Scan barcode
A review by madamegeneva
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.5
I’d seen the movie ages ago and liked it, but the book contained waaaay more nuance. The general tone is urgent because it is a literal race against time for Clarice, so it felt engaging from the beginning.
It flips POVs between the murderer, Clarice, and her boss - we see as she pieces together clues and tries to engage with Lecter, whilst getting insights into the murderer’s mind.
Truly a thrilling read.
One of my only critiques would be the brutal fatphobia (especially the last 50 or so pages) and mild transphobia. It is weirdly progressive in terms of how it approaches trans* people (particularly the doctor defending his patients) but my god, everyone hates fat people in this book. TLDR; the book was better than the movie.
It flips POVs between the murderer, Clarice, and her boss - we see as she pieces together clues and tries to engage with Lecter, whilst getting insights into the murderer’s mind.
Truly a thrilling read.
One of my only critiques would be the brutal fatphobia (especially the last 50 or so pages) and mild transphobia. It is weirdly progressive in terms of how it approaches trans* people (particularly the doctor defending his patients) but my god, everyone hates fat people in this book. TLDR; the book was better than the movie.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death, Death, Fatphobia, Gore, Homophobia, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Transphobia, Violence, Cannibalism, and Dysphoria