Rating: 
Summary: Good .....until the last flush
Review: Whether the main character of this genre of novels is called Dracula, Nosferatu, Charlie Manson or Hannibal Lecter the driver is similar: we seem to have a long history of lust for incredible gore and horror. Perhaps Thomas Harris understands this universal need as he has introduced an elegant yet smarmy character who is charismatic enough to survive three books. With the highly publicized film version of Hannibal about to be released the timing seems right to find out just how far the author could push our senses. "The Silence of the Lambs" was a grotesque film noir, but it had its redeeming charms - mainly in the guise of the highly intelligent and elegant persona of the mad main character. "Hannibal" picks up where "Silence" left off and for a long while this novel is a joy to read because of the beauty of Harris' description of Florence, Italy, the minute attention to detail that enhances the suspense, the bizarre turns of an unending chase, etc. But this novel seem to be saying "no more sequels" in the rather gauche ending. This is not the Clarice we have been following, nor can even the strangest mind condone the "feast of living brains" that brings this book to a tawdry conclusion. Now to see how Hollywood deals with this....... As for a book, it is only for the Hannibal-addicted.
Rating: 
Summary: I don't understand these negative reviews
Review: At the time I aquired 'Hannibal' I had never before read anything by Thomas Harris. Sure I had seen the film 'The Silence of the Lambs,' but as everyone knows the movie rarely does the book any credit. This book was so good that immediately after I finished reading it, I ran to the nearest book store and purchased both 'Red Dragon' and 'TSOTL.' The story was engrossing, fast paced, and very detailed. I could feel the frustration that Clarice must have felt and I could almost see the farm house where Dr. Lector had observed the brutal death of his sister. This quality of writing is a pleasure and an honour to read. I just can't understand why people are criticizing it. Sure, the ending was a blow to the senses, but really what did you expect. That Clarice and Lector would have a fight to the death, that she would capture him again, no! If you thought that, you obviously didn't pay any attention to the events in this novel. If you haven't already read this book, do so...right now! You won't regret it, unless of course you enjoy cliched endings. Lord knows I don't. Thank you
Rating: 
Summary: Did Thomas Harris get bored?
Review: When I started on this book I was absolutely hooked, I practically read it straight through. But the ending was so awful it was painful. I heard a rumor that Jodi Foster refused to do the movie despite a record-breaking sum of money because her character was so pathetic. I don't know if it's true, but I don't blame her for a second if it is.
Rating: 
Summary: This truly is a horror novel....
Review: Reading the book, the true horror unfolds when you see where Harris is actually going with the end of the book. The ending is so unbelievable that it makes you go back and recognize the flaws of the rest of the book. Harris was certainly influenced by the success of Silence, and needed to build the book around the heroes of the movie (Hannibal and Clarice). Almost every character is completely unlikeable, and we are supposed to actually root for Hannibal the Cannibal (and understand him). Harris is a gifted writer, and the pace is quick and the book keeps you interested, but ultimately leaves you extremely empty and cheated.
Rating: 
Summary: demystifying hannibal the cannibal
Review: I must admit that I couldn't wait to be hypnotized and surprised by Dr. Lectors antics. I was fascinated to read more about Dr. Lector. On the other hand,I felt that the author in giving the reason for his cannibalistic actions left me less reason to be terrified and amazed by this evil creature. I don't think a part of me wanted to really side with him as much as I did. The finale annoyed me. It didn't seem true to the Clarice Starling character. I loved her strength and belief in justice and right in the Silence of the Lambs. She loses some of her illusions and her icons fall here. I couldn't believe that she would change so much in the face of the events that she would become a pretty 'dollface'. I couldn't put this book down even though I was occasionally annoyed and can't wait to see the movie.
Rating:
Summary: I hope the movie is better.
Review: While Harris creates interesting characters and situations, this book is not well written. It reads like a screenplay for the movie, as it is too heavy on describing scenes and minor details. As expected, the violent details are gory beyond belief. The end of the book was an absolute shock to me, and I found it too implausible. I understand that the movie will be altered, which I look forward to seeing.
Rating:
Summary: Didn't see that coming...
Review: I was surely not disappointed by this one. The descriptions of Lecter's stay in Florence was so wonderful I could almost smell the dust and parchement. I loved finding out what has driven the good Dr. all along. The method to the madness. I did think that Starling seemed a little flat this time. She rolls over too easily to the Boys' Club. I give Thomas Harris points for creativity for the ending. I really didn't see that coming. I have been posessed by this book. I am dying to see the movie!!! And for Lecter part IV!!
Rating:
Summary: It Was the Best of Books, It Was the Worst of Books
Review: A step down from the two previous books, "The Red Dragon" and "Silence of the Lambs". The two previous books helped us get into the minds of "serial killers", something which facinates most of us. Dr. Lecter, in thoes books was our guide, he helped explain how they function. His sadistic murders were a sidelight to the main issue, "serial killers", which is what we all came to read about. Arguably, Dr. Lecter is not your typical "serial killer". This book explores Hannibal the man. We now know that what happened to his sister is perhaps what ignited his cannibalism. The book is NOT about "serial killers", a disappointment. I used the title "...the best of ....the worst of..." because I notice a big difference between pre and post-word processor authors. Pre-word processor writers seemed to develop their novels more. For instance, he could have developed the initial discovery of Dr. Lecter better. He could of done that in a chapter or two. Instead it suddenly dawns on a discraced Italian detective that he has just met Dr. Lecter. That and other parts lacked development. I agree with other reviewers that the book was great up to the mid 400 pages, then it takes a dive. The ending is less than believalble and not very palitable (no pun intended). I can understand why Jody Foster chose not to be associated with Hannible the Romantic. The book sets up another book and movie. I think Harris should accept some editorial help, from which he is usually immune, if he want to make the next book and movie a success.
Rating:
Summary: The worst book I have ever had the misfortune to read.
Review: Having read and thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Harris's previous books I was eagerly anticipating Hannibal. What a mistake that turned out to be. This is by far the worst book I have ever read. The plot is laughable and the prose is downright pathetic. No matter what a particular chapter was about they all ended with something along the lines of 'the blood ran slowly down the wall...' or some other melodramatic drivel. Mr. Harris should have quit while he was so very far ahead with his earlier gems. I'm tempted to go see the movie version to find out if it could possibly be any worse than the book. Do yourself a favor, as Jodie Foster did, and stay as far away from Hannibal as you can.
Rating:
Summary: MAGNIFICENTLY MACABRE
Review: It's seven years after Starling's success of tracking Buffalo Bill and the subsequent escape of Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Clarice's career has stalled, ironically as a result of her early success. Clarice is under investigation after a high profile shooting when she gets some encouraging words from an admirer.....Hannibal Lecter. The manhunt for Lecter is in full swing with a little push from Lecter's only surviving victim, Mason Verger. Verger proves to be as menacing as Lecter and his obessesion with Hannibal puts Clarice in danger. The tale of Clarice and Hannibal reaches a feverish pace as the hunt goes on and Clarice's career starts to fall apart. The presence of Verger, a man so vile and evil, actually causes the reader to cheer for Hannibal Lecter. Only the quick pen of Thomas Harris can have you rooting for a cannibalistic serial killer. The book reaches uncharted territory with graphic violence. It touches every evil known to man and then some...... murder, cannibalism, torture, child molestation, incest, bribery, corruption, greed............. these and more keep the reader spellbound to this nightmarish novel. The book reads fast and holds interest right up until the shocking end. A magnificently macabre five star thriller!
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