Long before the film there was the written word. Long before we settled down in
front of video or now DVD players for our fright-fests, we would read tales of 
terror by candlelight.
For most, this has been lost, however there are still those that prefer the pages
to celluloid or even both and why not?
This section then is for you. To help you to search through the rubbish and find
stories worth your time to read. If you're an avid reader of horror novels then
why not join 'Castle Dracula' as an official 'staff member' reviewing them.
To do so, just click on the 'Join My Staff' link in the menu to the left for details
of this and other vacancies.

- Hannibal -
- Thomas Harris -

FROM THE BACK OF THE BOOK:
You remember 'Hannibal Lecter': "gentleman," "genius, "cannibal." 
Seven years have passed since 'Dr. Lecter' escaped from custody. 
For seven years he's been at large, free to savor the scents, the essences, 
of an unguarded world. But intruders have entered 'Dr. Lecter's' world, 
piercing his new identity, sensing the evil that surrounds him. 
For the multi-millionaire 'Hannibal' left maimed, for a corrupt Italian policeman 
and for 'FBI agent Clarice Starling,' who once stood before 'Lecter' and who has
never been the same, the final hunt for 'Hannibal Lecter' has begun. All of them, 
in their separate ways, want to find 'Dr. Lecter.' All three will get their wish. 
But only one will live long enough to savor the reward.

THE 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 would never agree with his actions, I was left less in this 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 solutions tackling 
problems made a lot of sense, her character itself was enjoyable and I sympathized 
with her many plights and dilemmas. As for the center that made me lose my grasp? 
Too much, too much. There were several miniature plots and POV’s 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 
endng. 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. The last ending that affected me 
like that was years ago, a novel by Sidney Sheldon. 
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 summary, I’d have to give it a five rating (if rating scales were used here. 
I was going to settle for medium 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.

Reviewed By Erin Williams.

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