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Stuff I'm Reading

 "Flung Out of Space" is a reference to Therese, in "Carol"--but it could also function as a description of Patricia Highsmith's talent. This is a gift that seems "flung out of space."


In a recent graphic novel, Highsmith is working on comics, but hoping to become a serious writer. "I don't write crime novels," she says. "I write good novels, with criminal elements." Stan Lee tries to recruit her; he envisions a future of caped crusaders. But Highsmith's dreams are full of sleepless men in clouds of cigar smoke, concealing guns under trench coats.


Highsmith is both homophobic and misogynistic; she enters conversion therapy. She joins a support group for "latent homosexuals"--but, almost immediately, she begins sleeping with a married woman in the group. This leads to a novel--"The Price of Salt"--which inspires one gay reader to "go out and find my own Carol."


I borrowed this book after watching the new version of "Mr. Ripley." Highsmith is a messy, self-destructive, gifted character--a slice of good company for 200 or 300 pages. Recommended.







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