#dhannibal

Here we are - the end of a beautiful and disastrous road. What did you think of how things ended? Love it? Hate it? Meh? Does it feel fated or were there some other ways this could have turned out?

“Perhaps he felt a vague concern that he had built better than he knew.” 

What could this mean and why do you think Dr. Lecter would need to be concerned about it? Is it possible Clarice could out-think him?

What do you think about Clarice suddenly making the connection about breastfeeding and Dr. Lecter? How do you think that relates to him in the bigger picture?

Do you think Dr. Lecter noticed Barney when they were at the opera?

When Ardelia received the emerald ring Clarice had sent and decided to keep it, do you think that was her own gesture to herself of understanding? Or just of acceptance? Or maybe even grief and disbelief? What do you think was going through her head?

This line from the very end of the books reminds us of the dream like atmosphere of the last few chapters:

“Someday perhaps a cup will come together. Or somewhere Starling may hear a crossbow string and come to some unwilled awakening, if indeed she even sleeps.”

Do you think this indicates some ambiguity concerning Clarice’s state of mind? True, Harris writes that the drugs and their influence have not been a part of their relationship for a long time, but it still seems to be a contentious subject among readers.

What do you think of Hannibal and Clarice’s relationship?

Ah, we have managed to arrive in one piece (although that cannot be said of everyone on this journey ;D), but before we flee, let’s take a moment to appreciate all that we have learned from Hannibal: an introductory course on the Italian Renaissance; the FBI is a cold, hard... hmmmm; the amount of rapid character development that can occur drugged in ‘captivity’; revenge is bloody and sweet (well, savory for our characters); and happy endings do exist in the land of cannibals! But as Thomas Harris so eloquently put, “We can only learn so much and live.”

Feel free to add what you have learned! What did you get out of this novel overall?

Thank you so much for joining us in reading and discussing this amazing novel. Whether you participated or observed, it has been a pleasure sharing our thoughts and reading yours. If you’re coming in late, well, welcome to the party and don’t be afraid to enchant us with what you thought of this book!

Ta ta for now. ;)

Things are cooling down a bit after the action at Muskrat Farm, but tensions are still high, particularly for Barney.

Do you think he could ever sleep in peace knowing Ardelia is out for blood regarding Clarice’s disappearance?

Do you think this will change Ardelia in the long run?

What do you think about how Margot’s storyline was wrapped up?

With Dr. Lecter’s help, Clarice is confronting long hidden demons and resentments. Of course the good doctor has his agenda in mind, but do you think this does actually help Clarice?

What do you think Dr. Lecter represents to Clarice if not of her father or institutions or failure and frustration?

Next week we will discuss chapters 99 and 100.

Hello again! Because we went quite a while without any prompts, let's go ahead and get started on these chapters.

What do you make of Dr. Hannibal Lecter having "full whiskers"? ;)

Why do you think Dr. Lecter uttered Mischa's name aloud before he was knocked out? Did he think that he was going to die?

Next week we will discuss chapters 79, 80, 81, 82, and 83!

Profuse apologies for the hiatus! Let's get back to where we left off and sink into some Hannibal goodness, shall we? ;)

First things first: Do you think Dr. Lecter is insane? Even with a comprehensive understanding of higher mathematics, what could he be thinking?

No, but really, how could he with all his intelligence and brilliance make the purchase for that bottle of wine for Clarice's birthday? Could this be a way of leading her to him intentionally?

In the next prompt, we will discuss chapters 76, 77, and 78!

Hello! It’s been quite a busy week for our main characters. Dr. Lecter is perusing weapons at a gun and knife show, sticking out like a sore thumb to boot, considering this type of event’s demographic. A certain fellow arouses his attention. Do you think he had a potential kill in mind when he first arrived at the show?

Did you enjoy reading the interactions between Barney and Margot?

We catch a glimpse into Dr. Lecter’s personal life prior to his incarceration and meet a ‘known acquaintance’. Might she have known about his proclivities since she remembers him so fondly?

Do you think the Donnie Barber deer display was intended to be seen by Clarice at all. It did evoke quite an interesting initial reaction from her.

It was nice to see someone show Clarice high regard considering who she's had to put up with so far. Why do you think it was important to include this brief chapter?

When Mason Verger and Cordell are discussing what to do concerning the Franklin situation, why do you think Margot chooses to remain hidden?

Next week we will cover chapters 61 through 67!

Welcome back!

Why do you think Dr. Doemling is so keen to make disparaging remarks about Barney's education and dismiss Dr. Lecter as a psychopath?

Also - just for fun - how do you think Dr. Lecter got him to "cry" all those years ago when Dr. Doemling went to interview him? ;)

Oh, Dr. Lecter, you stalker. We find him seeing Clarice Starling in the flesh for the first time in seven years. This is the chapter where I go, "I swear to god." It is a nice little break in all of the seriousness. He does reflect on his sister a bit, but he returns to Stalk Clarice Starling mode when he snaps out of it. What did you think of his little adventure in her car?

Did you enjoy reading about Dr. Lecter's shopping excursions and nights out in town? What do you think he is getting ready for?

What do you make of Dr. Lecter's recent flashes of Mischa?

Thank you for joining us for another prompt. We'll be back next week to discuss chapters 55 - 60!