Ripley Under Ground
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| Recent paperback edition cover | |
| Author | Patricia Highsmith |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | Ripliad |
| Genre(s) | Mystery novel |
| Publisher | Heinemann (UK) & Random House (USA) |
| Released | June 1970 |
| Media Type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 298 pp (first edition, hardback) |
| ISBN | ISBN 9997413113(first edition, hardback) |
| Preceded by | The Talented Mr. Ripley |
| Followed by | Ripley's Game |
Ripley Under Ground is the second novel in the Ripliad by Patricia Highsmith.
[edit] Plot summary
Eight years after the events of the first book, Tom Ripley is now in his early 30s, living a comfortable life in France with a rich wife, Heloise. His lifestyle is supported by an art scam whereby new paintings by a dead artist, Derwatt, are being produced and sold through a gallery in London. Ripley is the sleeping partner in the business, but when an American collector appears questioning the authenticity of the new works, he is forced to (violently) act. The scam is complicated by the intervention of the man forging the paintings, who wants to confess to appease a guilty conscience. Ripley, who is of course unfamiliar with guilt, will resort to anything — even murder — to dissuade him.
[edit] Major themes
The book provides an insight into Artworld Economics.
[edit] Film, TV or theatrical adaptations
The book was made into a movie in 2004 called Mr. Ripley's Return (later retitled Ripley Under Ground), starring Barry Pepper as Ripley and featuring Willem Dafoe, Alan Cumming and Tom Wilkinson in supporting roles.
Currently the film has not been released.
| Tom Ripley series (the Ripliad) |
|---|
| The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955) |
| Ripley Under Ground (1970) |
| Ripley's Game (1974) |
| The Boy Who Followed Ripley (1980) |
| Ripley Under Water (1991) |
