Hannibal

Rating:
Summary: Terrible Ending
Review: I would not recommend this book. The way Clarice was portrayed in this book was not how, after reading Silence of the Lambs, readers would expect her to act. I don't want to ruin a bad ending for anyone so I won't get into the details. However, it's no wonder Jodi Foster refused to play Clarice in the future movie. The ending was a huge disappointment. In the past she was a strong-willed women. This ending was so unlike Clarice. Until the end, the book isn't too bad, but because of the ending, I think even one star is too much.

Rating:
Summary: Should have ended with Chapter 88.
Review: I felt that the story had a huge set-up that culminated in a fast-paced action-packed conflict, only to wrap-up many of the loose details of the story quickly and dissappointingly from a single, mysterious perspective that differed from the matter-of-fact linear style of the preceding chapters. Overall a good read. I can see Hollywood's upcoming interpretation differing in many ways.

Rating:
Summary: Great read, but poor ending
Review: I read this book in about three days, and had trouble putting it down. Yes, it did bogg down in places, and true, there was no sense of dread throughout most of it, but it was definitely worth the time. There was alot more Harris could have done with this novel that he did not do. And, too much time was spent in Florence with the Dr Fell thing. The ending was almost obscene to those who adore Special Agent Starling...you'll see when you read it. I hated the ending and I would have liked to see it completed much differently, possibly in a way to leave the door open for a fourth book. With that said, I enjoyed the book and recommend it to you.

Rating:
Summary: Pass the chianti and fava beans, please!
Review: Read this novel! If you don't enjoy it, seek treatment for rectally impacted cranium disorder, and then read it again. The unfavorable reviews that I have read all seem to be written by people who wanted to re-read "The silence of the Lambs" and have it be the same only different. Each novel, from "Red Dragon" on that concerns Lecter has been different, and better than the last. In Hannibal, the monster finally becomes a fully fleshed character with a past, with desires beyond plot-driven mischief, and -yes- weaknesses. Clarice, too, becomes a more fully developed character; but, perhaps not in the way those that hero-worship the Jody Foster version of her might wish. Forget the movies. Read this novel!

Rating:
Summary: THIS IS AMAZING!
Review: The style of Harris' writing has changed from "The Silence Of the Lambs", but I found it all the more enthralling. Harris coaxs you in closer, giving the impression that all is right with the world just in time to rattle you to the core. Then he shocks with his surprise ending. Overall, one of the best books I've read.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Amazing, by anyone's standards
Review: I have already read "Hannibal" 5 times, and I must say that it is the best book of this trilogy. It's a shame that Jodie Foster has turned down the offer to reprise her role as Clarice. But, with that notwithstanding, I'm sure the movie is going to be as good as the book. I like the unique idea of revenge that Mason has in store for the good dottore. I also like the way Harris gives us insight into the characters and what their agendas are. What I like the most is the probable cause of why Lecter is how he is. I dont want to spoil the book, but, lets say it's very unique. The accuracy of the layout of Florence is nothing short of perfection, and this book is the absolute best way of closing out a chilling trilogy of a "treasure dive" into the human psyche, though this is far from a treasure dive. Simply a must read.

Rating:
Summary: Exciting Sequel - Hard to believe ending
Review: I didn't find this book nearly as good as Silence of the Lambsor Red Dragon but it is an exciting story with now familiar characters... The finale is grotesque but so hard to believe that it detracted from the many wonderful pages of mystery and suspense that preceded it. But if you enjoyed Silence of the Lambs, I suspect you won't regret reading Hannibal.

Rating:
Summary: Who Are These People?
Review: I doubt that my review will dissuade anyone from buying or reading this book. If you must buy it, though, get a used copy, as the less you spend on this, the better. Better yet, borrow from a friend or the library, for this book is inferior in all ways to the previous The Red Dragon and Silence of the Lambs.

The novel moves through often brief, cursory chapters that made me think, Ah, Mr. Harris is obviously on a deadline and is wasting no time on quality plotting, characterization or dialogue. Yet, the times he lingers on a scene, I wanted him to move on: each time I had to dwell on the pig-master's chewing of stag teeth, or the nasty eel swimming figure eights in a large tank I thought: he has no idea what he wants of his characters at any depth, save for gruesome sensational plans and counterplans.

The background of Dr. Lecter is all too brief and sketchy to lend any further understanding into this peculiar and dangerous mind; and there is little more than superficial interaction with Clarice and Dr. Lecter, even when he is drugging her and manipulating her into becoming his love-toy. Who are these people? Where is the insightful, on-the-edge interaction that formerly held a captive audience? No wonder Ms. Foster wants no part of this; there is nothing that could draw any actor of depth and integrity.

If you want a cheap thrill and don't expect too much from the book, fine, go ahead. The only reason I gave the book a star at all is because even a badly-written book takes time and effort; I give Mr. Harris credit for that. Beyond that? I do not much care for what happens next to the bleached-blond Ms. Starling, nor do I think Mr. Harris will ever adequately reveal the character of Dr. Lector as it will take more effort and subtlety than Mr. Harris seems willing to commit.

Rating:
Summary: Good always triumphs?
Review: I enjoyed the book immensely, but I believe I understand why many people choose to be shocked and negative about this latest offering in the saga of Hannibal Lechter. There is something in our civilization that wants to believe (even though we know better) that good will always triumph over evil and all the 'bad guys' will get it in the end. Surprise...

The theme is reminiscent of Neitsche's admonition to "Those who hunt monsters" and is probably very disturbing to folks who compulsively lock there doors each night. Yeah, the bad guy wins every once in a while.

Rating:
Summary: Exciting
Review: This book is GREAT. I have always enjoyed Thomas Harris' novels. This one is just as good. Harris has you yearning to continue to read further on. It is a book that I could not put down. The ending is the most surprising. But rather than spoil it and tell you I recommend that you take time out and read this book and then see the movie that is coming in February.