Patricia Highsmith

Patricia Highsmith (January 19, 1921 - February 4, 1995) was an American novelist who is known mainly for her psychological crime thrillers. She acquired world renown for Strangers on a Train, which has been adapted to the screen a number of times, most famously by Alfred Hitchcock in 1951, and for her Ripliad series of books on the character of Thomas Ripley.

Personal life

According to her biography, Beautiful Shadow, Highsmith's personal life was a troubled one; an alcoholic who never had a relationship that lasted for more than a few years, she was seen by many of her contemporaries and acquaintances as misanthropic and cruel. While she was often antisocial (she famously preferred the company of animals to that of people) and held controversial political views (she has been accused of racism, antisemitism, and even misogyny), many people close to her said she was shy and unhappy rather than mean-spirited.

Related Topics:
Biography - Alcoholic - Racism - Antisemitism - Misogyny

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