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Hannibal Lecter #4
Hannibal Rising:
_________________________
HANNIBAL LECTER WASN'T BORN A MONSTER.
HE WAS MADE ONE.
Hannibal Lecter emerges from the nightmare of the Eastern Front of World War II, a boy in the snow, mute, with a chain around his neck. He will not speak of what happened to him and his family. He seems utterly alone, but he has brought his demons with him.
Hannibal's uncle, a noted painter, finds him in a Soviet orphanage and brings him to France. There, Hannibal lives with his uncle and his uncle's beautiful and exotic wife, Lady Murasaki, who helps him to heal - and flourish.
But Hannibal's demons are not so easily defeated. Throughout his young life, they visit him and torment him. When he is old enough, he visits them in turn - and in the fog of traumatic memory, he discovers that he has gifts far beyond what he imagined...
HANNIBAL LECTER WASN'T BORN A MONSTER.
HE WAS MADE ONE.
Hannibal Lecter emerges from the nightmare of the Eastern Front of World War II, a boy in the snow, mute, with a chain around his neck. He will not speak of what happened to him and his family. He seems utterly alone, but he has brought his demons with him.
Hannibal's uncle, a noted painter, finds him in a Soviet orphanage and brings him to France. There, Hannibal lives with his uncle and his uncle's beautiful and exotic wife, Lady Murasaki, who helps him to heal - and flourish.
But Hannibal's demons are not so easily defeated. Throughout his young life, they visit him and torment him. When he is old enough, he visits them in turn - and in the fog of traumatic memory, he discovers that he has gifts far beyond what he imagined...
391 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
1598 people are currently reading
51900 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Harris
31 books8,345 followersLibrarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Thomas Harris began his writing career covering crime in the United States and Mexico, and was a reporter and editor for the Associated Press in New York City. His first novel, Black Sunday, was printed in 1975, followed by Red Dragon in 1981, The Silence of the Lambs in 1988, Hannibal in 1999, and Hannibal Rising in 2006.
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Thomas Harris began his writing career covering crime in the United States and Mexico, and was a reporter and editor for the Associated Press in New York City. His first novel, Black Sunday, was printed in 1975, followed by Red Dragon in 1981, The Silence of the Lambs in 1988, Hannibal in 1999, and Hannibal Rising in 2006.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,901 reviews
May 15, 2018
I have nothing against making money. Money is important and I don't begrudge anyone their coin.
That said....
Why Oh Why???
Did Thomas Harris write this lifeless drivel?
I respect a money grab, the studio wanted a Hannibal prequel so Thomas Harris decided to write it.
But is this the best he could do?
I have a better back story for Hannibal in my head right now and its better than this. I didn't even recognize the Hannibal Lecter I've come to know and love over 3 novels, 2 movies(I still haven't watched the movie Hannibal) and a deeply underated tv show. The young Hannibal in this book is pedestrian. Not charming, not scary, not a genius just meh.
What an awful and disappointing end to an amazing series.
PLEASE DON'T READ THIS BOOK!
Hooked On Books May Read-A-Thon
Around the Year in 52 Books: A Book With An Antagonist/Villain Point of View
That said....
Why Oh Why???
Did Thomas Harris write this lifeless drivel?
I respect a money grab, the studio wanted a Hannibal prequel so Thomas Harris decided to write it.
But is this the best he could do?
I have a better back story for Hannibal in my head right now and its better than this. I didn't even recognize the Hannibal Lecter I've come to know and love over 3 novels, 2 movies(I still haven't watched the movie Hannibal) and a deeply underated tv show. The young Hannibal in this book is pedestrian. Not charming, not scary, not a genius just meh.
What an awful and disappointing end to an amazing series.
PLEASE DON'T READ THIS BOOK!
Hooked On Books May Read-A-Thon
Around the Year in 52 Books: A Book With An Antagonist/Villain Point of View
May 25, 2007
Ok, this is another book I had to read before I saw the movie. I cannot believe I wasted money on it. I even bought it in hardcover! Sometimes I can be such a dunce.
This has to be the worst pre-quel-sequel ever! There is no reason to read this book, or see the movie! But if you are a fan, like I am, don't feel guilty, do what you want.
This is my least favorite of Harris's "Hannibal Saga." His reasoning for Lecter's particular "taste" is, get this, REVENGE. How lame! It doesn't seem like any real serial killer would start their rampage to seek revenge, although in his case, his childhood was emotionally disturbing. As of still, I was not impressed, not to mention, a subplot involving an underground network of profiteering World War II criminals (Lecter's enemies), specializing in stolen artwork...come on! Oh, by the way, they didn't include this in the film. Everything about Harris's "young" Lecter seemed too far fetched, from his "medical studies" and re-illustrations for anatomy texts, to his Japanese geisha-like aunt/love-interest who lives in Paris. Even the concept that the-then-child Hannibal had to run and hide from the Nazis did not seem fathomable.
I read somewhere that Harris had "gone gay" for Lecter after turning out the "disappointing" last installment called merely, Hannibal. Which kind of offends me, but not for their use of illustrating an author's relationship with their character as homosexual, but that that novel was not disappointing. [Juilanne Moore as Clarice is another story.] Hannibal, if I must say, is a truly better piece of fiction and more true to the Lecter that we all learned to love in The Silence of the Lambs and Red Dragon. Why can't Dr. Lecter be the cannibalizing psychiatrist who helps out the FBI every once in a while? This book has forever ruined that image for me.
This has to be the worst pre-quel-sequel ever! There is no reason to read this book, or see the movie! But if you are a fan, like I am, don't feel guilty, do what you want.
This is my least favorite of Harris's "Hannibal Saga." His reasoning for Lecter's particular "taste" is, get this, REVENGE. How lame! It doesn't seem like any real serial killer would start their rampage to seek revenge, although in his case, his childhood was emotionally disturbing. As of still, I was not impressed, not to mention, a subplot involving an underground network of profiteering World War II criminals (Lecter's enemies), specializing in stolen artwork...come on! Oh, by the way, they didn't include this in the film. Everything about Harris's "young" Lecter seemed too far fetched, from his "medical studies" and re-illustrations for anatomy texts, to his Japanese geisha-like aunt/love-interest who lives in Paris. Even the concept that the-then-child Hannibal had to run and hide from the Nazis did not seem fathomable.
I read somewhere that Harris had "gone gay" for Lecter after turning out the "disappointing" last installment called merely, Hannibal. Which kind of offends me, but not for their use of illustrating an author's relationship with their character as homosexual, but that that novel was not disappointing. [Juilanne Moore as Clarice is another story.] Hannibal, if I must say, is a truly better piece of fiction and more true to the Lecter that we all learned to love in The Silence of the Lambs and Red Dragon. Why can't Dr. Lecter be the cannibalizing psychiatrist who helps out the FBI every once in a while? This book has forever ruined that image for me.
June 17, 2019
Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris is the 4th and final book in the series, but being honest I feel I need a Hannibal Rising part 2 as this book only takes you from Hannibal being a child in the war untill 18 and pumped up on revenge which to be honest I understand ( He's like a murderous James Bond 🔪)
It's then a leap to when we meet him in red dragon I would like the story in between please as I personally can't really understand the jump from revenge to the next step eating people 🤢
But putting that aside it's still Hannibal bloody, nerve tingling, and a little sad and heart breaking.
I would definitely recommend this whole series if dark,gory and bloody thrilling and a little twisted is your thing.📖
It's then a leap to when we meet him in red dragon I would like the story in between please as I personally can't really understand the jump from revenge to the next step eating people 🤢
But putting that aside it's still Hannibal bloody, nerve tingling, and a little sad and heart breaking.
