Hannibal review

"Hannibal" was a hit and miss with me on different levels, but the final impression it left me with was so overpowering I ended up rating it on a high scale. It began well written, letting me into the minds of the incredibly fascinating 'Hannibal "the cannibal" Lecter' and the morally just, determined Clarice Starling. My issues began around the middle of the novel, where things seemed to lag and my interest began to drift.

Thankfully, it took off near the end.

I believe many fans of "Silence of the Lamb’s" will enjoy this one, as it delves further into the complicated relationship of Clarice and Lecter.
The diabolical doctor himself is explored through internal dialogue, past history and memories, how his disturbing thought process works, and odd actions. I was especially fascinated by the little room in his mind. The person inside of me interested in psychology was captivated by his reasoning, particularly his methods of "detaching." While I may to a certain point agree with his actions, I was left less in the dark this time
around; because of this, I saw things from his point of view.

The change Clarice went through nearly stopped my heart. She was an amazing heroine in the novel. I enjoyed reading about her trials, her character itself was enjoyable and I sympathized with her many plights and dilemmas. As for the center that made me lose my grasp?

There were several miniature plots melded into one novel, and unfortunately I didn’t hold much interest in the actions of others during the middle scenes. My mind kept searching again for the familiar Clarice or the intimidating doctor.

The pacing wasn’t too bad, but I was impatient with the progress of mini-plots.Thomas Harris’s writing style came across as clever and intense. His wording is sophisticated and stylish, sometimes peppered with a dramatic flair. His suspenseful scenes were paced tightly, and the dramatic interactions between characters drawn when they should have been. His use of dialogue was realistic, and his sense of irony really sang disturbing notes.
What really brought this book up from a good reason to a heart-cruncher was the ending. It’s rare I read a finale like that and feel as moved as I did. I literally sat back and had to think about it for over an hour afterward. It was completely unpredictable and hit me hard and mercilessly. Don’t go in expecting something akin to the film, this is a different kind of creature altogether.

When reading the ending, some place deep inside, very deep, was secretly pleased. Sure, I was also disturbed and saddened, but on another level liked the result.It was disturbing as hell – Harris almost did the scenes a bit too well for comfort. This is what a good book should deliver.

As a review, I’d have to give it a four rating. I was going to settle for low because of the middle lagging, but my gut would never forgive me if I did after reading that ending! It more than made up for it’s minor forgivable faults.

Read "Hannibal" and experience the trauma for yourself. This novel doesn’t hesitate to psychologically assault its reader.

/ [Thunder Cid]

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