Hannibal

Rating:
Summary: Great Writing!
Review: I bought and read this novel some time ago. I didn't read The Silence Of The Lambs so I can't compare Hannibal with The Lambs but I thought Hannabal was a smooth read from first to last page. Very Well Written

Rating:
Summary: Good end to a memorable series
Review: Good end to a memorable series. The only problem I can see anyone having with this book is trying to decide if its a happy ending or bad ending. But after you read it and reflect back over the previous novels you will realize it really couldn't have ended any other way. Without spoiling the ending I will say it end much different and much better than the movie.

Rating:
Summary: A Tasty Read
Review: Is there a cooler villain in all of literature than cannibalistic Psychiatrist Hannibal Lector? In my humble opinion, no. After scene-stealing turns in Author Thomas Harris' previous two books (Red Dragon & The Silence of the Lambs), the good Doctor takes center stage in his own book, Hannibal.

To get the comparison out of the way, Hannibal the book blows Hannibal the movie away. I purposely put off reading Hannibal until after I saw the movie (Tough to do, considering I was on line at the bookstore before they opened the day the book was released!); I thought I'd enjoy the movie more that way, and I'm glad I waited now, because if I had seen the movie AFTER reading the book, I would have hated it. The movie is like the Reader's Digest version of the book. They both follow the same plot, but the rich tapestry Harris weaves with his prose just can't be captured on film. (Plus, the film cops out at the end, opting for a more sequel-friendly finale.)

In Hannibal, we find our murderous gourmet abroad in Florence, Italy, living the good life. Soon he's the center of a worldwide hunt that involves a disgraced Italian Cop, a hideously disfigured former victim and his pumped-up sister, and Hannibal's former nemesis, F.B.I. Agent Clarice Starling. When Starling is put on the F.B.I.'s hit list, Hannibal puts a daring plan into action that can only end in violence. And a VERY special dinner......

As in the previous two Hannibal Lecter books, and his excellent first book, Black Sunday, Harris is a masterful wordsmith; His prose is absolutely elegant, even when describing acts of incredibly grotesque violence, of which this book has no shortage. (I consider myself pretty jaded, and I must say that I was VERY disturbed by a lot of what I read in this book. I treasure any book that can bring out such a strong reaction in me.)His characters, from Hannibal and Clarice right on down to the most minute supporting player, are all vividly rendered and three-dimensional. Aside from the straight-arrow Clarice, who is actually the most bland character in the book, there's really no one but Hannibal to root for. The book is populated by unrepentant scumbags like the faceless pedophile Mason Verger and the shifty Paul Krendler, so seeing the way Hannibal draws them all into his web and serves them their just desserts is quite entertaining, and more than a little cathartic. The book's ending is miles apart from the movie's, and I'm still haunted by the last line. Hannibal is an amazing read, and is probably one of the top ten books I've ever read. Bon Appetit, Dr. Lecter!

Rating:
Summary: Return the book
Review: In Silence of the Lambs, Starling is well defined and depicted, a person of great integrity and courage. Hannibal begins by being almost romantic in character, because the clues he parcels out to Starling regarding the new serial killer seem to imply a truly intelligent insight into the new killer's mind. Starling's respect for Hannibal is based on basic human decency as well as on a respect for his intelligence and insight, which it seems may be ongoing. In the end, however, we see that Hannibal's clues come from having had direct knowledge of the killer, and Hannibal is thereby de-mystified, as his sociopathic cruelty in manipulation is further exposed. Starling's respect for Hannibal is thereby reduced to a less personal wariness and knowledge of his character. In Hannibal the book, the wonderful characterizations of Silence of the Lambs are thrown out the window, and two unrelated characters called Starling and Hannibal are written in. In an attempt to show there can be a character worse than Hannibal, the pedophilic cripple is created; a sympathetic Hannibal is drawn by means of showing cruelty to him; and the previously unique and integral characterization of Starling is violated by having her reviled by the FBI and then throwing her into Hannibal's arms when she tries to save him from cruelty. In Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal is treated with respect from other humans, and the horror of himself is thereby very vivid. In Hannibal the book, he is another misunderstood guy, beset by another horror of a human being, without interest and without integrity. Harris created two unique characters in Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lechter, and then threw them away in this book.

