Rating: 
Summary: Outrageous, audacious ending saves Hannibal from mediocrity
Review: I must admit, as many readers of this book were, I was a bit disappointed with the second tale of Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling. Far too much time is spent on lesser, newer characters, and the subplots are just not that interesting. But the ending--WHOA! You can't possibly predict it. It's bold and outrageous. You have to read it over to make sure you really indeed read what you read. It's an easy and mostly satisfying read with a terrific ending. Enjoy!
Rating: 
Summary: I never thought I'd fall in love with a cannibal!
Review: I never thought I'd fall in love with a cannibal, but Dr. Lechter isn't just any cannibal, he's the cannibal with good taste. Or shall we say, exquisite taste? His behavior isn't always in the best taste but who cares, it's always surprisingly gory and fits the scene. No, it isn't "literature," but Harris does have a way of tingling the palette with juicy phrases and satisfyingly detailed descriptions, especially of places, especially Florence, Italy. It's the best "good read" I've had for awhile and I didn't want it to end. Worst thing about it is Harris' inability to develop female character (he's a bit light on the male character as well). I have no idea why Hector Lechter would be the least bit interested in Clarice Starling who appears to be a dull, not overly bright hick. But perhaps I'm simply envious. Or perhaps Hector lacks good taste in his interpersonal as opposed to culinary relationships. Can't wait for the sequel and hope I live to see it (took 9 years for this one!)
Rating: 
Summary: Slow to start and an ending that still leaves me bewildered
Review: The story moves slowly but does keep the reader interrested. After all it isabout Hannibal or is it? It has extensive information regarding the characters from "Silence of the Lambs" and goes into depth Hannibal's background. Harris hinged on almost over informing the reader. I think as areader that we don't need to be lead down the path so to speak when it comesto seeing the story as a whole as intensly as he provided for us. It was at times tideous.But Harris was able to hold us through the book and I have to say that the ending was totally unexpected. Almost to the point that it was not a real ending but an illusion of a madman.I still have difficulty with the ending. No closure and a sequal may not be viable but Harris being Harris I would not be surprised to see one.I would be interrested to see how he would pull it off.
Rating: 
Summary: Ending Empty
Review: I can certainly understand the length of time Harris took to produce this sequel. Obviously the section on Italy took time to research correctly, and his integration of the inner-workings of the FBI and the Justice Department also required in-depth research as well. The question is, why the ending? I am a psychiatrist by training, and, after finishing the book, for the first time, I had to use my training to understand why an author would try to fit his characters into such a preposterous, unstatisfying conclusion. I still don't understand. This novel was a complete let-down. I would not recommend this work to anyone.
Rating: 
Summary: IF YOU HAVE TO READ IT, WAIT FOR THE PAPERBACK!
Review: "Red Dragon" and "Silence of the Lambs" were so very good and I anxiously awaited the sequel, but I cannot remember ever being so disappointed in a book. The story becomes more unbelievable with each page - the last few chapters were just a joke and the ending leaves you feeling ripped off for spending the money on a hardcover edition. Harris should be embarrassed for offering such crap to his loyal readers. And where were his editors? Didn't someone along the way tell him how bad this was? I am considering writing the author and asking him to refund my money.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing!
Review: I believe it has already been said, but this book was a huge disappointment, especially in the ending. I was left in a state of shock and disbelief at the ending.
Rating:
Summary: Hannibal is out there, so pack your Bible
Review: "Hannibal" is a beautifully written book about the unspeakable. Like Lecter himself, it is merciless, haunting and unforgiving. It picks you up by the scruff of the neck, shakes you up and pierces your consciousness. It will stay with you long after you put it down. If you are looking for a glib, undemanding read, this is not a book for you. If you are looking for more of Silence Of The Lambs, you'll be disappointed. If you are afraid to look beyond the obvious, you will be confused. But if you believe you are beyond harm, if your wit is quick and your eye observant...then go with Thomas Harris as he takes you down Dr Lecter's memory palace. And if you pay attention to the works of art along the way and if you know your bible well - then maybe, just maybe, you'll emerge with your world-view intact. But don't count on it.
Rating:
Summary: Contemptible book -- 0 stars
Review: It was Mencken who said no one ever went broke by underestimating American taste. Too bad the reception for Hannibal didn't prove him wrong. The ending is contemptible, the moral universe laughably cynical, and the erudition self-indulgent.
And no, Harris doesn't 'own' his characters. Good characters own themselves, revealing themselves in their reactions to the god of their universe, who is, ultimately, the Author. Clarice would not have conceded her decency to the sick god of Hannibal.
What garbage. When you search for Hannibal,you will also get After Hannibal, by Barry Unsworth. Read that.
Rating:
Summary: Hannibal Loses His Bite
Review: Caveat lector. After the appetizer of "The Red Dragon" and the hearty soup of "Silence of the Lambs," I was waiting anxiously for Thomas Harris to serve a delectable main course in "Hannibal." I found myself chewing over a dry overcooked turkey.After building Clarice with such a strong character in "Silence of the Lambs," I found her total about face harder to swallow than a lump of gristle. Mr. Harris' sloppy handling of her "conversion" did not set the premise for such a radical change. There is a vast difference to building a suspenseful denouement and an ungainly plot shift handled with the skill of freshman comp student. Anyone who has become disillusioned with a career can identify with Clarice's dilemma, especially when she is faced with what appears to be insurmountable obstacles to her future in the FBI. But the Clarice introduced in "Silence of the Lambs" would not have given up so easily.While I did find the glimpses into Hannibal Lecter's childhood interesting, they did little to reveal any clues into his psyche. They served more as a diversion than insight. Harris's handling of Dr. Lecter's stay in Italy showed some of the skill that first drew my interest to his works but deteriorated quickly into an exit far beneath the skill of Dr. Lecter. I do give the novel a marginal recommendation for one of those lazy vacation weekends but do not expect this to meet the quality of Mr. Harris' previous works.
Rating:
Summary: A great read, definately chilling...interesting ending
Review: I only hope that whomever makes the movie spends enough to do it right. I fear that it could quickly turn into a bad film. Dont read it late at night alone, like I did, unless you have solid nerves. I didn't care for all the Italian history which made it wordy at times. The ending was not predictable, and maybe not believeable, but I cant think of anything better. I agree with most of the negative comments too, but overall I loved it.
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