"The Talented Mr Ripley" by Patricia Highsmith

Old school

The Hove Book Group was back together on the evening of Thursday 6th June 2013 to discuss Robin's choices.  

Robin's book choice was "The Talented Mr Ripley" by Patricia Highsmith 

Robin kicked things off by describing how he is "a convert" to Italy and all things Italian, and this informed  his choices for Hove Book Group.  

In addition to reading the book, Robin had also watched the 1999 film adaptation directed by Anthony Minghella and staring Matt Damon and Jude Law.  The recollection of Jude Law prompted Robin to describe his strong physical attraction towards Mr Law.  Don stated that "coming out during a book review is a Hove Book Group first".  Quite so. 7/10

Tristan praised Ms. Highsmith's credible evocation of men.  The character development of Tom Ripley is what makes The Talented Mr. Ripley one of the great crime novels of the 20th century. Ms. Highsmith is an acute observer, and is able to translate her sensitivity into a multidimensional portrait of a successful criminal in a way that is virtually unmatched.  Tristan concluded with a bit of customary pedantry - something about blood stains - before lavishing the book with 7/10.

Robin: Came out

Nigel explained that this was the second time he'd read the book.  The first time was back in 2000, when he too was inspired by the 1999 film adaptation . Nigel stated that it was good to reread the book without the film adaptation fresh in his mind.  Tom Ripley is a deeply flawed individual, who - whilst clever and cunning - takes foolish risks and makes occasional mistakes. These mistakes ratcheted up the tension for Nigel.  It's a compelling tale of how the opportunistic and amoral Tom Ripley takes advantage of situations. All told from Tom Ripley's perspective, and somehow, despite his reprehensible behaviour, Patricia Highsmith had Nigel rooting for him throughout. The book is full of insights into Ripley's character, including short flashbacks to his dysfunctional childhood that credibly help to explain his personality and behaviour. Ripley is a fantastic character, and this is a well written, psychological thriller. 8/10

Nick picked up the theme of rooting for Tom Ripley, suggesting his underdog status illicits our sympathy. We meet Tom Ripley almost as casually as new friends do. It's only by following him around, hearing his thoughts and observing what he does that we realize who he is. Ripley is an immensely capable man but also extremely impulsive. If there's an opportunity he'll take it.  The ultimate anti-hero?  8/10

Hamish: Confused

Hamish was confused.  Confused until Mr Murder came a-calling.  From that moment on everything made sense and Hamish was gripped.  Ripley looks for neither approval nor acclaim. Solitude is his middle name.  The book's core theme is around identity. Who are we? Can we reinvent ourselves? How do judge others? Hamish could not remember any other crime novel that explores such subtle questions so effectively. 7/10

Don described it as a "masterpiece of crime fiction". Once Ripley is sent to Europe as a paid-for emissary with an expense account he develops a taste for la dolce vita. When his new friendship is threatened, along with his new lifestyle, he takes decisive action.  What follows was, for Don, one of the most interesting and intricate plot lines that Don had ever read.  Right up there with W. Somerset Maugham's Ashenden.  High praise indeed.  8/10

Don: Masterpiece of crime fiction

Keith stated that the book begins with an edginess that doesn't relent until the final sentence.  Highsmith took Keith on a dark rollercoaster ride of deception, jealousy, deceit, murder, lies, and evasion.   There's no senseless violence, just dispassionate pragmatism.  Keith was mesmerised as Ripley managed to just about stay one step ahead of the police. The result was riveting.  To his shock and amazement, Keith realised he was sympathising with a cold and calculating killer. Keith also praised Ms. Highsmith's ability to exquisitely capture the 1950s milieu of the book, particularly  the life of a wealthy American abroad. Her writing is elegant and simple and well worthy of 7/10.


Universal acclaim for "The Talented Mr Ripley" by Patricia Highsmith from Hove's finest, and a strong contender for the coveted HBG Book Of The Year Award.

Robin's cinematic choice Berberian Sound Studio directed by Peter Strickland and starring TobyJones, and Cosimo Fusco.  

After reading rave reviews, Robin was looking forward to this film and was expecting a treat. Sadly, he was left confused whilst watching a film which didn't make sense, and where not much happened.  One of the most awful, pretentious films Robin has ever seen and a complete waste of time. 2/10

Tristan reminded us of his high threshold for pretentiousness, before describing how much he enjoyed this film.  For Tristan this was a brilliant study of one man's unhinged descent into the dark underbelly of Italian life.  A claustrophobic sound studio devoid of natural light where an awkward sound effects recordist fragments whilst witnessing unseen horrors at The Berberian Sound Studio. 7/10

Nigel continued the love for Berberian Sound Studio.  Nigel enjoyed the 1970s styling and was blown away by the performance of Toby Jones, who gives a masterclass in acting and alienation.  The film is beautifully shot and full of black humour.  Fantasy bleeds into reality, sounds and dreams blur into each other to form a paranoid nightmare, as the film gradually eats itself.  Cinematic perfection.  9/10

Nick evoked David Lynch, and felt this film shared many of the master's qualities, whilst bandying around words like disconcerting, chilling, and gripping   Nick is partial to a bit of 1970s Italian gore-horror, and enjoys directors like Dario Argento and Lucio Fulci.  For Nick, the film's key is around the importance of sound.  Beautifully directed. 6/10.

Finally we discussed Puccini's Madama Butterfly.  Don loved it having taken the time to absorb the plot and immerse himself in the music.  Robin recommended a visit to Verona to attend open air opera.  The rest of us were less convinced.