love about this book is not only the tortuous plot that you really do have to keep up with to fully appreciate Patricia Highsmith's writing skill, (it can't be that difficult as I managed it!) and the skill of Tom Ripley but that there is no strong language, no excessively graphic scenes of violence or sex, none of the cheap thrills that you get in a lot of modern murder/thrillers. The clever plot is simply outstanding. It's no wonder that Alfred Hitchcock chose to make a movie out of Highsmith's first book, Strangers on a Train, in 1951.

This is a list of Highsmith's 'Ripley' books:

The Talented Mr Ripley - 1955
Ripley Under Ground - 1970
Ripley's Game - 1974
The Boy Who Followed Ripley - 1980
Ripley Under Water - 1991

I bought all mine as 'Very Good Condition' used paperbacks. The Talented Mr Ripley came via World of Books, Amazon. It arrived in excellent condition, just as described.

Patricia Highsmith (1921-95) was born in Texas and later lived in New York. The Talented Mr Ripley movie (1999) starring Matt Damon, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow was based on the first in a series of Tom Ripley books. The movie follows the book quite closely in part but the book's plot is far too complex for all the detail to be included in a 139 minute movie. Ripley's Game (2002), another excellent movie, was based on the third book of the series, and starred John Malkovich.

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Kerry, the bookworm,Rogers
Not so full of edge as the movie
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 April 2023
Verified Purchase
Id have to say from the start if you haven't been the movie yet, read the book first.
I didnt find the book as suspense educing probaly cause I've seen the film many times and there are parts of the film that are not in the book, obviously added for the dramatic effect. In this book the character of Marge is not Dickies girlfriend and there's only one thing she suspects Tom of ( won't say what).
If you have seen the film I found that having, the introduction at the start ruined the anticipation of this book for me, but because it is different for a good part to the movie your still thinking will he be caught and how many chances is he going to take.
Over-all Id have to say I prefer the film but I guess that ruined this story for me although it is a good read not an endurance like some books can be. Not the best Ive read either. I felt I had to try and read it because it became a film.

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CillianTheReader
Macabre Classic! Best way to describe it.
Reviewed in Germany on 5 December 2020
Verified Purchase

Patricia Highsmith is one of my favorite authors of all, together with Graham Greene and Jeffrey Archer. But the Ripley-novels at the beginning were - unexpectedly - not quite my real favorites of her. I found them boring in some way because Tom Ripley allways seems to get away with everything he does, with no consequences for him what so ever. But in this time I haven't read the first one - the original - yet. And, having done so, I kind of started to see what makes it so special. The novel is groundbreaking in so much more ways than just telling a crime-story from the view of the murderer! It analyses the personality of a broken soul, its uncontrolable requires and their bad outcome. Besides I was surprised to get so many hints of homosexuality, which I never would have expected in a novel so highly appreciated by modern literature! All that makes it really worth reading in my eyes, to everyone.

But no novel would be complete without good characters. And Tom Ripley is, from every point of view, an interesting and ambivalent person whose requires are ... kind of understandible but also scary in their results. And it definitely isn't just a killer-diary or something - the building of the suspence is its true worth! It allways left me in an uneasy feeling and the wish, never to be in a situation like his. So it may sound strange, but: the moments, in which nothing happens, are definitely the best in the whole novel! The tension is remarkable and lasts over so many pages. The murders are just the electrical discharge and the trouble they make build the actual tension of the novel.

I highly recommend this book, like I do all Patricia-Highsmith-novels! It's a Classic in a macabre way and Tom Ripley an icon of modern thrillers.

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N.S. Rajan
Ripley. Book and the TV Serial.
Reviewed in India on 30 January 2025
Verified Purchase
A very inetersting book. I also watched the 8 episodes serial "Ripley". The author has created a remarkable chracter out of Ripley. The serial deserves all the praise for its casting. Excellent performances by all, particlarly 'Ripley'.

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JC G.
A Classic for Good Reasons
Reviewed in the United States on 18 July 2025
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Brilliant. Ripley is far more disturbed and disturbing in print than he is on screen.

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Jewel R.
Expensive Book + Pages are the other way around!
Reviewed in the United Arab Emirates on 24 April 2024
Verified Purchase
the book surely is going to be a good read-- book quality for its price at 91 aed-- is not justifiable!

The front cover is great-- when you open the book open the first page-- you have the last page of the novel LOL- if someone sees me read this book in public, it will look like I am reading the book upside down!

this should be refunded really! should be sold cheaper than what I paid - due to its quality!

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Everton Gomes
Delicioso
Reviewed in Brazil on 7 January 2020
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Um livro intrigante. Com uma história surpreendente. Rápido e bem divertido!

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5.0 out of 5 stars Read the novel first, watch the Netflix series later.

4.0 out of 5 stars Mysterious, haunting and tremendously entertaining

5.0 out of 5 stars RIPPING GOOD YARN

3.0 out of 5 stars Not so full of edge as the movie

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Macabre Classic! Best way to describe it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Ripley. Book and the TV Serial.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic for Good Reasons

2.0 out of 5 stars Expensive Book + Pages are the other way around!

5.0 out of 5 stars Delicioso

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Read the novel first, watch the Netflix series later.

Mysterious, haunting and tremendously entertaining

RIPPING GOOD YARN

Not so full of edge as the movie

Macabre Classic! Best way to describe it.

Ripley. Book and the TV Serial.

A Classic for Good Reasons

Expensive Book + Pages are the other way around!

Delicioso