I would definitely recommend this whole series if dark,gory and bloody thrilling and a little twisted is your thing.📖
February 5, 2009
Right off, I have to say that I love this book.
I have been waiting, along with many others, for years to find out how Hannibal Lecter became what he became. I wanted to know what caused his transformation into one of the most frightening killers in literature (and the movies) known to man.
I was thrilled beyond words to hear that Harris was writing a new book and that a new movie based on the book was in production. I knew that Harris was writing the screenplay. Aside from that, I knew nothing. I wanted, needed to know more.
Now that I do, what can I say except that knowledge is power.
Despite bad reviews (of the movie and the book), I loved HANNIBAL RISING. It’s a beautiful haunting work that stays with you long after you have read it. It’s not just a simple tale of revenge, but one of lust and wanting, of judgement and secrets that is beautifully written. Harris uses quick short sentences to instill images into your mind, to show you the change Hannibal goes through to become what he is.
Personally, I think others are none to pleased with Hannibal Rising mostly because they were expecting another Silence of the Lambs. Hannibal Rising is really historical fiction, seeing as how most of it is set right after the second world war. I knew that there couuld be no book like Silence of the Lambs, that Hannibal would probably be a quieter, subtler book.
I was half right.
There is beauty in the blood here; the harrowing images of death are subdued and gorgesouly written but most shocking is that you feel empathy towards Hannibal Lecter. Knowing what I know now of his character, is it any wonder why he became a monster?
Judgement and revenge come in many forms.
I think that’s what puts most people off about the novel. You feel sorry for him, sorry for Hannibal Lecter. You come away wondering if you would have done the same, had someone eaten your little sister. You come away wondering if you have a monster waiting to rise up.
Even mosnters have feelings, no matter how inhuman they may seem.
HANNIBAL RISING is probably one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. Hannibal Lecter will stay with me for a long time and I can’t wait to read the tale of his beginning all over again.
I have been waiting, along with many others, for years to find out how Hannibal Lecter became what he became. I wanted to know what caused his transformation into one of the most frightening killers in literature (and the movies) known to man.
I was thrilled beyond words to hear that Harris was writing a new book and that a new movie based on the book was in production. I knew that Harris was writing the screenplay. Aside from that, I knew nothing. I wanted, needed to know more.
Now that I do, what can I say except that knowledge is power.
Despite bad reviews (of the movie and the book), I loved HANNIBAL RISING. It’s a beautiful haunting work that stays with you long after you have read it. It’s not just a simple tale of revenge, but one of lust and wanting, of judgement and secrets that is beautifully written. Harris uses quick short sentences to instill images into your mind, to show you the change Hannibal goes through to become what he is.
Personally, I think others are none to pleased with Hannibal Rising mostly because they were expecting another Silence of the Lambs. Hannibal Rising is really historical fiction, seeing as how most of it is set right after the second world war. I knew that there couuld be no book like Silence of the Lambs, that Hannibal would probably be a quieter, subtler book.
I was half right.
There is beauty in the blood here; the harrowing images of death are subdued and gorgesouly written but most shocking is that you feel empathy towards Hannibal Lecter. Knowing what I know now of his character, is it any wonder why he became a monster?
Judgement and revenge come in many forms.
I think that’s what puts most people off about the novel. You feel sorry for him, sorry for Hannibal Lecter. You come away wondering if you would have done the same, had someone eaten your little sister. You come away wondering if you have a monster waiting to rise up.
Even mosnters have feelings, no matter how inhuman they may seem.
HANNIBAL RISING is probably one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. Hannibal Lecter will stay with me for a long time and I can’t wait to read the tale of his beginning all over again.
September 14, 2023
"Nothing happened to me, Officer Starling. I happened. You can't reduce me to a set of influences. You've given up good and evil for behaviorism... nothing is ever anybody's fault. Look at me Officer Starling. Can you stand to say I'm evil?"
- Thomas Harris, The Silence of the Lambs
Hannibal Lecter is the bogeyman - a dark and terrible figure who lurks in the shadows, waiting to pounce. A big part of what makes him scary is his mystery, the fact that you don't really know who or what he is. He owes us no explanation for why he kills and eats people - he just does it. He simply is. In the first three books in the Lecter series - Red Dragon, The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal - he is as powerful and unknowable as nature, a force of primal evil.
Hannibal Rising, a prequel that portrays Lecter's evolution into the cannibal serial killer we all know and love, mucks it all up by trying - and failing miserably - to humanize him. It reduces one of literature's great monsters to a run-of-the-mill victim of a lousy childhood. Explaining him diminishes him. I don't want to know what makes Lecter tick, I just want to watch him go. Harris doesn't seem to understand this, and so reading Hannibal Rising is kind of like reading a Psychology 101 term paper with gratuitously bloody murder scenes.
A grand guignol character like Lecter is bound to be over-the-top, but Hannibal Rising's lurid theatrics make him downright corny. The son of nobility, poor widdle Hannibal loses his parents in a Nazi airstrike and watches as a group of deserters kill and eat his beloved sister Mischa. He spends the next few years as the ward of a Dickensian orphanage, until he is adopted by his Japanese step-aunt, Lady Murasaki. He has a quasi-incestuous crush on her, but that doesn't stop him from tracking down each of his sister's killers with implausible ease and executing them in operatic fashion. It's all so melodramatic that it's a wonder Harris didn't end it with Lecter finding out he'd been switched at birth.
All the melodrama would be fine if Lecter still had the sinister, snake-like charm of the earlier books, but the Lecter of Hannibal Rising is a stereotypical angry young man whining about the hardness of the world, like a flesh-eating Holden Caulfield. In the other Lecter books, I couldn't stop reading about him; in this one, I couldn't wait to be done with him.
Harris was reportedly strong-armed into writing Hannibal Rising by Dino de Laurentiis, the producer of the film series, and it's obvious that his heart isn't in it. The story doesn't go anywhere worth going: Lecter kills some people while spouting seventh grade-level poetics ("I miss you every day - you will be avenged!"), and that's about it. In contrast with Lecter's fascinating pseudo-romance with Clarice Starling, the pseudo-romance between Lecter and Murasaki is just... icky. Finally, the conclusion - Hannibal Lecter goes to college! - is flat and unsatisfying, making the whole book a waste of time.
Hannibal Rising is hardly the first bad sequel novel - Psycho II, anyone? - but it's the first one I can remember that I found depressing to read. The whole Lecter series is now tainted, and that's a damn shame. One of the greatest villains in the history of literature has been declawed, his otherwordly evil reduced to a mere set of influences. He deserves better, and so do we.
- Thomas Harris, The Silence of the Lambs
Hannibal Lecter is the bogeyman - a dark and terrible figure who lurks in the shadows, waiting to pounce. A big part of what makes him scary is his mystery, the fact that you don't really know who or what he is. He owes us no explanation for why he kills and eats people - he just does it. He simply is. In the first three books in the Lecter series - Red Dragon, The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal - he is as powerful and unknowable as nature, a force of primal evil.
Hannibal Rising, a prequel that portrays Lecter's evolution into the cannibal serial killer we all know and love, mucks it all up by trying - and failing miserably - to humanize him. It reduces one of literature's great monsters to a run-of-the-mill victim of a lousy childhood. Explaining him diminishes him. I don't want to know what makes Lecter tick, I just want to watch him go. Harris doesn't seem to understand this, and so reading Hannibal Rising is kind of like reading a Psychology 101 term paper with gratuitously bloody murder scenes.