Rating:
Summary: Hannibal's Goodbye Is The Best Of The Trilogy.
Review: In the beginning, there was "Red Dragon," where ex-FBI agent Will Graham went after a sick and twisted killer known only as the "Tooth Fairy," looking for help in Dr. Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter, who only appeared in three scenes. Then, there was "The Silence of the Lambs," in which the good doctor was given a much larger role as he helped FBI trainee Clarice Starling catch a demented killer called "Buffalo Bill." Now, the finale is here, in the beautifully constructed, wonderfully written and shocking novel, "Hannibal."

It is seven years after the events of "The Silence of the Lambs." Jame Gumb is dead, Clarice Starling is on bad ground with the FBI after a drug raid gone wrong, Jack Crawford is nearing retirement and Hannibal Lecter is out of jail and free in the world. Nobody knows where he is, and everyday his photo stays as number one on the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted" list. Now, someone is out for revenge. Mason Verger is a disgusting child molestor who was convinced by Hannibal to peel his own face off, leaving him horribly disfigured. Verger owns a large and wealthy foundation and enjoys terrorizing children while he lies in bed and watches every thing that goes on in the world. Mason is plotting a scheme to torture Dr. Lecter for two days until killing him for good as revenge against what he did to him. The reward he puts out for catching Lecter alive (without the knowledge of the FBI) convinces Rinaldo Pazzi to catch Lecter, who is living a good life in Florence under the alias "Dr. Fell," and deliver him to Mason for a full ten million dollars. Many die as Dr. Lecter leaves a trail of mayhem and blood, proving he is the ultimate monster is history. Meanwhile, the slimy Paul Krendler is double crossing the FBI to catch Lecter and kick Starling out of the FBI and use her as bait. But Lecter always remains one step ahead of them.

Ever since "The Silence of the Lambs" was published in 1988, readers demanded a sequel. Little did they know, it would take eleven years for such a book to be published. It's a lot like "Star Wars: Episode 1." People waited so long to get the book, and invisioned in their heads what might happen in it. So, of course, when it was released, many were dissipointed. When you wait so long, you build something up to be better than it really is, or the result is different than you expected it to be. That's why most of the reviews you'll find on this site are negative and bash it. I, however, am able to see the pure brilliance of this novel, no doubt a pure masterpiece. I'll bet a million dollars that most of the world was expecting another serial killer novel similiar to "Red Dragon" and "The Silence of the Lambs," but what was given to them was so different, unusual and twisted they couldn't really enjoy it. Personally, as much as I loved the two previous books, I welcomed the change in this one and admired Thomas Harris' bravery in departing from what was expected.

When I say this book is twisted, I mean it. Everyone is up in arms over the gore of the movie version, but this book is much sicker. There's a truckload of violent murders, tons of gory scenes in very explicit details, as well as very disturbing talks about molesting children and Mason and his sister, Margot's (who is nowhere in the movie) sexual expieriences as children. Not to mention you've got man-eating wild boars and a particularly nasty dinner sequence. The ending also caused a lot of controversy and anger. I won't give it away here, but I will say that "The Silence of the Lambs" hinted at this throughout the whole book, and this novel was only taking that a giant leap further. I particularly admire this ending, because it is a big shock yet left me feeling completely satisfied (once again, the movie version changes this).

