2006*1st* Hannibal Rising - Thomas Harris(William Heinemann)

Superb story of a young Hannibal Lectaur before Silence Of The Lambs

Hannibal Rising is a psychological thriller novel written by Thomas Harris. It serves as a prequel to Harris' popular series featuring the cannibalistic serial killer, Hannibal Lecter.

The story begins in 1941, during World War II, in Lithuania. The Lecter family lives in a castle, and their peaceful life is disrupted by the war. The Lecters, along with many other families, are forced out of their homes by the invading Nazi army. Hannibal Lecter, who is just eight years old at the time, witnesses his parents' brutal deaths at the hands of a group of war criminals. This traumatic event marks a turning point in young Hannibal's life.

After the war, Hannibal and his sister, Mischa, are taken in by a group of looters who constantly abuse and starve them. Eventually, Hannibal escapes and seeks refuge in France, where he reunites with his uncle, a renowned painter. Under his uncle's guidance, Hannibal develops his artistic skills and learns to channel his rage and thirst for revenge into his artwork.

As Hannibal grows older, he becomes obsessed with finding and avenging his sister's killers. His search for justice leads him to uncover a network of war criminals who have managed to escape justice. Hannibal becomes a hunter, determined to make the murderers pay for their crimes. Along the way, he encounters new allies and enemies, all the while honing his skills in combat and manipulation.

Hannibal Rising delves into the origins of one of literature's most fascinating villains. It explores the events that shaped Hannibal Lecter into the ruthless and brilliant psychopath he becomes later in the series. The novel provides insights into his trauma, his intellect, and his obsession with justice and revenge.

Hannibal Rising was met with mixed reviews upon its release. Some praised Harris' ability to delve into the psyche of such a complex character, while others felt that it did not provide enough depth or add anything significant to the series. The book was also adapted into a film in 2007, with Gaspard Ulliel portraying a young Hannibal Lecter.