A grand guignol character like Lecter is bound to be over-the-top, but Hannibal Rising's lurid theatrics make him downright corny. The son of nobility, poor widdle Hannibal loses his parents in a Nazi airstrike and watches as a group of deserters kill and eat his beloved sister Mischa. He spends the next few years as the ward of a Dickensian orphanage, until he is adopted by his Japanese step-aunt, Lady Murasaki. He has a quasi-incestuous crush on her, but that doesn't stop him from tracking down each of his sister's killers with implausible ease and executing them in operatic fashion. It's all so melodramatic that it's a wonder Harris didn't end it with Lecter finding out he'd been switched at birth.
All the melodrama would be fine if Lecter still had the sinister, snake-like charm of the earlier books, but the Lecter of Hannibal Rising is a stereotypical angry young man whining about the hardness of the world, like a flesh-eating Holden Caulfield. In the other Lecter books, I couldn't stop reading about him; in this one, I couldn't wait to be done with him.
Harris was reportedly strong-armed into writing Hannibal Rising by Dino de Laurentiis, the producer of the film series, and it's obvious that his heart isn't in it. The story doesn't go anywhere worth going: Lecter kills some people while spouting seventh grade-level poetics ("I miss you every day - you will be avenged!"), and that's about it. In contrast with Lecter's fascinating pseudo-romance with Clarice Starling, the pseudo-romance between Lecter and Murasaki is just... icky. Finally, the conclusion - Hannibal Lecter goes to college! - is flat and unsatisfying, making the whole book a waste of time.
Hannibal Rising is hardly the first bad sequel novel - Psycho II, anyone? - but it's the first one I can remember that I found depressing to read. The whole Lecter series is now tainted, and that's a damn shame. One of the greatest villains in the history of literature has been declawed, his otherwordly evil reduced to a mere set of influences. He deserves better, and so do we.
May 7, 2020
This book did it's job in relaying the younger years of the infamous Hannibal Lecter, but it never really went beyond that. Whilst it goes some way towards providing an understanding of how he became the serial killer of previous books in this series, it only covered a small selection of years. It felt like this series needed a second prequel to bridge the gap between the cold-blooded revenge sought out here and the cannibalism and anarchy later in his life. Also, I found that much of the high stakes tension was removed, with the perspective being so closely linked to Lecter himself. This was enjoyable enough, but felt like an entirely different read when compared to the chills and thrills previously experienced from this character.
March 2, 2019
Number 4 in the Hannibal Lecter series.
Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Hannibal the Cannibal) is one of fiction most iconic and revered psychopaths. How does one become a psychopath? Is it born in us? Is it our early environment that dictated who we become? In this book you may not find the clinical answers to these questions but you will find out just why Hannibal the Cannibal is what he is and what drives him.
There are quite a few negative reviews out there but this is not one of them.
Maybe I’m just another closeted psychopath but I can’t help feeling a bit of empathy for Dr. Lecter.
The book starts near the end of the 2nd World War and recounts the early life of Hannibal with his parents and his much loved younger sister Mischa.
As the war draws closer to its inevitable end the acts of atrocities grow beyond belief. No more so than the horrors that Hannibal and his sister are subjected to. Horrors so unimaginable that when Hannibal is found wandering near death by some soviet soldiers, not only, can’t he remember what has happened but he no longer speaks.
Eventually Hannibal’s uncle, who lives in Paris, tracks him down and takes his mute nephew back to Paris with him. The uncle’s wife The Lady Murasaki takes Hannibal under her wing and with much love, care and understanding Hannibal learns to talk once again. As the years go by The Lady Murasaki become the only shinning light in Hannibal’s world. A light that Hannibal can’t do with out and will go to any length to make sure it continues to burn, no matter what extremes he has to go to.
Little by little Hannibal recall the horror that ended Mischa’s, his sister, life and with that memory comes the burning need for revenge. Revenge on the men that are responsible for all the pain done to both Mischa and himself.
This then is what shaped Hannibal to become the monster we all know.
Unlike some other review I found this book absolutely riveting. Hannibal Lecter is so enigmatic, discovering his origins were a must for me.
A fabulous prequel to all that went before.
Awesome 4/5 stars.
Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Hannibal the Cannibal) is one of fiction most iconic and revered psychopaths. How does one become a psychopath? Is it born in us? Is it our early environment that dictated who we become? In this book you may not find the clinical answers to these questions but you will find out just why Hannibal the Cannibal is what he is and what drives him.
There are quite a few negative reviews out there but this is not one of them.
Maybe I’m just another closeted psychopath but I can’t help feeling a bit of empathy for Dr. Lecter.
The book starts near the end of the 2nd World War and recounts the early life of Hannibal with his parents and his much loved younger sister Mischa.
As the war draws closer to its inevitable end the acts of atrocities grow beyond belief. No more so than the horrors that Hannibal and his sister are subjected to. Horrors so unimaginable that when Hannibal is found wandering near death by some soviet soldiers, not only, can’t he remember what has happened but he no longer speaks.
Eventually Hannibal’s uncle, who lives in Paris, tracks him down and takes his mute nephew back to Paris with him. The uncle’s wife The Lady Murasaki takes Hannibal under her wing and with much love, care and understanding Hannibal learns to talk once again. As the years go by The Lady Murasaki become the only shinning light in Hannibal’s world. A light that Hannibal can’t do with out and will go to any length to make sure it continues to burn, no matter what extremes he has to go to.
Little by little Hannibal recall the horror that ended Mischa’s, his sister, life and with that memory comes the burning need for revenge. Revenge on the men that are responsible for all the pain done to both Mischa and himself.
This then is what shaped Hannibal to become the monster we all know.
Unlike some other review I found this book absolutely riveting. Hannibal Lecter is so enigmatic, discovering his origins were a must for me.
A fabulous prequel to all that went before.
Awesome 4/5 stars.
January 6, 2008
This book is so fucking abysmal that I can’t finish it. It’s a very rare thing for me not to get through a book even if it’s a struggle. I’ll torture myself to get to the end because I get this feeling like I’m cheating myself and the author if I don’t. If someone else gets through the 323 pages of wasted paper god bless you. Every word reads like an exercise in how to bilk the public out of a couple of more dollars with a character that accidentally became famous.
Hannibal Lechter is one of the great evil characters of modern American writing and cinema and the book “Hannibal Rising” does it’s very best to destroy all of his appeal. The whole draw of Hannibal Lechter is that he exudes menace and villainy while still showing a wholly respectable exterior. The vile behavior bubbling underneath only peeks out and seemingly has no basis for its existence. Lechter seems to be evil for no other reason then that he is. In “Hannibal Rising”, Thomas Harris gives us some reasoning for his malevolence. Hannibal goes mad because he is forced to watch some bad guys eat his little sister while trapped and starving in a cabin during the winter after the Nazis slaughter the rest of his family. So instead of being the ultimate bad guy himself, Harris makes Lechter someone to sort of sympathize with. Thus ruining one of the great evils of the last 20 years or so.
Despite the total absurdity of the story itself you would be able to forgive Harris the mistake of writing this book. After all, it is a character he created and perhaps he felt like there was more to the story that he needed to tell. Unfortunately it doesn’t read that way at all. It reads like the novel was written to be a screenplay from the minute he put pen to page (or finger to keyboard as it more likely was). The dialogue is brittle and unimpressive and the description and narrative are sorely lacking. It’s all like it was written with the intention to touch it up later. Every word that passed by my eyes made it seem more and more like there’s no other interest here then in stealing my money. I’m going to do my best to forget that both the book and the movie “Hannibal Rising” ever existed so I can go back to loving Hannibal Lechter.
