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la_karina1818's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Body horror and Blood
Moderate: Kidnapping and Cursing
thetallestbird's review against another edition
- 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
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.
Graphic: Fatphobia, Gore, Violence, Grief, Gun violence, Medical content, Murder, Blood, Death, Dysphoria, Misogyny, Transphobia, Injury/Injury detail, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Body horror, and Body shaming
Moderate: Kidnapping, Terminal illness, Confinement, and Excrement
thestorydoer's review against another edition
- 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
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
Graphic: Blood, Gore, and Murder
sofiasco's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Transphobia, Mental illness, Murder, Kidnapping, Medical content, Sexism, and Violence
Moderate: Blood, Cursing, Fatphobia, Grief, Hate crime, Homophobia, Stalking, and Cannibalism
Minor: Alcohol, Animal death, Animal cruelty, and Death of parent
jfield351's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Vomit, Sexism, Gore, Fatphobia, Cursing, Death, Confinement, Blood, Murder, Mental illness, Stalking, Grief, Cannibalism, Violence, Torture, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pedophilia, Child death, Body horror, and Medical content
lydiavsbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Of course Hannibal Lecture is an iconic character, perfectly crafted and endlessly intriguing. But Clarice Starling: wow. Clarice was just such a wonderful perspective to follow: a complex real character with amazing strength and intelligence while remaining humble and flawed. I loved her gentleness but also her passion and anger. Through her character it explores the frustrations of being a young woman in a heavily male dominated field as well as the unique insight it brings her. Clarice is absolutely a new favourite character of mine, and a character you could easily believe was written by a woman.
The dynamic between Starling and Lecter was brilliantly fascinating. So many 'psychology thrillers' butcher the psychology aspect with surface level pop psychology or just misinformation, but in this book the psychological aspects were just brilliant done and admirably researched.
I was, early on, concerned that the characterisation of Buffalo Bill would come across as transphobic, but this concept was actually really well addressed and explicitly discussed as Bill not belonging to the legitimate trans community. I was pleasantly surprised considering this was written in the late 1980s. That said, I am cis so I can't really speak on the representation and would be interested on hearing the opinion of trans individuals.
Overall just really impressed, I love the characters, the plot, the mood and can't wait to eventually reread it.
Graphic: Blood, Cannibalism, and Death
Moderate: Cancer, Gore, Kidnapping, Murder, and Violence
bunnypez's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Body horror, Torture, Grief, Death of parent, Cannibalism, Kidnapping, Gore, Sexism, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Confinement, and Blood
nodogsonthemoon's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Chronic illness, Gore, Body horror, Death, Blood, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Dysphoria, Animal death, Death of parent, Grief, Kidnapping, and Transphobia
Minor: Cannibalism, Car accident, Fatphobia, and Homophobia
akira_outofthegravity's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
4.0
Clarice is so much more three-dimensional, making for a much more interesting read than I imagined. Furthermore I loved her friendship with Ardelia, and I would love a tv show about this book to really pace it properly, and to include all the small details the movie missed. But I love both, and both have their flaws and strengths.
As a closing note, I also don’t find it particularly transphobic. It’s not ideal language, no, but I think to simply call it “transphobic” is reductive and flat. But that’s just my opinion, and people are more than welcome to disagree.
Graphic: Blood, Cannibalism, Confinement, Fatphobia, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Physical abuse, and Murder
Moderate: Homophobia and Medical content
madinhoa's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Blood, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Cannibalism, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Eating disorder, Excrement, Fatphobia, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Medical content, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Misogyny, Murder, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Slavery, Stalking, Torture, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Trafficking, and Violence