Belle Ombre after securing a former possession of the boy's as a memento. Major themes Highsmith sets the novel against the oppressive atmosphere of Cold War Germany, and the hedonism of West Berlin, in particular the gay bar scene. Ripley tolerates — and sympathizes with — the gay characters he encounters, in contrast to the self-loathing he felt due to his attraction to Dickie Greenleaf in The Talented Mr Ripley. Ripley's efforts in protecting Frank, and that stealing the ransom money does not even occur to him, indicate a form of emotionless compassion lacking in the character's behaviour in earlier books. Adaptations Radio The 2009 BBC Radio 4 adaptation stars Ian Hart as Ripley, Nicholas Hoult as Frank and Helen Longworth as Heloise. Notes 1980 American novels Novels by Patricia Highsmith Heinemann (publisher) books Patricide in fiction Novels about serial killers Novels set in Berlin Novels set in France Novels set in New England Novels set in Paris