Hannibal

Rating:
Summary: hated it
Review: The Mason Verger character was despicable and heinous. That was the first turn off. When we go to Florence, all I could say was so what who cares.

Rating:
Summary: Spoiled by Ubiquitous Excesses
Review: By itself, this novel is perfectly enjoyable and engrossing. However, it cannot compare to its predecessor, _The Silence of the Lambs_. Harris has spoiled the combination of traits that made _Silence_ so successful by blowing up each element to grotesque proportions:

Lecter's erudition has been elevated onto the level of an Umberto Eco protagonist, combined with the refined and expensive tastes that make Carl Djerassi's heroes so annoying. The childhood traumas that shape many of the protagonists have increased to a level that would make Andrew Vachss shudder. The subtle, but constant power and gender struggles that Starling has to fight in _Silence_ have been replaced by an all-out, Rambo-style "One person against a corrupt system" war, and the latent erotic tension between Starling and Lecter in _Silence_ turn into a bodice-ripper in _Hannibal_ (Mad Scientist Ravishes Beautiful FBI Agent! Film at 11!).

Now all of these styles (and I'm sorry if this sounded like a shopping list) of course work perfectly fine by themselves, but the way Harris combined them in _Hannibal_ simply doesn't work that well for me. Still a fun read, but not a classic.

Rating:
Summary: What a surprise!
Review: This book was not nearly as graphic as Silence of the Lambs, however it has a very strange twist to it. Took me a chapter or two to get into it, but when I did it was quick reading...you just have to holdout for the end!

Rating:
Summary: You won't put it down!!
Review: This has to be the best book I have read this summer! It is so well written that you can almost experience each page happening. You learn the reason for Dr. Lecter's "tastes", and the true depth of his psyche. Thomas Harris continues to tell a horrifying tale with class, and I can only hope that there will be more in the life of Hannibal Lecter!

Rating:
Summary: Beyond 'Silence' -- Hannibal Fascinates and Horrifies
Review: A Baroque masterpiece by Harris, well worthy of a place beside 'Silence' and 'Red Dragon,' 'Hannibal' is a gorgeous, grotesque, horrifying -- and beautifully written book. It's dark fare served up by Thomas Harris and a Hannibal Lecter in rare form.

Big, fat note of warning: It's not for everyone. The book is as shocking as it is disturbing. But it's also immensely satisfying, both as a pulse-pounder and as a book that succeeds on the literary level. I've noticed that people (reviewers included) either adore this book or absolutely hate it -- I loved it. But be warned -- it is a walk on the wild side...

If 'Silence of the Lambs' was a sonata, 'Hannibal' is a symphony -- with a vengeance. Minor criticisms would include a bumpy beginning and an over-the-top gross villain who has none of the subtlety or 3-D believability of the 'Tooth Fairy' (or Lecter) from 'Red Dragon.' But the writing and plot race toward a daring, shocking can't-miss ending, with some wonderful insights into Starling and especially Lecter's 'Palace of the Mind' along the way.

Lecter's powerful presence permeates the book -- fascinating as always even as it frightens. The ending left me speechless with disbelief and admiration for Harris -- and how far he is willing to go. By the end the book is a twisted and beautiful, brilliantly Baroque masterpiece.

Also recommended in this genre: Red Dragon, The Silence of the Lambs, The Green Mile, Mercy

Rating:
Summary: The Thrill is Gone
Review: Having read _Red Dragon_ and _Silence of the Lambs_, I had looked forward to _Hannibal_, Mr. Harris' latest novel. While the language and prose was up to par, I never found the story very engaging. Worse, I never felt any sense of dread or suspense throughout the novel. There are parts that detail grisly murders, but it was more a sense of repulsion than true horror. I think I could have forgiven such short-comings, but then the ending left me completely baffled. After reading it several times, I puzzled out what exactly happened, but it left me feeling disbelief for the way events turned out. I certainly will not spoil the ending, however I will say that I found it highly unlikely.

For the style and prose, as well as beautiful descriptions of Florence, I give it three stars, but I cannot say that I recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: The Author teases, as Hannibal does
Review: I very much enjoyed the book, but I did think that it went on and on and on to get to the jucier parts. At any rate, it's worth reading.

Rating:
Summary: Superb Entertainment
Review: This book was truly intriguing from cover to cover. Harris is a MASTER writer! For those who rated this below 4 or 5 stars, just who do think can do it better???

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating Psychology
Review: I've read through a lot of the reviews, and I thought I'd write my own here. I found the book to be an amazing portrayal of the mastermind that Hannibal Lecter is - it's no wonder he became a psychiatrist in his life, he has an unbelievable power over the people that he comes into contact with.

Witness Clarice Starling, who seems to have been left shattered after Hannibal delves into her psyche in Silence of the Lambs. His effect on her seems to have been profound, her character in this book seems a bit lost and totally unsure about what she had thought to be true her entire life. (which i attribute to Lecter's probing of her in Silence of the Lambs)

Throughout the book, we watch as Lecter weaves his power over the people in his life, whether it be through a lifelong pursuit of revenge, money, glory, fascination etc.. As we go along, we see some of lecters own psyche -- why he became what he became, his thoughts and dreams, etc.. The result is that the psychological games he plays (for me anyway) become obvious and more disturbing than the cannibalism/killing.

As for the ending, I think it is the best scene of the master at work - he used every psychiatric method at his disposal to achieve his end. None of the reviews I've read seem to have mentioned one particular method, which I won't mention, but if you pay attention you'll see it for yourself. It's all in the details, as a good book should be. All I will say is that I'm not as disappointed in Clarice as everyone else seems to be. If you're into the rather mindless murder/mystery books, this probably won't be a good book to read. If you're into diving deep into the psyche of a person and seeing the results, even in the smallest details of the book, this one will fascinate.

I'm still fascinated. :)

Rating:
Summary: What an ending!
Review: As I eagerly awaited this release, I worried that my expectations would exceed what Tom Harris would deliver. I was not disappointed.

As the title indicates, this work is much more focused on Hannibal Lector than Harris's previous works. I found the imagry engaging and beautiful.

The ending will definitly surprise, shock, and dismay you, but it was much more interesting than the traditional Hollywood ending. It makes one question what really motivates us and how one's belief system is impacted by those around us.

Ever think you'd see Hannibal as the protaganist? You just may do so here, if only for the fact that you will have to choose him over greater evils.