Rating: 
Summary: Major disappointment
Review: I am glad I did not buy the book. I so looked forward to reading this book since I had read Harris' other novels and loved the movie. What a disappointment! I wish Mr. Harris spent more time on the psychological background of Hannibal and less time in describing Florence. I was rather surprised that I found Hannibal to be a sympathetic character and was rooting for him (no pun intended) in the end. Clarice was not the Clarice I remembered. I doubt the real Clarice would do what she did in the end. I did not mind the gruesomeness at all since it was to be expected.
Rating: 
Summary: I'm Sold!
Review: My first reaction to this book was, "it's just not grabbing me." In fact, I considered the possibility of not even finishing it...what a mistake that would have been! By the time I finished reading Hannibal, I was sold... including the ending. I can see that there are many disappointed (mad!) readers out there, but I think that's because of the inevitable comparison to the film version of SOTL. If you're looking for a film sequel, you'll probably fall into the "hated it" camp. If you're looking for facsinating character portrayals and a plot that has the guts to go against the popular grain, then read this book. I plan to go back for "second helpings"!
Rating:
Summary: Boring, disappointing.
Review: Worth a read for fans, but wait for the paperback or get it at the library. Clarice is a wimp, and for that matter, so is Dr Lecter - he's not really evil, just had a bad experience with his sister (Typical '90s - there's an excuse for everything). Not in the same league as Red Dragon or Silence of the Lambs, hard to believe Thomas Harris wrote this.
Rating:
Summary: HANNIBAL bitterly disappoints in its absurb conclusion.
Review: The last several chapters of HANNIBAL makes one wonder if Mr.Harris was under pressure by his publishers to complete the novel by a deadline. I felt ripped off by this book's unrealistic, heavyhanded, ABSURD conclusion. The shame is that up until that point the book was extremely well-written, suspenseful, even terrifying. I found at times that I could not read too much in one sitting because of the disturbing psychological depths Harris explores with Lechter. The scenes in Florence were superb, particularly the Santa della Croce encounter between the young woman and Lechter. My other complaint is that Harris woefully and shamefully neglects the Jack Crawford character, though at the beginning you are led to believe he will play a heavier role in this book. Barney has a bigger role which is silly, very unbelievable and frankly unnecessary. More Crawford, less Barney would have been better. As for Clarice Starling, this is NOT the same Clarice from SILENCE. Mr. Harris, how on earth could you lose such insight on her? In conclusion, I urge all readers NOT to purchase this overhyped sequel, unless you enjoy the sensation of having been mugged when you finish it. Note to Hollywood: rewrite the ending, unless you want a bomb on your hands.
Rating:
Summary: wow - what a stunner
Review: I've got to say that this book isnt for everyone, because of the shocking ending. Half the fans will love it, half despise it. But I think you have to really admire that amount of risk-taking in an author. And holy cow, what a stunner he's come up with! I felt punched in the stomach after finishing. I also have to add that he's really done it again with the secondary villain, Mason Verger. This guy really gives you the chills -- I guess Harris thinks up as loathesome a character as possible so you feel less bad about rooting for Hannibal. there's also a priceless scene with Hannibal on an airplane, riding economy class with the tourists. It's wonderful. I doubt they'll ever make the movie of this (its just too extreme) - but if they do, I hope they don't change a thing. . .
Rating:
Summary: The ending ruined it for me...
Review: This is not a book that did much for me. I loved Silence of the Lambs. It kept me on the edge of my seat. This book, however, just left me wondering what the author was thinking once I reached the end! I had high expectations, but they were quickly deflated. Although there were some aspects of the book that I liked, its conclusion really just cancelled those out for me.
Rating:
Summary: Beauty and the Beast
Review: I loved this book! I peeked at the ending when first getting starting and rolled my eyes, but now I'm glad he ended it the way he did. Beautifully written and disgusting all at the same time.
Rating: 
Summary: I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!
Review: I usually use reading as a sleeping-aid, but this book kept me intrested until I just was too tired to keep reading. This book only got four stars because I was disappointed with the ending. Dr. Lecter and Clarice Starling seem to get out of character toward the end. It is still worth picking up. Harris is great at putting disturbing images in your head.
Rating:
Summary: If I want a comic book story, I'll read a comic book
Review: I read the entire book over the course of this afternoon. It was fun, and had one truly great moment in my opinion. But the rest seemed like the plot of a comic book. Not a well-written comic, but a cheesy Preacher rip-off. Harris created great characters like Clarice and Hannibal in the last book and ruined them in this one. It seemed like he was writing the book as if it was a movie, yet if they made a movie from this book, I don't think anyone would watch it, even if Hopkins, Foster, and Demme were involved.
Rating:
Summary: liked it but i'm traumatized
Review: the actual writing was hard to digest but the plot was good and tasty to follow. i loved reading about clarice and her emerging personality especially since i didn't have to hear Jodie Foster's annoying accent. The ending was completely unexpected and i believe i'm still in denial. During the ending, I would read a page and start screaming,"No way! No way!" I can't wait for the movie because i know they won't keep the ending. definitely worth the time to read at least once.
| 
