Nothing That Meets the Eye by

Nothing that Meets the Eye is a compelling collection of short stories by Patricia Highsmith, one of the 20th century's most acclaimed authors. Spanning nearly fifty years, these stories reveal her evolution from a struggling freelance writer to a literary powerhouse, known for her dark themes and psychological suspense. The collection includes tales of a gigolo-like psychopath preying on career women, a lonely spinster's fragile grip on reality, and an estranged postal worker's homicidal fantasies. Highsmith's signature dark humor and foreboding atmosphere are on full display, making this a must-read for fans of suspenseful and psychologically gripping fiction. /n/n The stories in Nothing that Meets the Eye are not only suspenseful but also possess a surprising sweetness that offers a new perspective on Highsmith's work. From diabolical narratives reminiscent of her Ripley novels to more nuanced character studies, this collection showcases Highsmith's extraordinary talent. Critics have praised her ventriloquistic powers and her ability to create a sense of dread that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Reviews

Evanston Public Library · 2025-09-28

remarkable 4.00

The collection offers a remarkable portrait of the American psyche at mid-century, distilled by Highsmith's inimitable eye. It is a powerful and unforgettable read.

The Evanston Public Library's review of 'Nothing That Meets the Eye' emphasizes the collection's ability to capture the essence of the American psyche at mid-century. They highlight Patricia Highsmith's unique and inimitable perspective, which brings a powerful and unforgettable quality to the stories. The review suggests that Highsmith's keen eye for detail and her ability to delve into the complexities of human nature make this collection a standout. The stories are seen as a remarkable portrait of a specific time and place, offering insights that are both profound and disturbing.

Quick quotes

From this new collection, a remarkable portrait of the American psyche at mid-century emerges

unforgettably distilled by the inimitable eye of Patricia Highsmith

a powerful and unforgettable read

Erin Pringle's Blog · Erin Pringle · 2009-06-01

engaging 4.50

The ending is heartrending and perfect, showcasing Highsmith's ability to craft emotionally resonant stories. The collection highlights her talent for exploring the darker aspects of human nature.

Erin Pringle's review of 'Nothing That Meets the Eye' focuses on the emotional depth and mastery of storytelling that Patricia Highsmith brings to her work. They particularly highlight the heartrending ending of one of the stories, noting how it perfectly encapsulates Highsmith's ability to evoke strong emotions. Pringle also praises Highsmith's ventriloquistic powers, her ability to delve into the twisted and often dark aspects of human nature. The collection is seen as a testament to Highsmith's enduring talent and her unique perspective on the world.

Quick quotes

"The ending is quite heartrending and perfect."

"The Pianos of the Steinachs" is quite fine, too, perhaps simply because of the way Highsmith ..."

Highsmith's ventriloquistic powers

The Guardian · 2005-10-21

disturbing 3.00

Highsmith's stories are not pleasant, reflecting her essential cynicism and attraction to dark themes. The collection is a testament to her unique and often disturbing perspective.

The Guardian's review of 'Nothing That Meets the Eye' delves into the darker themes that Patricia Highsmith is known for. They note that her stories are not pleasant, often reflecting her essential cynicism and misanthropy. The review highlights her attraction to erotic perversion, mania, and violence, which are prevalent in this collection. While the stories may be disturbing, they are also seen as a testament to Highsmith's unique and unflinching perspective on human nature. The collection is praised for its boldness and the way it challenges readers' sensibilities.

Quick quotes

"The bulk of the Highsmith oeuvre is not pleasant."

Her essential cynicism, misanthropy, her attraction to erotic perversion, mania and violence ...

The collection is praised for its boldness

Appears in Lists

Not yet in any lists.