Matt+G's+Book+Review




 * media type="file" key="mattg-bookreview-2012.mp3"

The human race has done some pretty disgusting things in its brief history. Thomas Harris’ masterful work, __The Red Dragon__, highlights this topic all too well. In his novel, Harris tells a gripping horror story of an abused serial killer that takes vengeance on multiple families and performs demented rituals on their bodies, against streetwise ex-FBI agent Will Graham assisted by psychiatrist Hannibal Lector M.D., a serial killer and cannibal himself. In this essay, I will briefly review this fast-paced psychological horror story, implementing my strong opinions and, as to where I see fit and show that this is a novel worthy of recognition and praise.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of __Red Dragon__ would be its fascinating characters. Take Francis Dolarhyde, (otherwise known as the Tooth Fairy) for example. He is a serial killer that comes from a childhood, in which he was horribly abused and neglected, and now he mutilates his victims’ bodies, or perhaps the infamous Hannibal Lector, an ingenious psychiatrist and killer, doubling as a cannibal in my opinion, these characters are brilliantly thought out and help attribute to the novel’s fame, and sheer greatness.

The descriptive details of the novel remain consistently vibrant from cover to cover. From the horrific murders of Dolarhyde to the deep internal dialogue of Will Graham. The author inputs real and descriptive language so well, that you may feel that you are in the novel itself. In fact, it even installed a sense of paranoia and fear into this writer, as well as its countless fans and critics. If you don’t think it’s possible to be afraid of a novel, think again!

The plot of Red Dragon is one of the most interesting ones I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The book starts out by FBI agent William Graham and the people behind him trying to track down a serial killer, later turning to psychiatrist and murderer Hannibal Lector for help, leading Graham on a blood-stained trail of suspense and unforgettable events. As much as it pains me to hold it in, I will refrain from telling you anymore, as I believe it should be a crime to spoil a book of such caliber and prestige. However unlike most cases, the beginning isn’t even the best part of the novel- the ending receives that title. The novel really gets you to think. Put another way, your fingers will be glued to the book, and your eyes frozen in place, when you reach last few pages of the book, finally leaving you an ending so perfect and exciting, you will be begging for more!

In conclusion, reading this novel has been a get experience for me. The book is just so well written; using descriptive language, enticing dialogue along with compelling characters, all tied together with an interesting plot, successfully painting a vibrant picture within every page. I would defiantly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a gripping piece of literature that can scare you silly, and believe me, it will!