In this quote, author Jonathan Franzen is revealing his affection for the book "Silence of the Lambs." He describes it as "clever," indicating that he thinks it to be well-written and thought-provoking. This suggests that the book is not simply entertaining, but also intellectually promoting. Franzen's usage of the word "really" highlights his strong viewpoint of the book, implying that it is not simply great, but remarkable. In general, this quote highlights the high regard that Franzen holds for "Silence of the Lambs" and recommends that it is a must-read for those trying to find a clever and appealing literary experience.