Hannibal Lechter is one of the great evil characters of modern American writing and cinema and the book “Hannibal Rising” does it’s very best to destroy all of his appeal. The whole draw of Hannibal Lechter is that he exudes menace and villainy while still showing a wholly respectable exterior. The vile behavior bubbling underneath only peeks out and seemingly has no basis for its existence. Lechter seems to be evil for no other reason then that he is. In “Hannibal Rising”, Thomas Harris gives us some reasoning for his malevolence. Hannibal goes mad because he is forced to watch some bad guys eat his little sister while trapped and starving in a cabin during the winter after the Nazis slaughter the rest of his family. So instead of being the ultimate bad guy himself, Harris makes Lechter someone to sort of sympathize with. Thus ruining one of the great evils of the last 20 years or so.
Despite the total absurdity of the story itself you would be able to forgive Harris the mistake of writing this book. After all, it is a character he created and perhaps he felt like there was more to the story that he needed to tell. Unfortunately it doesn’t read that way at all. It reads like the novel was written to be a screenplay from the minute he put pen to page (or finger to keyboard as it more likely was). The dialogue is brittle and unimpressive and the description and narrative are sorely lacking. It’s all like it was written with the intention to touch it up later. Every word that passed by my eyes made it seem more and more like there’s no other interest here then in stealing my money. I’m going to do my best to forget that both the book and the movie “Hannibal Rising” ever existed so I can go back to loving Hannibal Lechter.
March 14, 2019
I’m right in the middle with this one. I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it either. Some parts I thoroughly enjoyed and couldn’t get enough of, while others quite nearly bored me to tears. I was a little disappointed because the previous three books are just so damn good and this one lacks the spark the others had. And I was expecting this to pick up where the last book left off so when I discovered it was about Hannibal’s origins I was a tad let down. Don’t get me wrong, it was interesting to learn about his past and what made him into what he is but it’s just not what I was expecting.
October 30, 2019
Had it been not Hannibal Lecter, I would have given this book 3 stars, for it is a reasonably entertaining tale of revenge. But as an explanation for how the monster Hannibal the Cannibal came into being, it is a woefully inadequate explanation.
We go back to Hannibal's childhood in Lithuania and the inhuman treatment he was subjected to by itinerant looters during Stalin's advance into East Europe. To be fair, the tale is horrific enough - but what actually happened is hinted at over and over again so that any possible suspense is negated. And moreover, it doesn't actually explain how Hannibal developed a taste for human meat, even though it provides a reason for him going mad.
And it's also puzzling how Hannibal was able to remain a mystery man in the US. A simple phone call to France would have brought up his back story. A occupational hazard of writing prequels, I guess.
We go back to Hannibal's childhood in Lithuania and the inhuman treatment he was subjected to by itinerant looters during Stalin's advance into East Europe. To be fair, the tale is horrific enough - but what actually happened is hinted at over and over again so that any possible suspense is negated. And moreover, it doesn't actually explain how Hannibal developed a taste for human meat, even though it provides a reason for him going mad.
And it's also puzzling how Hannibal was able to remain a mystery man in the US. A simple phone call to France would have brought up his back story. A occupational hazard of writing prequels, I guess.
December 18, 2024
4/5 ★'s
Learning about Hannibal's upbringing and childhood trauma was fascinating, to say the least. A look into early Hannibal's brain was something I didn't know I needed — but definitely helps you understand him just a bit more.
I loved that the author narrated the audiobook. I have such a respect for Thomas Harris and the way he wrote his characters throughout the series!
Of course, if you made it through the rest of the series, this one is absolutely worth the read!
Learning about Hannibal's upbringing and childhood trauma was fascinating, to say the least. A look into early Hannibal's brain was something I didn't know I needed — but definitely helps you understand him just a bit more.
I loved that the author narrated the audiobook. I have such a respect for Thomas Harris and the way he wrote his characters throughout the series!
Of course, if you made it through the rest of the series, this one is absolutely worth the read!
November 19, 2015
It wasn't anything that I thought it was going to be, which was surprising. This was a true prequel to the character of Hannibal, and I was rather wishing we could have a continuation of him as an adult, post-Clarise, but it just wasn't to be.
That being said, it was fine as a novel and psychological thriller, but not so much as a continuation of a franchise. It might have been more enjoyable had it been a character of a different name.
You know how us readers can get. We want what we want and get pissy when we're thwarted. I know I am, but fundamentally I found it enjoyable.
That being said, it was fine as a novel and psychological thriller, but not so much as a continuation of a franchise. It might have been more enjoyable had it been a character of a different name.
You know how us readers can get. We want what we want and get pissy when we're thwarted. I know I am, but fundamentally I found it enjoyable.
April 29, 2014
"Do you think God intended to eat Isaac, and that's why he told Abraham to kill him?"
"No, Hannibal, of course not. The angel intervenes in time."
"Not always," Hannibal said.
In this book, we follow the infamous Hannibal Lecter through his childhood and adolescence. We witness the unspeakable act of deranged cruelty that had forever changed him and made him into the person he would eventually become. We see him begin to grow sane again in the home of his Uncle and step-aunt. We watch as he kills for the first time, in vengeance, and then learns that he actually enjoys it, which sets him on his current path.
This book was absolutely so fascinating I had a hard time putting it down! I loved every second of it and didn't even want it to end! Despite the fact that at times, it was very brutal and sad, it continuously carried that sense of human nature, and that hope exists in every situation, no matter how bleak. It was fantastic to see that Hannibal was not always the monster he ended up becoming. There were scenes of violence and scenes of beauty. Moments of truth and moments of tragedy. Yet through it all, Hannibal was a survivor. And no matter what sort of crime he committed, you have to respect him for never giving up.
"No, Hannibal, of course not. The angel intervenes in time."
"Not always," Hannibal said.
In this book, we follow the infamous Hannibal Lecter through his childhood and adolescence. We witness the unspeakable act of deranged cruelty that had forever changed him and made him into the person he would eventually become. We see him begin to grow sane again in the home of his Uncle and step-aunt. We watch as he kills for the first time, in vengeance, and then learns that he actually enjoys it, which sets him on his current path.
This book was absolutely so fascinating I had a hard time putting it down! I loved every second of it and didn't even want it to end! Despite the fact that at times, it was very brutal and sad, it continuously carried that sense of human nature, and that hope exists in every situation, no matter how bleak. It was fantastic to see that Hannibal was not always the monster he ended up becoming. There were scenes of violence and scenes of beauty. Moments of truth and moments of tragedy. Yet through it all, Hannibal was a survivor. And no matter what sort of crime he committed, you have to respect him for never giving up.
January 27, 2016
3.5
My interest level fluctuated with the story. At times Harris seemed too impersonal and dry with his writing style, while other times it flowed well and I wondered why I questioned his style before. When in the head of Hannibal, the story is at its most intriguing, not just because the character is done so well (he is), but because it seems Harris finds firmer footing. There's not much head hopping, yet it still feels a bit disconnected, especially when the author tells too much, explaining in lines to the reader what should be shown instead.
With the nightmarish events, I can see how someone like Hannibal could die inside as a child to emerge as an intellectual shell later on. His connection with his stepmother is just bizarre, but fascinating and somehow fitting. Lots explained about how Hannibal earned his nickname later on, his experiences and development of skills and medical knowledge. Even with the trauma, surely he had in him somewhere already something that could emerge a monster. We all have capacity for evil, but I doubt we all have the capacity to have this level of apathy and emptiness.
