"The Silence of the Lambs" by Thomas Harris - Book Review
Summary
"A serial murderer known only by a grotesquely apt nickname—Buffalo Bill—is stalking women. He has a purpose, but no one can fathom it, for the bodies are discovered in different states. Clarice Starling, a young trainee at the FBI Academy, is surprised to be summoned by Jack Crawford, chief of the Bureau's Behavioral Science section. Her assignment: to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter—Hannibal the Cannibal—who is kept under close watch in the Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane.
Dr. Lecter is a former psychiatrist with a grisly history, unusual tastes, and an intense curiosity about the darker corners of the mind. His intimate understanding of the killer and of Clarice herself form the core of "The Silence of the Lambs"—an ingenious, masterfully written book and an unforgettable classic of suspense fiction."
Review
I am a huge fan of the movie based on this book, and I have read extensively about psychopathy and watched numerous TV shows about serial killers. Out of pure ignorance, I didn’t realise that this is only the second book in a series of four, so I may read the entire series in the future. Although watching the movie before reading the novel can interfere with your interpretation and imagination of the scenes, I must say that the movie was a great adaptation, remaining faithful to the book with only minor alterations (some of which I agree with).
This was a very enjoyable and intriguing read. The story follows a rookie FBI agent as she communicates with the cannibal ex-psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter to uncover the identity of a serial killer known as Buffalo Bill. In the book, Hannibal’s character is more humanised than in the movie, but it was hard not to hear Anthony Hopkins's voice in my head when reading their interactions.
The dialogues are complex and fast-paced, filled with nuances and layered meanings. The narrative is gripping and well-written, even though the most interesting character, Lecter himself, is not the main focus. I loved the dual structure of one psychopath assisting in identifying another killer, and Buffalo Bill's story arc is fascinating, dealing with complex and multifaceted issues.
Overall, it’s a very good read and a feast for fans of the movies. The only aspect I disliked was the fact that Lecter discovered Bill's identity through a coincidence involving treating someone who knew him, rather than through pure psychological deduction. Point for the movie.
Key Takeaways
- An engaging read featuring a dual exploration of psychopathy that offers intriguing insights
- Fast-paced action combined with multiple layers and nuances
- A must-read for fans of crime thrillers and enthusiasts of the movie
Who Should Read This
Readers who are interested in crime thrillers that delve into captivating characters and explore the darker aspects of the human mind.
Favourite Quotes
"“Certainly not. But early torment makes torment easily … imagined.”"
"“I collect church collapses, recreationally. Did you see the recent one in Sicily? Marvelous! The façade fell on sixty-five grandmothers at a special Mass. Was that evil? If so, who did it? If He’s up there, He just loves it, Officer Starling. Typhoid and swans—it all comes from the same place.”"
"Crawford, ever wary of desire, knew how badly he wanted to be wise. He knew that a middle-aged man can be so desperate for wisdom he may try to make some up, and how deadly that can be to a youngster who believes him. So he spoke carefully, and only of things he knew."
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)