Tremor Of A Forgery

I was compelled to read Patrica Highsmith's novel, The Tremor of Forgery (1969) because Graham Greene called it her finest novel. From what I have read so far, I am in agreement. That being said I have only read The Talented Mr. Ripley and Cry of the Owl previously. This novel about a writer holed up in Tunisia writing a novel can't help but recall Albert Camus' The Stranger and The Cure's Stranger-inspired song "Killing An Arab." Highsmith does an excellent job of creating a sense of exile and dislocation. There are subtle contrast between earnest Americanism in the character of OWL and European cynicism in the melancholy Danish painter that the protagonist befriends. There is a foreboding sense of dread that seeps into the story, which unexpectedly ends on a high note. I have to admit I am somewhat fascinated with North Africa since I am a fan of former expatriate writer Paul Bowles, who lived for many years in Morocco. This novel also calls to mind the writing of Bowles. I suspect I will read more of the Ripley series in the future as well. Highsmith creates fascinating characters who live outside the normal limits of morality.