Overall the author filled in the past of Hannibal that he'd sketched in later events. Silence of the Lambs stands as better because of the mystery and psychological warfare, and Hannibal followed those events by a manhunt and wow of an ending, but this slower unraveling fits into the collection well, even if it's not quite as exciting a read.
My interest level fluctuated with the story. At times Harris seemed too impersonal and dry with his writing style, while other times it flowed well and I wondered why I questioned his style before. When in the head of Hannibal, the story is at its most intriguing, not just because the character is done so well (he is), but because it seems Harris finds firmer footing. There's not much head hopping, yet it still feels a bit disconnected, especially when the author tells too much, explaining in lines to the reader what should be shown instead.
With the nightmarish events, I can see how someone like Hannibal could die inside as a child to emerge as an intellectual shell later on. His connection with his stepmother is just bizarre, but fascinating and somehow fitting. Lots explained about how Hannibal earned his nickname later on, his experiences and development of skills and medical knowledge. Even with the trauma, surely he had in him somewhere already something that could emerge a monster. We all have capacity for evil, but I doubt we all have the capacity to have this level of apathy and emptiness.
Overall the author filled in the past of Hannibal that he'd sketched in later events. Silence of the Lambs stands as better because of the mystery and psychological warfare, and Hannibal followed those events by a manhunt and wow of an ending, but this slower unraveling fits into the collection well, even if it's not quite as exciting a read.
January 20, 2024
This one is so different from the previous three books in the series. I enjoyed reading it! It was fun and interesting to read. I didn't really consider Hannibal to be a main character in the other books but he's for sure the main character in this one. I'm not at all familiar with Europe so most of those references were lost on me. This one does start out a little slow but it picks up after about the first quarter of the book. There are some intense and graphic parts in the story which is to be expected anytime Hannibal is involved! Overall I'm glad I got to finally finish the series. It was a wild ride that I was happy to take!
April 29, 2012
A must-read for the fans of Hannibal Lecter.
I almost felt ready to give up on this one until I was about a quarter of the way through. Harris is telling the story of Hannibal's childhood/formative years through the veil of Hannibal's actual memories. Earlier memories are fragmented and as a result, the earlier part of the book is also very fragmented. It rambles a bit here and there, but once the memories become more fleshed out, the book does as well and greatly grows in appeal.
Not that the early part of the book is dull, it just doesn't flow too well for my reading style. Overall, I found Hannibal Rising to be a very engaging book that enlightens the reader to a large part of how Hannibal Lecter became one of the most fearsome villains in all of literature.
I also found the historical aspect of the novel to be very interesting. As the story progresses, we see a glimpse of the lives of the survivors of the Second World War and get some idea of what life in Europe during those hard times was like.
A fascinating novel and one that I'd heartily recommend to those that have enjoyed the previous books in the "series." I'd also say that if you've only seen the films, you'd be fine reading this novel without having actually read the previous ones
I almost felt ready to give up on this one until I was about a quarter of the way through. Harris is telling the story of Hannibal's childhood/formative years through the veil of Hannibal's actual memories. Earlier memories are fragmented and as a result, the earlier part of the book is also very fragmented. It rambles a bit here and there, but once the memories become more fleshed out, the book does as well and greatly grows in appeal.
Not that the early part of the book is dull, it just doesn't flow too well for my reading style. Overall, I found Hannibal Rising to be a very engaging book that enlightens the reader to a large part of how Hannibal Lecter became one of the most fearsome villains in all of literature.
I also found the historical aspect of the novel to be very interesting. As the story progresses, we see a glimpse of the lives of the survivors of the Second World War and get some idea of what life in Europe during those hard times was like.
A fascinating novel and one that I'd heartily recommend to those that have enjoyed the previous books in the "series." I'd also say that if you've only seen the films, you'd be fine reading this novel without having actually read the previous ones
September 29, 2011
I just re-read this novel and ended up adding a star. The best way to approach this novel is as a stand-alone. Pretend you never read any of the other books or saw the movies. You never heard of Clarice Starling. Now, start all over and read this for the delicately crafted characterizations and storyline. Hannibal Lecter is no longer an overworked, over-the-top villain that fans love to hate. He's now a three-dimensional and very human young man who must find his way in post-war Europe. He survives a horrific episode in childhood and traverses "the bridge of dreams" into adulthood where he consciously rejects powerlessness. Even in the face of his first true love, he keeps his resolve. I enjoyed getting to know this young Hannibal Lecter, seeing him in a rare moment of looking "scruffy." I am sure to re-read Thomas Harris' other Hannibal Lecter books and value the opportunity to peer beneath the doctor's seasoned veneer to the youth who guards his secrets.
August 7, 2021
Me pareció un buen libro, con una trama satisfactoria, coherente con los otros libros de la saga. Te hace empatizar con Hannibal y probablemente hasta puedas pensar que sus actos son sólo consecuencias de traumas. Una lectura amena.
November 8, 2025
Ligeramente por debajo de sus predecesoras, pero magnifica historia de como se creó el monstruo, como lo crearon... Hecho en falta que no se haga mención en toda la novela sobre el atributo físico que tenía Hannibal que tubo que haber sido bastante notorio en su niñez. Por otro lado, tuve un poco de decepción ya que pensé que esta historia llegaría hasta el punto en que fue detenido por la policía para dar el cierre completo con el Dragón Rojo, pasando por desarrollar la historia con Mason Verger en sus inicios y su aparente final (confieso que esta era mi principal motivación). De igual manera disfruté mucho la novela.
May 4, 2011
I'm so sorry I can't give this book more than 5 stars. This book gets 100 from me! OMG, Thomas has done it again. He has shown us how Hannibal came to be in this book, and I'm so proud that I sort of figured that I had Hannibal pegged all along. Like I mentioned in the review of Hannibal, I never hated the character, I always respected him and what he does. Because if you think about it, Hannibal kills those that need to be killed. Whether that's right or wrong, that's not for me to decide, but as a fictional character, I love the way Hannibal thinks, and this book gives you intricate details into the life and background of how Hannibal came to be.
He's not so bad afterall! The movie was great, but once again, there are details the movie leaves out. YOU really need to read this to understand Hannibal! I'm a fan of Thomas Harris for Life! I don't think he can ever write a bad novel! ahahahahaa
He's not so bad afterall! The movie was great, but once again, there are details the movie leaves out. YOU really need to read this to understand Hannibal! I'm a fan of Thomas Harris for Life! I don't think he can ever write a bad novel! ahahahahaa
May 14, 2021
Una obra maestra de Thomas Harris, el lugar, la historia y cada personaje están perfectamente definidos y alineados a la historia, tiempo y lugar, me gustó mucho el ejemplar, ya que en él se plasma a detalle cada facción física y emocional que tienen los personajes.
La historia de la infancia de Hannibal ha sido una de las partes que más me ha gustado, cómo pierde todo por la guerra que se estaba librando en ese tiempo, hace varios años tuve la oportunidad de ver la película protagonizada por Aaran Thomas y quedé fascinado con el gran trabajo que hizo el actor al recrear el personaje, misma razón que me llevó a comprar el libro. En ese momento no logré entender varias partes de la cinta, ya que omitieron gran parte de las escenas dónde Hannibal maquinaba y ejecutaba su venganza, (iter criminis), la historia de algunos personajes secundarios y de algunos lugares, en mi profesión estudiamos a fondo esta parte de la conducta humana y en la mayoría de los casos nos gustaría que solo fuera mera ficción, desafortunadamente me ha tocado llevar casos similares a los que se describen en el texto (no tal cuál), pero parecidos, la historia logra cumplir con el objetivo que todo escritor espera transmitir al lector, la emoción, suspenso y especulación de que será lo que sucederá después.
