I always feel like I need some kind of counseling when I've finished a Patricia Highsmith book, but particularly anything from the Ripley series.
With Tom Ripley, anything is possible! If someone pisses him off, or stands between him and what is rightfully his, or just acts like an oaf, there's always a very good reason to kill them. In the softest leather gloves.
Like I said, counseling...
I tried to get into this Alan Bennett book, The Uncommon Reader, this morning, and I know it's a good one, but it's too whimsical for me right now. I need some kind of chaser.
I found these books at a vide grenier the other day. Lord knows what any of them are about but I love those early 70's fabric covers. I think Ripley would approve.
10 comments:
oh man....I know.....that kind of tense, sick feeling you have when you're finishing a book you love and you just don't want it to be OVER damn it....
they are good the ripley series, arent they... I cant help liking him
Highsmith was a weird old bird, though. I remember reading what must have been her last novel, People Who Knock On Doors, which is about a cult that preys on young people and is set in the U.S., where she hadn't been in years and years. The picture of society in there is utterly unrecognizable; if it hadn't been Highsmith, it'd never have gotten published.
As for a chaser, I don't know what to recommend. I use Terry Pratchett as light relief for the heavies, but that doesn't seem to be the problem here. How about Ruth Rendell, who's as crazy as Highsmith?
It's a period of mourning, Cynthia. Hard to say goodbye...
Somehow I knew you'd be a Ripley fan Rosie!
Ed, I'm sorry to say I had to look up Terry Pratchett (at first I thought you said Ann Patchett), and I feel foolish not having heard of him. I must find read something.
People Who Knock etc - really disturbing! She was a sad case, but maybe her sense of humor was so dark as to be too subtle by that point? I think Eric has a few Ruth Rendell's lying around, maybe I'd better try one of those. thanks for the recommendations.
Snap I had exactly the same experience this morning, couldn't get going before I had finished "The Hour I First Believed" another fabulous book by Wally Lamb - an absolute must read, but like you said I was like a wet dishrag both physically and emotionally once it was over....oh not it's over, but I still want to know what happens to everyone...don't you hate that when a great book comes to an end. I'll read yours if you read mine :)
Start with Small Gods.
hi Limousin neighbor, when are you coming this way?! I've seen those Wally Lamb books, I'll have to try it.
thanks for the tip Janine.
Amy they are a great read. I am very excited to say we will be in France for a week from 5-12 July and cannot wait. Are you playing anywhere locally during that week? If you have ever visited my blog you will see we are way behind you in the renovating stakes, so wish us luck :)
Aww, we'll be in the US when you're here! I'm glad you're going to make it over to France though - good luck with all the work and I hope you enjoy yourselves.
oooh, oooh...I'd like those bookcovers to transform into journals!
in the states, we used to buy up old library books with hilarious covers for just such a purpose.
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