Reviews

The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

theinfinitebookstack's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

brunelvivash's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

kerriespaghetti's review against another edition

5.0

I can't give this classic any less than five stars. While I felt the middle was a bit sluggish, the ending swallowed me whole. It's a truly terrifying read with impeccable character development and captivating narrative. Even if you've seen the movie, you should read the book. It differs in important ways and adds depth to the infamous characters created by Thomas Harris.

Clarice Starling, a student at the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit in Quantico, Virginia, attempts to interview the brilliant, poised, sadistic cannibal psychiatrist, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. To everyone's shock he agrees to speak with her, but only on a quid pro quo basis –her story in exchange for his. While Lecter spins Starling’s mind like a dreidel behind his glass prison enclosure, the FBI contends with a particularly depraved serial killer who kidnaps large women, skins them to make a suit Ed Gien-style, then drives state to state, dumping the bodies in random waterways as he goes. Because of her background in forensics, Starling is brought onto the case to fingerprint a "floater". When Bill kidnaps a senator’s daughter, the investigation goes into overdrive and Starling wants in. She continues to see Dr. Lecter and quickly realizes the cunning psychiatrist knows much more about the killer than he's letting on…

Starling is running out of time and so is the senator’s daughter. While the hunt rages on, Starling must grapple with her own demons as a question posed by the doctor plays upon her mind –will preventing this murder finally silence the lambs?

squeakywindow's review against another edition

dark tense medium-paced

4.5

lwalker77's review against another edition

5.0

This was a re-read. I read it first, back in the late 90’s, but wanted to read it again. This is an amazing book. The book, along with the movie are among my very favorites. This book has a perfect blend of the elements that appeal to me in great books. Also, the Hannibal Lecter character is one of the best fictional characters ever, in my opinion. Starling is also a very strong character. I highly recommend this book!

ginbob2000's review

dark mysterious tense fast-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? It's complicated

4.5

josip2404's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.25

maggieh221's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

kalan_megs14's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

mkaity's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this book. It's definitely in my top favorite books of all time. It's evident in the writing and story telling that Thomas Harris thoroughly researched everything he wrote about. The psychology, the character development, everything is truly fantastic in this book. I highly recommend giving it a read. It fast paced, climactic and action packed.