Sin lugar a dudas un gran título que al leerlo te transporta al sitio y lugar de los hechos que están descritos en él. Me siento muy satisfecho al haber adquirido el tomo.
A masterpiece by Thomas Harris, the place, the story and each character are perfectly defined and aligned to the story, time and place, I really liked the issue, since it captures in detail each physical and emotional faction that the children have. characters.
Hannibal's childhood story has been one of the parts that I liked the most, as he lost everything because of the war that was raging at that time, several years ago I had the opportunity to see the movie starring Aaran Thomas and I was fascinated with the great job the actor did in recreating the character, the same reason that led me to buy the book. At that time I could not understand several parts of the film, since they omitted a large part of the scenes where Hannibal plotted and executed his revenge, (iter criminis), the history of some secondary characters and of some places, in my profession we studied in depth this part of human behavior and in most cases we would like it to be only mere fiction, unfortunately I have had to take cases similar to those described in the text (not such which one), but similar, the story manages to comply with the goal that every writer hopes to convey to the reader, the excitement, suspense, and speculation of what will happen next.
Undoubtedly a great title that when reading it transports you to the site and place of the events that are described in it. I am very satisfied with having purchased the tome.
La historia de la infancia de Hannibal ha sido una de las partes que más me ha gustado, cómo pierde todo por la guerra que se estaba librando en ese tiempo, hace varios años tuve la oportunidad de ver la película protagonizada por Aaran Thomas y quedé fascinado con el gran trabajo que hizo el actor al recrear el personaje, misma razón que me llevó a comprar el libro. En ese momento no logré entender varias partes de la cinta, ya que omitieron gran parte de las escenas dónde Hannibal maquinaba y ejecutaba su venganza, (iter criminis), la historia de algunos personajes secundarios y de algunos lugares, en mi profesión estudiamos a fondo esta parte de la conducta humana y en la mayoría de los casos nos gustaría que solo fuera mera ficción, desafortunadamente me ha tocado llevar casos similares a los que se describen en el texto (no tal cuál), pero parecidos, la historia logra cumplir con el objetivo que todo escritor espera transmitir al lector, la emoción, suspenso y especulación de que será lo que sucederá después.
Sin lugar a dudas un gran título que al leerlo te transporta al sitio y lugar de los hechos que están descritos en él. Me siento muy satisfecho al haber adquirido el tomo.
A masterpiece by Thomas Harris, the place, the story and each character are perfectly defined and aligned to the story, time and place, I really liked the issue, since it captures in detail each physical and emotional faction that the children have. characters.
Hannibal's childhood story has been one of the parts that I liked the most, as he lost everything because of the war that was raging at that time, several years ago I had the opportunity to see the movie starring Aaran Thomas and I was fascinated with the great job the actor did in recreating the character, the same reason that led me to buy the book. At that time I could not understand several parts of the film, since they omitted a large part of the scenes where Hannibal plotted and executed his revenge, (iter criminis), the history of some secondary characters and of some places, in my profession we studied in depth this part of human behavior and in most cases we would like it to be only mere fiction, unfortunately I have had to take cases similar to those described in the text (not such which one), but similar, the story manages to comply with the goal that every writer hopes to convey to the reader, the excitement, suspense, and speculation of what will happen next.
Undoubtedly a great title that when reading it transports you to the site and place of the events that are described in it. I am very satisfied with having purchased the tome.
August 7, 2017
Hannibal Rising book 4 of the Hannibal Lecter series or the story of Hannibal as a child and what made him the way he is "today". I started off not really invested in this book. The first four chapters are pretty depressing and I hated them. After that the book was pretty good. 4 stars.
Hannibal Lecter is the last of his line. They hail from Lithuania. Hannibal was raised at the Lecter Castle that was built five hundred years before by Hannibal the Grim. At eight, Hannibal was an avid student. It got to a point that his father Count Robert Lecter had to bring in a tutor, Mr. Jacov, for Hannibal since he was so advanced in reading and mathematics. Lecter has a sister Mischa.
When we start this story, it is the second day of Operation Barbarossa. Hitler's sweep through Eastern Europe to Russia. Chapters 1 through 4 are dedicated to the slaughter of the family and servants of the castle from German soldiers, traitors and looters. I found this part of the book to be hard to read. I hate reading about suffering. Of course we know Hannibal lived through this ordeal because there are three books that have come before this one. This book is about the aftermath of the war.
Hannibal remembers the faces of his enemies. Those that hurt his family. Their faces and words have been captured outside Hannibal's Memory Palace. Hannibal reminds me a little of Arya Stark. He has a death list.
After the war, at the age of 13, Hannibal goes to live with his Uncle (his father's brother) in France with his Japanese wife, Lady Murasaki. With her guidance, Hannibal grows to become a man.
I found myself rooting for Hannibal throughout this book and reflecting on the other three books in this series. Hannibal has many reasons to be who he is today. Everything just made more sense. I liked that we got to go with him through his journey. His experiences made him strong. He might have come out a bit wicked, but wouldn't we all? "You either get busy living, or get busy dying!" in Hannibal's case it was all about the living.
Hannibal Lecter is the last of his line. They hail from Lithuania. Hannibal was raised at the Lecter Castle that was built five hundred years before by Hannibal the Grim. At eight, Hannibal was an avid student. It got to a point that his father Count Robert Lecter had to bring in a tutor, Mr. Jacov, for Hannibal since he was so advanced in reading and mathematics. Lecter has a sister Mischa.
When we start this story, it is the second day of Operation Barbarossa. Hitler's sweep through Eastern Europe to Russia. Chapters 1 through 4 are dedicated to the slaughter of the family and servants of the castle from German soldiers, traitors and looters. I found this part of the book to be hard to read. I hate reading about suffering. Of course we know Hannibal lived through this ordeal because there are three books that have come before this one. This book is about the aftermath of the war.
Hannibal remembers the faces of his enemies. Those that hurt his family. Their faces and words have been captured outside Hannibal's Memory Palace. Hannibal reminds me a little of Arya Stark. He has a death list.
After the war, at the age of 13, Hannibal goes to live with his Uncle (his father's brother) in France with his Japanese wife, Lady Murasaki. With her guidance, Hannibal grows to become a man.
I found myself rooting for Hannibal throughout this book and reflecting on the other three books in this series. Hannibal has many reasons to be who he is today. Everything just made more sense. I liked that we got to go with him through his journey. His experiences made him strong. He might have come out a bit wicked, but wouldn't we all? "You either get busy living, or get busy dying!" in Hannibal's case it was all about the living.
December 5, 2010
Except for a very few well written oddities, a prequel/sequel at times serves to trample underfoot the well written work that gave birth to it. Hannibal Rising probably made a bit of mockery at Hannibal Lecter, the genius of a cannibalistic serial killer. For all the finesse displayed by Anthony Hopkins in the movie version, the novel reads like a half hearted attempt to probe into the past of this amazing character.
To state it bluntly, this reads like a screenplay disguised as a novel. There is very little exertion you need to put in to visualize what happens for all is described as good as on film. Dr.Lecter was an enigma in the previous novels and movies with his acts as random and unpredictable as they come. Thomas Harris tries to put a past behind the character and cooks up a concoction which is quite mind boggling. For all who ever wondered the roots of cannibalism in the good doctor, the answer is REVENGE !!! Absolute Bollocks if you were to ask me !!! The author tries to put up a tale of war crimes, art thieves, a geisha-esque female lead and so many other things to propel the tale on and rushes to a fit-for-hollywood finale.
