Tom Ripley works his charm as much on the reader as on the characters in the novel: despite his flaws and horrifying actions, I found it impossible to dislike him.
From the beginning one is drawn to empathise with him, perhaps because he appears so normal, and it is easy to forget that you are watching the actions of a murderer. He is not driven by a cruel, ulterior motive that would induce dislike; rather the murders are unplanned, unintended before the moment.
The novel is presented from Ripley’s viewpoint, and the reader views his murders as he does. Highsmith describes the murders in a practical way, neutralising the shock factor and lessening the crime’s horror.
But, at the same time, I found that the unemotional narrative makes the murder even more chilling. The clarity of the prose makes it seem as if one is observing someone entirely normal and sane. That sense of normality is emphasised by the use of the third-person narrative, making the reader an outsider, able to make a rational judgment on the character watched; a first-person narrative would suggest the thoughts of someone who merely believed he was sane.
Katherine Teckkam,
Tunbridge Wells, Kent
I couldn’t put this book down. I thought that having seen the film might spoil the surprise, but it didn’t at all, except that I could see Tom only as a blond! I have gone straight to the library to get the next Ripley.
Tracey Smith,
Newcastle upon Tyne
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Tom Ripley is indeed talented. The most disturbing aspect of the novel is not the murder but the way in which Ripley justifies his actions. He does not like himself or his life and in a desire to escape from this reality he seeks approval from those he most admires, the beautiful and the rich, qualities that Dickie has in abundance. Tom believes that he can manipulate any situation to his advantage. Each time he feels rejected or threatened, instead of retreating he pushes the boundaries that little bit further. Tom enjoys the constant risk, as he would rather that than return to the mundane reality of his unchallenging existence. Patricia Highsmith has created a novel in which it is easy for the reader to empathise, in part, with the main character; who hasn’t, on occasions, felt that life owes them something extra, something just that little bit more dangerous and intriguing?
Paula Nichols,
Colchester, Essex
I so loved this book. I found myself sympathising with Ripley. Highsmith gives him a vulnerability. I didn’t mind at all that he killed. It seemed as inconsequential as ordering another martini. I liked seeing Europe through an American’s eye. That was patronising at times, but amusing.
Anne Hough,
Manchester