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3.29 AVERAGE
3.29 AVERAGE
This book is a bit boring in the beginning. I found myself wondering if this was a necessary addition to the series. But once Hannibal starts to become more Hannibal-like, my interest in what was happening picked up. However, it still wasn't exactly what I've come to expect with these stories and from this character. It just fell a bit flat for me, unfortunately.
2.5 out 5 Stars
I had such high hopes for this novel but in the end it fell flat. I wish I had known when going into this book that Thomas Harris wrote it so there would be a Hannibal Rising movie, that the director of the film said I'm doing this whether you write a novel or not. That is reflected in the format this book was written in as well as the overall plot and character development. This novel did not flow cohesively as his previous books either, the chapters that felt disconnected from one another as if they were entries rather than chapters. Overall this was an okay book and I would reread it again knowing what I know now to see if my opinion changes. If you are a fan of the Hannibal Lecter series I would recommend it but don't expect the quality of his previous novels. There were great moments in the novel where we get to see how Hannibal became the cannibal that we love but the journal-like entries chop the story ultimately hindered the story telling that Harris does so well.
I had such high hopes for this novel but in the end it fell flat. I wish I had known when going into this book that Thomas Harris wrote it so there would be a Hannibal Rising movie, that the director of the film said I'm doing this whether you write a novel or not. That is reflected in the format this book was written in as well as the overall plot and character development. This novel did not flow cohesively as his previous books either, the chapters that felt disconnected from one another as if they were entries rather than chapters. Overall this was an okay book and I would reread it again knowing what I know now to see if my opinion changes. If you are a fan of the Hannibal Lecter series I would recommend it but don't expect the quality of his previous novels. There were great moments in the novel where we get to see how Hannibal became the cannibal that we love but the journal-like entries chop the story ultimately hindered the story telling that Harris does so well.
The way Harris writes makes it seem as though there was no way Hannibal could be anything but a true character of history. It's haunting and compelling and really makes you question the way the world works. This is an excellent example of the mantra that, "Evil is not born, it's made."
I enjoyed the first half or so of the book quite a bit, which surprised me because I found the prior book, Hannibal, to be rather a mess. The final portion of the book, when he is hunting those that wronged him, is rather plodding and not as emotionally powerful as the first half.
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I've read this before many years ago and so was pleasantly surprised. I think it's great when the story pans out sometimes and leaves me wanting to get all the pieces together. Hannibal's evolution is very satisfying and well written.
It is very different from the other novels from the series, but very good nonetheless. I had watched the movie before I read the book, and was surprised that they were almost identical. I like all the books of the series, but I think this is my favorite because it shows Hannibal's origins and a very interesting time period in European history.
Another audio book while running. Made me run a little faster to think that Hannibal Lector was on my heels!
This is an excellent read. Hannibal Lector is arguably one of the most loved villains in literature and movies and this story creates even more understanding of his madness.