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Cover of The Talented Mr. Ripley
Mystery & Thriller· United States

The Talented Mr. Ripley

by Patricia Highsmith
Aggregate Editorial Score58/100
★Edgar Award
Published 1955288 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Few works of mystery & thriller have earned the sustained critical attention that The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955) by Patricia Highsmith continues to receive. Tom Ripley, a small-time con man, is sent to Italy to retrieve a wealthy playboy and instead murders him, assumes his identity, and attempts to live his life. Highsmith's chilling psychological thriller is both a brilliant crime novel and a deep portrait of American class anxiety and the longing to be someone else. Themes of identity, class, murder run through the work. The book has received recognition from Edgar Award 1955.

Book Details

AuthorPatricia Highsmith
Published1955
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Pages288
Category🔍 Mystery & Thriller
ISBN9780393332148
Editorial Score58/100
About the Category

🔍 Mystery & Thriller

Suspenseful fiction built around crime, detection, and hidden truths.

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Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

Patricia Highsmith published The Talented Mr. Ripley in 1955, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of mystery & thriller from United States. The book's treatment of identity, class, murder, Italy accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Talented Mr. Ripley among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Edgar Award 1955. Our aggregate score of 58/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. Readers coming to The Talented Mr. Ripley for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of identity, class, murder, Italy is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Within United States's literary landscape, Patricia Highsmith occupies a significant position. The Talented Mr. Ripley is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Edgar Award
winner · genre
195542
✍️
About the Author
Patricia Highsmith
United States
View Author →

Patricia Highsmith is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of mystery thriller.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Talented Mr. Ripley about?

Tom Ripley, a small-time con man, is sent to Italy to retrieve a wealthy playboy and instead murders him, assumes his identity, and attempts to live his life. Highsmith's chilling psychological thriller is both a brilliant crime novel and a deep portrait of American class anxiety and the longing to be someone else.

Who wrote The Talented Mr. Ripley?

The Talented Mr. Ripley was written by Patricia Highsmith, from United States. First published in 1955.

What awards has The Talented Mr. Ripley won?

The Talented Mr. Ripley has received the following awards and honours: Edgar Award 1955.

Is The Talented Mr. Ripley worth reading?

The Talented Mr. Ripley is a notable work that has earned critical attention, with an aggregate editorial score of 42/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in identity, class, murder.

Where can I buy The Talented Mr. Ripley?

You can buy The Talented Mr. Ripley on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Talented Mr. Ripley?

The Talented Mr. Ripley is classified as Mystery & Thriller. Suspenseful fiction built around crime, detection, and hidden truths.

What country is The Talented Mr. Ripley from?

The Talented Mr. Ripley originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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