Dr. Hannibal Lecter himself is, in my opinion, one of the greatest monsters ever put onto a page. He is interesting and fascinating. The coolest thing about him is how is a complete gentlemen, has a knowledge of fine wines, enjoys excellent meals, speaks intelligently and has a wide knowledge of the history of the earth, and because of all this, he can kill and eat people and we still find him a nice guy because he is so charming and intelligent. This book explains his past more and why he is the way he is, and I really enjoyed it because it makes you feel for him as a character more. Of course, many people disliked this, but I thought it influenced that he is a real person and truly can't help the way he is. Besides, the real villian of this book is Mason Verger, one of the most disturbing characters I have ever seen in a book. The details the novel goes into about him are very nasty and I really hated him. Other characters from the previous novel are back, most noticeably Paul Krendler, Jack Crawford, Barney the security guard and Ardelia Mapp, Clarice Starling's best friend and house-mate.

Overall, this book is a must read for anyone with a strong stomach and anyone who enjoyed "Red Dragon" and "The Silence of the Lambs." If you enjoyed this book, maybe you should check out "The Stand," the most brilliant novel I've ever read, or any of the Lecter movies, which include "Manhunter," "The Silence of the Lambs," "Hannibal" and "Red Dragon."

I hope my review was helpful.

PS: I really am thirteen.

Rating:
Summary: A novel of consumption
Review: Starling is consumed by duty and ambition.
The Bureau roasts Starling (a sacrificial "Lamb")for being too much of a hotshot.
Pazzi is consumed by greed and lust, only to be digested by the media.
Mason Verger ingests what comes forth in the pain of the weak and the weak-willed. Evenutally to be consumed by a red dragon.
Jack Crawford is eaten up with grief from the loss of his wife and his disappointment in The Bureau (his two true loves).
Krendler is a parasite, feeding off anything that will advance his position.
Really, all Lecter wants at the outset of the story is to be left alone. He wants to study history and art in his beloved Florence. But he is forced out of "retirement" by discovery and desire.
Harris is a very deep thinker and tries to reflect this in his stories. He was probably hamstrung a bit by the money people wanting to create a franchise in "Hannibal", but dig beneath the blood and gore; you'll find a nice allegorical novel full of history and culture.

Folks are really hung up on the ending. I'm not sure what they wanted. Maybe a nice, pat, Hollywood ending. Oh well, who knows? Maybe Harris envisioned something where Ardelia gets Barney to help her track down Starling. Or maybe, he wanted just an ending. If you listen to the money people they'll keep you at it until there's no soul left to your ideas, and maybe Harris wanted to close the book on Lector.

I think time will be kind to this story, and as years go by it will be stand on its own merits, and not as a literary Happy Meal.

Rating:
Summary: Well above expectations
Review: Hannibal is no "Silence of the Lambs" and it sure as hell is not a Hollywood movie. Sequel lovers will be disappointed but those who want to find progress and evolution in horror will find it here in Hannibal in all its bloody glory. Harris could have given us a remake of Red Dragon or Silence, but instead he goes the extra mile by shredding everything that the other two books stood for and simply slapping out a new raw type of horror story on a plate. There is nothing in this book which stops you turning the pages and anybody with some insight can see that every word, every sentence, every chapter has been gone over with a fine tooth and comb to give it the 'horror' masterpiece that Harris obviously had in mind. In fact that is what this book is - sheer urban horror.

Hannibal is a quicker read than anything you can expect. If you want to know more about why Hannibal does what he does then you will find it here within these pages. There is less detective work this time round but then again look at the book's title and you will understand. This isn't about the FBI or Starling. This isn't about Serial Killers and their Nemisis - this is about Hannibal.

The story is vulgar, obscene, violent and bloody. It takes us through the halls of blood-soaked dreams and into Hannibal's world where he walks freely painting his canvas a dark red while convincing onlookers that his interpretations of renaissance paintings are indeed the revelations of their ancestors deranged minds.... and they clap! This books plays with you and sticks with you.

To cut a long story short this is a HORROR NOVEL and a bloody good one at that. It matches the Exorcist in this respect and does its best to distance itself from prejudged ideologies about what a follow-up to silence of the lambs should be. I give a nod to Harris! This is Horror evolution at its finest if you ask this reviewer.... and that is the best way to lap it up.