If you were to keep aside the fact that you do not know Hannibal Lecter and none of his traits, then you might enjoy this read. A very light and fast one with not much imaginative faculty to be put to use.
Something I picked up were some little three lines from this book :
Night Heron revealed
By the rising harvest moon -
Which is lovelier ?
To state it bluntly, this reads like a screenplay disguised as a novel. There is very little exertion you need to put in to visualize what happens for all is described as good as on film. Dr.Lecter was an enigma in the previous novels and movies with his acts as random and unpredictable as they come. Thomas Harris tries to put a past behind the character and cooks up a concoction which is quite mind boggling. For all who ever wondered the roots of cannibalism in the good doctor, the answer is REVENGE !!! Absolute Bollocks if you were to ask me !!! The author tries to put up a tale of war crimes, art thieves, a geisha-esque female lead and so many other things to propel the tale on and rushes to a fit-for-hollywood finale.
If you were to keep aside the fact that you do not know Hannibal Lecter and none of his traits, then you might enjoy this read. A very light and fast one with not much imaginative faculty to be put to use.
Something I picked up were some little three lines from this book :
Night Heron revealed
By the rising harvest moon -
Which is lovelier ?
August 10, 2010
When Dino De Laurentiis threatened to go ahead and make a Lecter prequel without Thomas Harris, Mr. Harris responded the best way he knew how. He pulled a remarkable con on Dino, and the public, by destroying Dr. Hannibal Lecter as effectively as possible.
Really, how else to explain ? By introducing a nonsensical, ham-fisted backstory, rife with deliberate continuity errors and an implausible denouement at odds with the previous Lecter tales, Harris demythologized his best-known creation and demolished the not-so-good doctor's mystique and (once) frightfully vague past.
Harris had assured us before that Lecter couldn't be reduced to psychoanalytical influences; the doctor himself mocked anyone who attempted to quantify or pigeonhole him, sometimes with grisly results. By reducing Hannibal Lecter to an angry French student with a lust for revenge hunting the least sympathetic villains imaginable, Harris managed to defang the notorious psychiatrist while making a tidy profit in the meantime. While there are fragments of baroque brilliance in this hopefully last Lecter tale, the story is too contrived and too absurd to be anything but the product of an author who's finally tired of his pet monster's larger-than-life status.
Really, how else to explain ? By introducing a nonsensical, ham-fisted backstory, rife with deliberate continuity errors and an implausible denouement at odds with the previous Lecter tales, Harris demythologized his best-known creation and demolished the not-so-good doctor's mystique and (once) frightfully vague past.
Harris had assured us before that Lecter couldn't be reduced to psychoanalytical influences; the doctor himself mocked anyone who attempted to quantify or pigeonhole him, sometimes with grisly results. By reducing Hannibal Lecter to an angry French student with a lust for revenge hunting the least sympathetic villains imaginable, Harris managed to defang the notorious psychiatrist while making a tidy profit in the meantime. While there are fragments of baroque brilliance in this hopefully last Lecter tale, the story is too contrived and too absurd to be anything but the product of an author who's finally tired of his pet monster's larger-than-life status.
July 27, 2010
1.0 to 1.5 stars. Okay, after not liking Hannibal, it was an example of pure, unadulterated optimism that I picked up thus book hoping to return to the magic of the first two books of this series. I was wrong, the book was horrible and I learned my lesson.
March 30, 2021
Kollaborateur Blues
Das wäre mein Alternativtitel für dieses vollkommen unglaubwürdige Prequel, das auf jeden Fall ein Kandidat für die Kategorie, der Film war besser als das Buch wäre. Und allzu viele begeisterte Reaktionen hat der Film von Peter Webber auch nicht nach sich gezogen. Da es sich aber um einen ebenso absurden wie politisch korrekten Racheporno handelt, war ich neugierig darauf, ob die Vorlage auf Film-Ethik getrimmt wurde, - und natürlich auch auf tiefere Einsichten in den Prozess, der aus einem vom Krieg und seinen Nachwehen traumatisierten Adelssprössling aus dem Baltikum, einen Kannibalen machte, der nie mehr von der einstigen Notlösung los kam.
Aber der Roman ist so oberflächlich wie jene Bücher zum Film, die auf Basis des Drehbuchs für den Literaturmarkt erstellt wurden. Anscheinend hatte Thomas Harris, der vor dem Durchbruch mit Roter Drache ja selbst eine Freddie-Lounce-Existenz war, in keiner Phase eine Personalakte für sein Personal angelegt oder konnte von einer Vorgeschichte zehren, die dem Lektorat zum Opfer gefallen war.
Wer sich spoilern oder auch nur wissen will, in welchem frühen Alter Hannibal zum ersten mal Menschenfleisch gekostet hat, sich kann gern hier schlau machen: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanniba...
Was mich persönlich gestört hat, um zum Titel zurück zu kommen. Alle Bösewichte, die marodierenden Balten wie die Franzosen, waren allesamt Nazi-Kollaborateure mit großer, zumeist krimineller Nachkriegskarriere, die ihren schändlichen Tod so absolut verdient hatten, null Ambivalenz, keine Grautöne. Zuguterletzt wird der Ermittler, der Hannibal auf seinem Rachefeldzug ständig Knüppel zwischen die Beine wirft, auch noch als Helfer beim Abtransport der jüdischen Kinder aus Lyon in ein Vernichtungslager diskreditiert. Die zahlreichen Anachronismen, bzw. Klischees über den zweiten Weltkrieg und die Nachkriegszeit sind ebenso ärgerlich wie typisch, eben ein historischer Krimi aus der Feder eines Schmuddeljournalisten wie Freddie Lounce, der zuletzt ja in der Hannibal-Serie eine weibliche Auferstehung im Zeitalter des Online-Journalismus erlebte.
So manches mal hatte ich beim Lesen auch den Eindruck, Harris hätte à la Dumas gearbeitet, mit seiner jüngeren Geliebten (einer Französin, wenn man den stimmigeren Teil als Maßstab nimmt) eine Konferenz über die Inhalte abgehalten und sich dann um andere Angelegenheiten gekümmert, z.B. die möglichst Gewinn bringende Anlage des Honorars für Buch und Skript.
Das wäre mein Alternativtitel für dieses vollkommen unglaubwürdige Prequel, das auf jeden Fall ein Kandidat für die Kategorie, der Film war besser als das Buch wäre. Und allzu viele begeisterte Reaktionen hat der Film von Peter Webber auch nicht nach sich gezogen. Da es sich aber um einen ebenso absurden wie politisch korrekten Racheporno handelt, war ich neugierig darauf, ob die Vorlage auf Film-Ethik getrimmt wurde, - und natürlich auch auf tiefere Einsichten in den Prozess, der aus einem vom Krieg und seinen Nachwehen traumatisierten Adelssprössling aus dem Baltikum, einen Kannibalen machte, der nie mehr von der einstigen Notlösung los kam.
Aber der Roman ist so oberflächlich wie jene Bücher zum Film, die auf Basis des Drehbuchs für den Literaturmarkt erstellt wurden. Anscheinend hatte Thomas Harris, der vor dem Durchbruch mit Roter Drache ja selbst eine Freddie-Lounce-Existenz war, in keiner Phase eine Personalakte für sein Personal angelegt oder konnte von einer Vorgeschichte zehren, die dem Lektorat zum Opfer gefallen war.
