124 pages • 4 hours read
Thomas HarrisThe Silence Of The Lambs
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she is pulled into the investigation of the serial killer Buffalo Bill. She seeks help from incarcerated killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter, who provides cryptic clues. Starling eventually uncovers Buffalo Bill’s identity and rescues his latest victim, culminating in her graduation from the Academy. The novel includes sensitive topics, including violence against women and outdated terms for transgender people.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Thomas Harris's The Silence of the Lambs is praised for its meticulous psychological detail, gripping suspense, and complex characters. Readers laud the novel's engaging narrative and memorable villain. However, some criticize its graphic violence and accuse it of sensationalism. Overall, it remains a compelling and influential work in the thriller genre.
Who Should Read The Silence Of The Lambs?
A reader who enjoys psychological thrillers and crime novels will be captivated by The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris. Fans of Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and Sharp Objects by the same author will appreciate its intricate plotting, complex characters, and chilling suspense.