Truthfully, I was initially drawn to The Talented Miss Farewell because it reminded me so much of Patricia Highsmith’s novel, The Talented Mr. Ripley. And now that I’ve seen that film I would really like to read the novel. Sure, did I first think this was going to be a rip off of Highsmith’s work? Yes. But even after just reading the shortest blub, I knew this was going to take a really unique and niche take on the “con man.”
The book follows the long life of Becky Farewell, who grew up on a small farm with just her father. Her love for him was intense, but ultimately short-lived. Despite growing up fast, her father’s poor health gave her the opportunity to set out on her own and excel in the real world at something she’s good at: numbers. Becky gets hired in young and eventually becomes Pierson, Indiana’s comptroller. She’s see things in the budgets and payments and the books that no one else sees. Initially, she makes it her duty to keep everything straight and the town afloat, but she sees this blind spot in the local government as a way to live a secret and more affluent life.
Which she does! Becky splits her time between Pierson and Chicago’s art scene, where she flourishes by skimming various city accounts. What’s nerve-wracking is seeing some of the hundred-thousand dollar purchases play out and knowing that even though Becky swears she’ll pay it all back and then some, I know that she’ll always be in the hole. It is fascinating though, to read about the ascent Becky makes in the art world, the friends and contacts she acquires, along with a matching high-end wardrobe and apartment. Even though Becky seems to fit into this world, you know she’ll always be just a little bit out of place, especially since her heart belongs in Pierson.
Becky lives this life for twenty-plus years mainly with her best friend Ingrid, and new mayor, Ken at her side. That makes it almost extra sad (and maddening) to see her screw them over and the ultimate repercussions her actions have on them. While Becky seems nice and caring, it is the true nature of a con artist to not see the damage they are causing, and to keep justifying their actions. Becky fits this persona to a T. At least she’s somewhat self-aware enough to know her “borrowing” can’t go on forever, but it’s funny to see her making deals ’til the end.
This book is unlike anything I’ve ever read before, and though it is filled with a lot of interesting content, the road sometimes meandered and became a bit boring. I love art, but there was just too much covered in too much detail. I think the novel could have benefited from summarizing or condensing down some of those bits. What really struck me about this story was that is was loosely based off of a real-world embezzling scandal that took place in 2012. Her name was Rita Crundwell, and she stole about $53 million over 20 years from her town in Dixon, Illinois. That’s freaking crazy! If this novel doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, I at least encourage you to read an article behind the inspiration. Truly fascinating.