Wer sich spoilern oder auch nur wissen will, in welchem frühen Alter Hannibal zum ersten mal Menschenfleisch gekostet hat, sich kann gern hier schlau machen: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanniba...
Was mich persönlich gestört hat, um zum Titel zurück zu kommen. Alle Bösewichte, die marodierenden Balten wie die Franzosen, waren allesamt Nazi-Kollaborateure mit großer, zumeist krimineller Nachkriegskarriere, die ihren schändlichen Tod so absolut verdient hatten, null Ambivalenz, keine Grautöne. Zuguterletzt wird der Ermittler, der Hannibal auf seinem Rachefeldzug ständig Knüppel zwischen die Beine wirft, auch noch als Helfer beim Abtransport der jüdischen Kinder aus Lyon in ein Vernichtungslager diskreditiert. Die zahlreichen Anachronismen, bzw. Klischees über den zweiten Weltkrieg und die Nachkriegszeit sind ebenso ärgerlich wie typisch, eben ein historischer Krimi aus der Feder eines Schmuddeljournalisten wie Freddie Lounce, der zuletzt ja in der Hannibal-Serie eine weibliche Auferstehung im Zeitalter des Online-Journalismus erlebte.
So manches mal hatte ich beim Lesen auch den Eindruck, Harris hätte à la Dumas gearbeitet, mit seiner jüngeren Geliebten (einer Französin, wenn man den stimmigeren Teil als Maßstab nimmt) eine Konferenz über die Inhalte abgehalten und sich dann um andere Angelegenheiten gekümmert, z.B. die möglichst Gewinn bringende Anlage des Honorars für Buch und Skript.
September 20, 2020
Η δημιουργία του σύγχρονου ...κινηματογραφικού τέρατος. Θα μπορούσε όμως το στήσιμο της ιστορίας να είναι πιο στέρεο και δημιουργικό...
November 9, 2022
Разликата между книжната и филмовата версия на образа на Ханибал Лектър е очевидна и доста голяма. Наистина, Антъни Хопкинс прави чудеса с ролята, но създава един Ханибал, който няма почти нищо общо с този в книгите. Може би този ужасяващ канибал и напрежението между него и инспекторката прави филмите успешни, но не такъв образ създава Томас Харис в книгите си.
Който ги е чел знае, че в тях много по-голямо внимание се обръща на произхода на Ханибал Лектър, на това защо и как той е станал това, което е. Освен това, голяма част от книгите са посветени на изкуството, пред което канибалът се прекланя, на изискания вкус и култура.
В четвъртата книга от поредицата най-после е подробно описано какво точно се случва по време на Втората световна война, което кара малкият Ханибал, от благородническия род Лектър, да изгуби всичко човешко в себе си още на осем години.
И точно в опитите да покаже защо и как Ханибал става канибал, Томас Харис пресолява манджата, включвайки военопрестъпници и нацисти, които са първите жертви на Ханибал, изкарвайки го едва ли не добър, а деянията му - оправдани. До сега в книгите, тайната съставка на хубавия роман винаги е била балансът между психопатичната жестокост и изкривения, но железен морал на Ханибал, между отхвърлянето на човещината и неистовия стремеж към красота. Тук този баланс се губи в полза на представянето на Лектър като едва ли не добродушен, романтично влюбен в настойницата си младеж.
Който ги е чел знае, че в тях много по-голямо внимание се обръща на произхода на Ханибал Лектър, на това защо и как той е станал това, което е. Освен това, голяма част от книгите са посветени на изкуството, пред което канибалът се прекланя, на изискания вкус и култура.
В четвъртата книга от поредицата най-после е подробно описано какво точно се случва по време на Втората световна война, което кара малкият Ханибал, от благородническия род Лектър, да изгуби всичко човешко в себе си още на осем години.
И точно в опитите да покаже защо и как Ханибал става канибал, Томас Харис пресолява манджата, включвайки военопрестъпници и нацисти, които са първите жертви на Ханибал, изкарвайки го едва ли не добър, а деянията му - оправдани. До сега в книгите, тайната съставка на хубавия роман винаги е била балансът между психопатичната жестокост и изкривения, но железен морал на Ханибал, между отхвърлянето на човещината и неистовия стремеж към красота. Тук този баланс се губи в полза на представянето на Лектър като едва ли не добродушен, романтично влюбен в настойницата си младеж.
January 22, 2020
Hannibal El origen del mal, de Thomas Harris es la precuela de la trilogía del libros del personaje Hannibal, y es el último libro que se publica sobre el personaje, en 2006.
En esta novela se aborda la infancia de quien se convertirá en Hannibal, él es el heredero de una noble familia del este de Europa que reside en el castillo Lecter desde el siglo XIV.
Se sitúa en el inicio de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, Hannibal vivia feliz con su hermana Mischa y sus padres, estalla la guerra y ellos se esconden por 3 años en un sotano para huir de los nazis, termina la guerra y el país se inunda de soldados con hambre y dispuestos a todo y es así como un grupo da con su escondite y entonces Hannibal es testigo de la masacre que termina con su familia.
Es así como Hannibal de 12 años es rescatado por su tío que lo lleva a vivir a París, pero el ya no será el mismo.
El libro habla de ese inicio, su crecimiento y como llega a convertirse en un ejemplar estudiante de medicina, que desea vengarse de quienes mataron a su familia.
Personalmente entiendo lo que llevó al personaje a ser el Hannibal que todos conocemos, se explica en el libro, pero a pesar de eso no me terminó de enamorar su historia y me decepcionó no encontrar lo que yo buscaba.
Quizá recomiendo iniciar la lectura por el primer libro de publicación y no por el primer libro en la linea temporal de la historia.
En esta novela se aborda la infancia de quien se convertirá en Hannibal, él es el heredero de una noble familia del este de Europa que reside en el castillo Lecter desde el siglo XIV.
Se sitúa en el inicio de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, Hannibal vivia feliz con su hermana Mischa y sus padres, estalla la guerra y ellos se esconden por 3 años en un sotano para huir de los nazis, termina la guerra y el país se inunda de soldados con hambre y dispuestos a todo y es así como un grupo da con su escondite y entonces Hannibal es testigo de la masacre que termina con su familia.
Es así como Hannibal de 12 años es rescatado por su tío que lo lleva a vivir a París, pero el ya no será el mismo.
El libro habla de ese inicio, su crecimiento y como llega a convertirse en un ejemplar estudiante de medicina, que desea vengarse de quienes mataron a su familia.
Personalmente entiendo lo que llevó al personaje a ser el Hannibal que todos conocemos, se explica en el libro, pero a pesar de eso no me terminó de enamorar su historia y me decepcionó no encontrar lo que yo buscaba.
Quizá recomiendo iniciar la lectura por el primer libro de publicación y no por el primer libro en la linea temporal de la historia.
March 13, 2018
The origins of literatures most famous serial killer ultimately turns out to be a dud. Poorly written, completely uninteresting, lacking severely in character development, Hannibal Rising seems to want to be fan service rather than a seriously written novel. Sometimes it’s better not to know the background of a villain, allowing the insanity to simply be part of the character itself, no explanation necessary. In this case, it’s difficult to feel any empathy for Hannibal as we know what he’s to become. His motivations for the initial kills makes sense in a twisted way, yet there’s no real insight as to how he continues beyond the revenge narrative. By the end of the book, there’s no clear picture as to how we meet the good doctor in Red Dragon. Un satisfying to say the least, Hannibal Rising fails to live up to the lofty expectations set by Harris’ earlier books. In a rare instance, the film is far surperior to the book, fleshing out each character much more convincingly.
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