A review by caidyn
Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
dark
tense
medium-paced
- 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
3.5
This reread is brought in part by the TV show Hannibal finally getting to Dolarhyde's case in the series.
In this case, the show is way better than the book, in so many ways that I really don't feel like nitpicking even though I could spend the whole review doing just that. I'll keep myself from it, really.
The most I will say is that the writing in this book is... sub par. I'll put it nicely instead of being a bit rude. We all know how Hannibal hates rude people. The only reason this book got three stars, I really wanted to give it two, is because I love this story. Out of all of the books Harris wrote on Hannibal Lecter, this one's my favorite because I simply love Will. Other than that, the writing is something I did back in fifth grade when I had to take a creative writing class as part of the curriculum.
Plus, there is no symbolism in this book.
Hannibal has left me with high standards for Thomas Harris and he is just not capable of meeting them.
In this case, the show is way better than the book, in so many ways that I really don't feel like nitpicking even though I could spend the whole review doing just that. I'll keep myself from it, really.
The most I will say is that the writing in this book is... sub par. I'll put it nicely instead of being a bit rude. We all know how Hannibal hates rude people. The only reason this book got three stars, I really wanted to give it two, is because I love this story. Out of all of the books Harris wrote on Hannibal Lecter, this one's my favorite because I simply love Will. Other than that, the writing is something I did back in fifth grade when I had to take a creative writing class as part of the curriculum.
Plus, there is no symbolism in this book.
Hannibal has left me with high standards for Thomas Harris and he is just not capable of meeting them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Murder, Sexism, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Racism