Go read Agatha Christy or James Patterson if you really want another detective yarn.

Rating:
Summary: Good, but not that good...
Review: It has been three years since this book burst onto the market place and was given the hysteric fanfare and critical acclaim from the likes of the 'Guardian' and the 'New York Times Book Review'. At that moment in history it appeared this book could do no wrong - a perfect thriller and a triumph for the literary establishment. After finally reading it last night, I'd have to say that the general response from these distinghed critics was way over the top. The novel is good, but not that good. Harris was true to his successful formula and as a result, managed to sell a lot of books. Contrary to popular opinion, however, ~Hannibal~ pales in comparison to its predecessors. And it fails on many counts.

The success of the 'Hannibal' trilogy is an intriguing one. Dr. Hannibal Lecter is without question, the story's appeal. Here is the manifestation of a monster with god-like qualities: the archangel Lucifer in the guise of a psychiatrist. Lecter is the fallen angel in human form - the spoilt prodigy child forced to live amongst human beings who he sees as nothing more than chimpanzees. Exiled from paradise, he's hell-bent on making trouble, ensuring the great cosmic experiment will fail. Most of us have 'sympathy for the devil' because we're all essentially in the same boat. There are moments in our lives that we too feel exiled from heaven, and can relate to the devil's resentment. Hannibal is a mythological figure in modern form; he's Milton's Satan with a medical degree. The novel is a distilled version of a missing chapter in 'Paradise Lost' in the guise of a paperback thriller.

The novel moves along well up to the point where we are told why Dr. Lecter does what he does...the reason for his cannibalism and his hatred for the world. This particular causal explanation struck me as much too easy: something a first year psychology undergraduate would dream-up...and it was disappointing. The 'true' evil in the novel is the antagonist, Mason Verger - a maimed pedeophile with a penchant for drinking the tears of abused children. This is a disturbing idea. Harris has a disturbing imagination; but the Verger character isn't smart enough to manifest something a subtle as this insanity - he would have come up with something a lot more sinister and sophisticated for exacting revenge on the good doctor. The Verger character didn't pan out; he simply was too melodramatic to the point of absurdity.

To Harris's credit, the ending was a surprising one. The Starling character, in the previous book, was a person that most of us could relate to...a virtuous individual fighting the good fight. Harris turns this around, however, and the reason(s) given for Starling's fall from grace is weak. That said, the last fifty pages describing the therapy exchange between Lecter and our tainted maiden is chilling.

The myth of Hannibal Lecter is an old one. But Harris gives us nothing new, and pessimistically presents us with a future of no hope. Even the Starling's of the world will fall from grace, and there's nothing we can do about it. In this round, at least, evil takes the upper hand.

Rating:
Summary: Psychiatric profiling is fascinating...
Review: Putting aside and accepting the violent and shocking nature of Harris' writing, this novel is fascinating in how he takes you through the mind of Hannibal Lechter, and the details of the childhood trauma leading to the creation of this monster. I only take away a star for the ending because I dont think it was realistic that a solid character like Clarice, no matter what bureacratic evil she faced, could have been so easily 'turned' to the dark side, and in fact the movie screenplay acts to correct this. Nonetheless, Harris IS a genius at suspense...Ken Giuffre MD, author, "the care and feeding of your brain"...

Rating:
Summary: Obsessed with Hannibal
Review: Invite Hannibal Lecter into the palace of your mind and be invited into his mind palace in turn. Note the similarities in yours and his, the high vaulted chambers of your dreams, the shadowed halls, the locked storerooms where you dare not go, the scrap of half-forgotten music, the muffled cries from behind a wall.... I own this book, and it is definetly one of the best reads out there. Thomas Harris is a great author, and Dr. Hannibal Lecter is the best character there is. He is such an evil genius! I LOVE it! I eat this stuff up! If you like crazy, evil, disgusting horror, GO GET IT!