Renowned American author Patricia Highsmith is a proficient writer of psychological thrillers and has penned 22 novels and countless short stories. The latest Netflix TV adaptation of Highsmith's famous novel, "The Talented Mr. Ripley," is getting widespread appreciation, which makes this exact moment an excellent opportunity to go over her wide-ranging big works.

A guide from The Guardian showcased some of her notable works.

A Journey Through Highsmith's Key Works

Highsmith's "Strangers on a Train" could be a good starting point for readers who want to explore her works. This intriguing story presents two people who have never met, the artist Guy Haines and the rich Bruno, who unexpectedly meet. This encounter leads to a very gruesome offer. Highsmith's careful exposition of the characters' complicated moralities leaves the reader with a taste of the future creations.

"The Price of Salt," later known as "Carol," departs from Highsmith's typical crime narratives. Highsmith's real-life encounter influenced this work of fiction. It tells the story of Therese, a young woman who wishes to get a job as a set designer, and Carol, a rich housewife, who fall in love with each other. Set in New York City in the 1950s, it looks at deeply entrenched norms in society by depicting a homosexual relationship.

In the foreword to "The Price of Salt," Highsmith expressed that the optimistic conclusion for the main characters made the novel appealing. Before her book, she noted that homosexual characters in American literature often faced negative consequences for their identity.

Highsmith's novels, particularly, may deal with the injured and deceitful side in human relationships. "Deep Water" sets this theme very well through the strained marriage of Vic and Melinda Van Allen. Their distorted power game will be a merciless onslaught that will smash together the boundaries of psychological and physical victimization.

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"Edith's Diary," released in 1977, offers a haunting exploration of self-deception. Edith Howland, grappling with personal turmoil, retreats into a fictional world through her diary entries. Highsmith's narrative poses striking queries about identity and the masks we don in the digital age.

"The Tremor of Forgery" is a masterclass in atmospheric suspense. Set in Tunisia, it follows an American writer navigating existential crises amidst cultural displacement. The cinematic lack of proper plot twists makes the whole thing breathtaking in its slow progression of tension.

"The Talented Mr. Ripley" is deemed as Highsmith's masterpiece. Tom Ripley, an individual with a sense of charm but a subtle element of ambiguity, begins a journey of trickery and murder. The immersive storytelling blended with the in-depth character portrayal of this novel gives it a timeless edge.

A Master of Psychological Suspense

Famous for her creation of anti-heroes, Highsmith came up with characters like Tom Ripley, a young witty man whose character seems to have a contrast between charisma and maleficence that keeps the readers enthralled. Despite his despicable and murderous acts, his character is still appealing and has survived seven decades after his inception.

"Ripley" on Netflix brings a whole new meaning to the book by Patricia Highsmith, which breaks away from the popular 1999 film version. Having Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley, the series comes forth with the most eerie picture of the character, the turn of events showing his cunning deception and manipulation.

Stephen Zaillian directed the show and incorporated cinematography by Robert Elswit. The use of noir-inspired aesthetics like deep shadows and contrast between light and dark createf a tense atmosphere.

NPR praised the decision to film in black and white, adding depth to the narrative, shifting focus from color to shapes and light, and enhancing the portrayal of violence and brutality without relying on typical visual cues like red blood. This artistic choice offers a unique perspective, drawing parallels to classic noir and Hitchcock films while distinguishing itself from previous adaptations.

Highsmith's characters, reminiscent of Ripley, appear ordinary on the surface but harbor dark impulses and secrets, evoking a sense of unease in readers akin to an anxiety attack. Whether you like stories about the mind or exciting thrillers, Highsmith's books have something for everyone.

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