Hannibal (Hardcover)

One of the things I appreciated about Silence of the Lambs was the psychological sophistication of the plot. And what I dislike so much about this book is that the author, for some reason, goes to the opposite extreme and creates an ending -- presumably for shock value -- which is not supported by anything that precedes it. As a professional writer who is capable of better work, Harris should be ashamed of this book.

(SORRY - SOME SPOILERS FOLLOW)

The case for 5 stars

Hannibal is written beautifully, with the stunning metaphors and descriptive language I came to love in the past two books in the trilogy. Thomas Harris writes with a unique style that is a pleasure to read. The story is full of twists and turns and the ending is the most unusual, shocking one ever written - but whether this is a good thing remains to be seen.

Hannibal Lecter's character is developed and deepened, which I liked, and we are given insights into what has made him into such a monster. Not much is added to the character of Clarice, but most of her background was discussed in Silence of The Lambs. Instead for most of the book we empathise with her as she has been held back from promotion because of jealousy and sexism.

The case for 1 star

By the end of the novel I felt completely depressed. Hannibal Lecter was the only character to come out on top. Although he was original and interesting I didn't want him to continue roaming free without any justice. Clarice Starling was stripped of all intelligence and power and became nothing but a brainwashed doll in an ending that was shocking and horrific. I could not understand how the author could bare to have Clarice sit down with Lecter and Krendler at the dinner table and take part in what followed. The reasons given; 'hypnosis' and 'drugs' were not explained satisfactorily.

Other characters had also deteriorated. Jack Crawford had nothing left to live for and none of his dynamic, strong personality remained. Barney was unrecognisable from the 'nice' guy who was kind to Clarice and Hannibal in Silence of The Lambs, he had turned into a complete sleaze ball. The lovely Ardelia Mapp was left in despair.

The characters that were added since the last book were corrupt and weird. Pazzi, the Italian police officer, seemed all right at first and then deteriorated into an unlikeable idiot before being despatched in a terrible way. Mason and Margot Verger were unbelievable. Mason was a paralysed paedophile missing most of his face / body, who got his jollies tormenting children and reminding his sister how she performed sex acts on him as a little girl. Margot was a lesbian weight lifter who had a burning desire for a child using Mason's sperm in order to receive her inheritance. (It's only when you write it down and read it over that you realise just how ridiculous it sounds).

Yes, I know the ending has been mentioned in all the reviews before mine but I can't finish without mentioning it again. I found it frightening and horrible and not well explained.

Overall, I'll give this novel 3 stars and try to forget it as quickly as I can. I always reread books I like but I don't think I ever want to see a copy of Hannibal again for as long I live, let alone read it.

JoAnne