A Novel of “Exquisite Taste”

Seven years was a long time to wait, but Thomas Harris’ fans can finally look forward to a new installment in the saga of the sometimes controversial Hannibal Lecter. Though maybe in this case it’s more accurate to say they can look forward to looking back.

According to the BBC, Hannibal Rising--originally scheduled for publication last year--will deal with Lecter’s early years:

Covering the flesh-eating killer's life from ages 6 to 20, Hannibal Rising will shed light on his parents' deaths and his memories of younger sister Mischa.

The BookStandard adds that “Harris also wrote the screenplay for the movie version, which will star Gaspard Ulliel (A Very Long Engagement) as a young Dr. Lecter, who was famously portrayed in previous films by Anthony Hopkins.”

Hannibal Rising is the first Thomas Harris novel since Hannibal, published in 1999. The new book will be available December 5. The film will follow in February of next year.