Rating:  Summary: Not as scary as RED DRAGON and SILENCE, but still compelling Review: The third in Harris' Lecter trilogy, HANNIBAL is not up to the quality of the first two novels. More "yucky" detail than scary suspense, it was still compelling, if only to see what happened to its two main characters, Hannibal and Clarice. I bought it the day it was published, read it that day, and donated it to my local library; I'm keeping my hardcover copies of his first two books.
Rating:  Summary: Not for the squeamish! Review: Whoa! Definitely worth the wait... I was gasping in astonishment and shouting "Oh no!" a dozen times. Outdoes both Red Dragon and SotL many times over. Sure, the plot is pretty far-fetched (like that of its predecessors), but Harris's writing skill makes it believable.
Rating:  Summary: Disturbing, Intricate, Horrific Review: I, like everyone else, was first in line at the bookstore this week, anxiously waiting for my copy of the continuing saga of our favorite doctor. I read it in a day (as I am sure the rest of you did) and ended the book exhausted. Complex plot, various locations, old and new characters. I greatly enjoyed the work, but question the ending - it was a bit hard for me to swallow.
Rating:  Summary: Not exactly what I expected, but a great read. Review: I too have read and thoroughly enjoyed Harris' three previous thrillers. As for Hannibal: I can't wait for the movie! If Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins are cast again in the lead roles they should be a cinch for Oscars. Not only are there opportunities for scary stuff, but they'll also get to play some dark and delicious comedy. As some readers have commented, Harris may have pushed the envelope a bit beyond credible. But I've got to believe that his tongue was buried very deep in his cheek while writing some of the more incredible scenes. Foster and Sir Anthony will be challenged when playing the near-the-end dinner scene to avoid giggling and coming across as the Adams family. And that's not a putdown, I really enjoyed the book!
Rating:  Summary: Pleasantly Surprised Review: My 8 year thirst for Hannibal has been quenched this week! I read this book in two days and enjoyed every second of it! Mr. Harris brilliantly created a story that only certain kinds of readers would like. I learned a side of Hannibal that allowed me to confidently root for him, and I also realized that there are "monsters" worse than he is. The suspense of his abduction, and coming to understand the reason *why* Hannibal is what he is, makes this book so worthy to read.The supporting characters and the conclusion were pleasant surprises, however, I am not sure how this book will translate on the screen, unless the viewer has read this book, and anticipates serious editing and some deviation from the book. In any event, if "Hannibal" does become a movie... I'm so there!!!
Rating:  Summary: pageturner at best. Review: red dragon still gives me the chills. silence of the lambs was a worthy sequel. this has the feel of an author inspired by contractual obligations in lieu of artistic license. i did finish it quickly, but it leaves no lasting impression other than your average page turner.
Rating:  Summary: Harris still does it better than anyone else Review: Hannibal is kind of like "The Two Jakes." Jack Nicholson's sequel to "Chinatown" couldn't measure up, but I thought it was a pretty damn good movie. Harris' characters are once again vivid, but Silence of the Lambs had the most engrossing plot for both a book and a movie with which I have been enticed. Hannibal was more grossing than engrossing, but still I ate it up quicker than a certain bad boy's brains got consumed. Margo is a particularly vivid character. Cast Demi Moore in the movie. The aforementioned Jack Nicholson could have a lot of fun with Mason.
Rating:  Summary: A sad dumbing down of intelligent, diabolical Dr. Lecter Review: This book was a tremendous disappointment. The intelligence of Red Dragon and Silence of the Lambs is no where to be found in this tepid, stupid, gory for no reason sequel. Life's too short to waste your time on this one.
Rating:  Summary: Sleepless Near Seattle Review: I didn't think the hype could be true. I "discovered" Thomas Harris before "Silence of the Lambs" and found his books frighteningly real and incredibly readable. When I read in a magazine that he was finally coming out with a new book and that it featured "Hannibal the Cannibal," I was prepared to be completely, cynically disappointed. I read "Hannibal" in one sitting-- not sleeping until far, far into the night because I simply couldn't put the book down. I was mesmerized, horrified, fascinated, angry, sad, and, weirdly, sympathetic. Don't let anyone tell you what happens-- BUY IT!
Rating:  Summary: What's For Dinner? Homophobia, Misogyny, and Nihilism Review: This homophobic, racist, misogynous, nihilistic book is not writing. It's not even typing. I wouldn't be surprised if Harris used a dictaphone while he was drunk one night while vacationing in Italy, and had some poor sub-secretarial sod transcribe it and FedEx it to the publisher the next day. Worse than the bad writing is the hideously offensive plot. Like the worst excesses of capitalism, Harris tries to top himself, create something new, and in the process manages to do more than offend -- this book is a tract for hateful, sexist, bigoted straight white men. I wouldn't be surprised if some adopt it as a theory of living, a la THE TURNER DIARIES.
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