book data
175 ratings, 3.85 average rating, 11 reviews
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published
November 2nd 1993
by Vintage
binding
Paperback, 304 pages
isbn
067974567X
(isbn13: 9780679745679)
description
In this quietly terrifying exploration of trust and friendship, a troubled young runaway arrives in Villeperce. And when, on the boy's behalf, Tom Rip...more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 239)
Read in March, 2008
this fourth entry into the "ripley" series is a strange one. as a narrative, it's a bit sloppier than its predecessors. its lack of focus makes for a disappointing follow-up to ripley's game, my favorite highsmith novel thus far (i've read 6). ripley's covert homoeroticism crosses over into more overt territory here, with mixed (and occassionally ridiculous) results.
the most compelling thing about the book is its almost lop-sided construction. the final act is probably the m...more
the most compelling thing about the book is its almost lop-sided construction. the final act is probably the m...more
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Read in June, 2008
recommends it for:
fans of Riply novels
I didn't like this book as well as the other Riply novels. Maybe it was less believable. Also, an underlying theme that Highsmith seems to be playing around with is sexuality. It just doesn't work and feels a bit contrived. That said, for fans of Riply, it's still a good read.
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Read in January, 1999
Our amoral friend Ripley, living with Heloise in France, is approached by a mysterious young man, who it is revealed, has killed his father and is seeking refuge in France, both from his family, who do not believe he is guilty, and from his conscience, which knows he is culpable. Ripley assumes the unusual role of "good guy" in this novel. After Frank, the young man, is kidnapped, Ripley goes to extreme lengths to successfully help his young friend.
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Read in December, 2008
The part with the drag queens was entertaining, but the pacing in most of the book is pretty weak. I don't know why I can't stop reading these.
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Read in August, 2008
maybe 2.5. stars, but no more than that.
rather weak in terms of plot and characters, getting increasingly boring and tedious after page 100 (of 290).
anybody interested in the ripley-novels should of course go for the excellent first book, the talented mister ripley, then, with the momentum of the first book, quickly read the second one, ripley under ground, which ist definitely nothing special, but a decent read and then enjoy the excellent third book of the series, ripley's game ... and the...more
rather weak in terms of plot and characters, getting increasingly boring and tedious after page 100 (of 290).
anybody interested in the ripley-novels should of course go for the excellent first book, the talented mister ripley, then, with the momentum of the first book, quickly read the second one, ripley under ground, which ist definitely nothing special, but a decent read and then enjoy the excellent third book of the series, ripley's game ... and the...more
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Read in January, 1994
Tom Ripley is perhaps my favorite psychopath. Even though he is frighteningly amoral, I still find myself somehow rooting for him as he murders his “best friend”, engages in art forgery (and commits murder to cover it up), plays with the lives of others (and murders some of them of course) simply because he feels he was snubbed, indulges in a lot of sexually ambiguous behavior, and generally plays a game of cat-and-mouse with anyone who crosses his path.
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Read in January, 1986
recommended to Christine by:
Watched "Plein Soleil" (Alain Delon) and got hookedrecommends it for: Highsmith & Ripley fans
Very good follow up to "Ripley's Game".
Part of the novel takes place in Berlin when the wall was still existing. I have been to Berlin many times and can tell that Highsmith creates a great atmosphere.
6 Stars.
Unfortunately the 5th and last sequel , "Ripley Under Water", is not up to the standard set by the first 4 Ripley books.
Part of the novel takes place in Berlin when the wall was still existing. I have been to Berlin many times and can tell that Highsmith creates a great atmosphere.
6 Stars.
Unfortunately the 5th and last sequel , "Ripley Under Water", is not up to the standard set by the first 4 Ripley books.
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Read in August, 2008
Another novel rich in psychological suspense about Patricia Highsmith's perversely appealing sociopathic character Tom Ripley. Here he is trying to help a teenaged boy who may have murdered his father.
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Read in July, 2008
My least favorite so far in the series. I enjoyed keeping the Ripley experience going, although the story in this one was rather forgettable. I hope the next (last!) one is a little better.
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Read in January, 2002
recommends it for:
anti mystery enthusiasts.
The tables have turned on Ripley. All the Ripley series are great, but this one is very interesting because Ripley usually flies under the radar and for once someone is onto his game.
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Read in July, 2007
This book did not engross me as did the previous three books in the series.
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