Hannibal

Rating:
Summary: Harris needs an editor
Review: What exactly made Carlos' head so "malodorous"? This phrase was used at least 5 times. Verger actually said "She can't prove she didn't do it" two or three times. It reminded me an assignment in creative writing where you had to use as many cliches as possible. The story was all right, but could have been much better if Harris would have deigned to allow his precious work to be edited. It is inventive and fresh to create new metaphors that really bring the reader in to the story. It is annoying though when one thinks so highly of their newly coined phrases to keep using them over and over...

Rating:
Summary: I devoured it -- a sumptous read with a disappointing finish
Review: Thomas Harris is a master at creating and building tension. "Hannibal" contains memorable scenes, with writing and research one can savor and appreciate again and again. Having said this, I must add, however, that the concluding chapters of "Hannibal" were somewhat flat -- like a disappointing dessert at the end of a fine meal. Perhaps I should read them again to uncover additional messages I missed the first time. In the demise of Paul Krendler, Harris may have deliberately withheld the satisfying irony in the details of a first-person glance at his "capture," which dilutes some of the poetic justice and disturbing "ripples" provided in other riveting scenes, and in his other books, for that matter. Why? What has happened to Clarice? Harris keeps us at arm's length, and without her iron threads of narrative to guide us at the end, we are left without a strong incentive to keep us thinking. I truly hope Harris doesn't wait another 11 years to release his next work, but this time, I hope he leaves Lechter and Starling on the bookshelf.

Rating:
Summary: this took seven years?
Review: Mr. Harris' first two books in this 'series' seemed to be examinations of the criminal mind and how an investigator uses evidence and intuition to stop psychos. This book reads like a digusting apologist screed for the indefensible actions of the 'hero' Lector. Mr. Harris is an excellent writer. However this story is strained in the sense that all the characters are weirdos. I understand that examinations of ordinary people do not a bestseller make. I do not understand why even minor characters must be given digusting quirks. This book is enjoyable. I garner some enjoyment reading about the flakes that the world can produce. The ending and the resolution of the relationship between Starling and Lector is obvious and possibly the worst of all possible endings to this story.

Rating:
Summary: An elegantly-written dud
Review: Harris has crafted another monster in Mason Verger; genuinely evil with no redeeming qualities. Although his sister Margot's role is predictable, her character is complex and tinted with moral shades of gray. The author guides the reader through several tours of Dr. Lecter's "memory palace", where elegance and culture disguise the septic tank beneath. Harris gives Hannibal a motive; but vacillates between maintaining Lecter's evil status or humanizing him. Harris doesn't seem to know quite what to do with the character of Barney; initially making him a player in the plot, then abruptly erasing Barney until the end. Starling continues her role as the driven FBI agent battling her own personal demons, until the author unravels her moral fiber in the disappointing, implausible ending to this book. The final few pages have the effect of an author trying for shock value while meeting a publication deadline. A disappointing work from a talented author.

Rating:
Summary: disappointed
Review: I've enjoyed previous books written by Thomas Harris, but this one was truly disappointing. I loved the "chase" of Hannibal across the continents, but I was stunned by the ending. I kept reading thinking, "this must be a dream sequence." Did someone else write the ending to this book? The author can't possibly claim to know his characters as their actions, particularly Clarice Starling's, in the last few chapters are completely unlike them. Please don't even suggest another sequel!

Rating:
Summary: Not worth it.
Review: After having read "The Red Dragon" and "The Silence of the Lambs", I was looking forward to "Hannibal".I enjoyed most of the book, mainly because I liked the detail Mr. Harris goes into describing the characters and the situations. I was very disappointed in the conclusion of the book, it was just too hokey of an ending.

Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your time
Review: Despite the gore the book is actually quite boring. The ending is implausible in the extreme. I know of no combination of drugs/dreams/psychotic breaks that the characters could have that could make this ending seem real.

Rating:
Summary: Was this really written by Thomas Harris?
Review: This book was nowhere near as good as his other books -- in fact, it's hard to believe it's the same author. And the ending is insulting to his readers who have waited ten years for the sequel. I hope they don't bother making a movie out of this one. I can't imagine Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins starring in it, as the quality is substandard.

Rating:
Summary: An Intellectually Gruesome Tale
Review: Hannibal's character is well developed in this new novel by Thomas Harris. Hannibal is not as terrifying as in "The Silence of the Lambs" he is nontheless gruesome. Hannibal dispenses his brand of high intellect and cold murderous ways with the same detachment. Clarisse is another matter. Harris details the attraction of Hannibal to Clarisse and her similarity to his sister. Yet, what brings Clarisse to join him in the end? This is an excellant read! I finished it in one sitting. A Real page turner and highly recommended. Appropriately, chapter 100's gruesome meal prepared by Hannibal Lecter is forever unshakeable from my memory!

Rating:
Summary: Well worth waiting for!
Review: Delicious page turner! I found this book hard to put down. Dr. Lector is still a charming, intelligent, evil psychopath and he's been missed. It's nice to see the continuity from 'Silence' to 'Hannibal' flow so cleanly. Anyone who is looking for another 'Silence' should not read this book.