Reviews with content warning for Gore - The Silence of the Lambs

Reviews tagging 'Gore'

The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

49 reviews

irelandcook's review

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dark mysterious tense

Strong character development? Yes

4.75

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abbyluvsfrogs444's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Reading this book was a ride. I've seen the movie, so I know what happens, but I was still on the edge of my seat. There are a lot of issues in this book including sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. I didn't enjoy that part of the book. But the rest of it was good. It's honestly quite a brilliant story.

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squids_can_read's review

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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aliciawithoutkeys's review

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

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cryptidonwheels's review

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challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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hocuscrocus's review

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This series is my favorite for a reason. The world is creates is bleak but decorated with all of these macabre details and people.

Now, about Red Dragon I said I would not necessarily recommend it despite it being a part of my favorite series. The same is true for Silence.
So much of this book does not hold up in modern times. On the least offensive note, a lot of the references have been lost to time. But THEN, hoo boy. As a trans and gay person, I have a lot to say about the Buffalo Bill storyline and how it is presented (mostly negative, but surprisingly not all). Fatphobia is also a major plot point throughout and is presented without a shred of respect for fat people, either. Now. I can extend a certain level of grace for something published 35 years ago, but that doesn't make it palatable either.

I see these books through a 20 year old filter of nostalgia that a new reader would not have.
So, read with caution, I guess.

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thestorydoer's review

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challenging dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

After reading The Red Dragon, I did not have high hopes for the next installment, but I was excited as I knew it had a popular movie adaption as well as feature Hannibal Lecter more prominently, Well, as seen by the review, it was fantastic. The story was put together with immense craft, with each character interacting with the story in a meaningful way. It was this element which made the book so good.

Of course, protagonist: Clarice Starling. What a feminist icon. For a book written in 1988, feminist representation was not out of the norm necessarily. However, her misogynistic interactions with other characters are played out so realistically, and even functions as a few essential plot elements. Not only that but her depiction as still being a student is illustrated perfectly from her learning to how others treat her. The improvement over time is also demonstrated, which is difficult to remember when writing an entire novel.

Antagonist: Hannibal Lecter. It's no surprise but Hannibal is absolutely by far the best character in the entire book. He was in The Red Dragon (even though Will Graham was a very close contender) and he is here. He seems to be the perfect balance of charismatic and utterly terrifying, as well as well-meaning to ill-willed. His character is very self-serving, only paying kindness to those who've treated him with kindness. The misconception of the character that Hannibal is murderous to everyone also changes as Clarice learns more about him. I'd say his ending is just about perfect, and creates the perfect set up for two spin off novels which I am excited to read.

The simple synergy between the characters is perhaps some of the smartest tension I've ever read. The simple trade of Hannibal giving information and Clarice giving personal information is nothing short of genius. It plays into Hannibal so perfectly and knowing exactly how dangerous Hannibal is psychology makes the exchange so much more interesting, tense, and worrying.

Every other character is quite amazing. For e.g. Dr Chilton playing such a significant role later in the story was unexpected but also so perfect. Each character has their own perceptions of events which is a major element in this book and I've never seen it done so brilliantly.

The climactic/action sequences are AMAZING, with each one given such a distinct hook that it makes them both utterly terrifying and intense. Especially how the situation/environment is set up in the moment which gives such a clear image to each one. Once more, I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Might stop for a bit though, I need some cooldown time.

Overall, the most finally crafted serial killer novel which I have read to date. 5/5

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