I am a huge fan of the Hannibal Lecter novels, as I have an interest in the criminal psyche and forensic science. Beyond that, "Red Dragon" and "Silence of the Lambs" are very entertaining, well-written thrillers (and I even have a soft spot for the film series) I was not impressed with the beginning of Hannibal Rising, it just felt like an unpleasant slog where our only company is kept with disgusting war criminals and sadly abused children. I thought the book picked up considerably, however, when Hannibal moves in with Lady Murasaki. The relationship with his "new" family and the description of how he found calm in the Japanese culture was quite beautiful. But since this IS Hannibal Lecter's story we're reading about, we quickly get back into the horror. There are gruesome death scenes, though they take up very little room and those killed are about as awful people as you can find. (No spoilers) but what drives Hannibal to these crimes at a young age is at an understandable core, and that mixed with his young age gives the reader a confusing place of understanding and even sympathizing with a serial killer. You won't find the depth here that are in the other Lecter novels, but if you have an interest in the character it's a fast read with many memorable scenes. Now I'm ready to rent the movie and compare. :)

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I just got this book today from another member, started it and I can't put it down. For me, it's very intriguing learning of the beginning of the monster who was Hannibal. It gives much more insight in my opinion.

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The story of how Hannibal Lecter, became the manical killer he was. Great storyline kept me interested from the start. The movie followed book for the most part, enough differences though, to make reading the book worth while.

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I'm a diehard Hannibal Lecter fan. I truly enjoyed 'Hannibal' and Harris's previous books that include the character, but I could not finish this book! I wanted so badly to like it, and be filled in on Lecter's background, but I couldn't do it. I was bored beyond belief before I'd trudged through 1/4 of the book (and the movie's no better). A true disappointment. :(

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I was not pleased with this book. I read all the previous incarnations of Hannibal, but did not enjoy this one. The prose is overly flowery, and the plot line drags a great deal. It just wasn't what I would have expected, being as it was to introduce us to young Hannibal.

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Fast paced story of the early life of Hannibal Lecter which explains why and how he became the monstrous character he is in the other books of the series.

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After all the Hannibal Lector stories, I enjoyed learning of his background and childhood and how he became the monster character we know and love. I wish this would've gone into the psychological training he most surely had at some point in addition to his medical schooling. I felt like there was too quick a jump into psychopath mode, but definitely enjoyed the journey.

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The book was excellent as is all of Harris' work.

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I enjoyed the story. It was nice having the author read it and since it was unabridged you got the whole story. It does explain 'Silence of the Lambs' and where Hannibal Lecter came from and how he got to be what he was. The book in my opinion is less tense than the movies since you don't have to sit thru the directors time lapses that are intended to make things scarier. I like the story, can do without the silly dark hallways etc.

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Great book,,,like the other person said a must read for Hannibal readers.

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A must read for Hannibal lovers. It explains some of the reasons behind his future behavior. The story is of is childhood and young adult years.

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