Discussions
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ZOOF removed this reply 4 years ago
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Maria Floyd
If you have read and enjoyed Astrid Lindgren's childrens stories like Pippi Longstocking, ronja the robbers daughter etc, you will soon realise what Stieg Larsson is up to. Writing an adult Pippi in the second book it becomes even more apparent. It is so said that he died we will never know how he weaved in all of Astrids well known characters. What would he have made of Lotta, the children in bullerby, Lionheart and so on. I am so looking forward to reading the third book to be released in English in September/October 09.
posted 3 years ago.
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Peter A
I just finished the book and i did like it but wasn´t the murderer a little to obvious or?
posted 3 years ago.
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Zoetrope
I keep trying to like this book...but do we really need yet another novel about the murder of a young woman? I'll finish it, but just because I said I would.
posted 3 years ago.
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Nox Invictus removed this reply 3 years ago
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Thackshila U
I actually kinda liked the book... I liked the detail that he's gone in to describing the back stories and the characters... The ending was a bit brief though... it ended in a rush!!!!
posted 3 years ago.
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Ruth R
it was an interesing read, but did not like how it ended. There was so much detail on plots and the a quick end.
posted 3 years ago.
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mattjstein
the second book ends equally as fast ... it kind of bothered me too ...
posted 3 years ago.
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Kat
It takes place in Sweden. It's about a financial journalist who gets pulled in to an unsolved murder mystery that happened forty years ago. He's paid to investigate, but needs the help of this very asocial but brilliant investigator who has severe problems of her own. Together they end up solving the mystery as well as dealing with a couple of other Swedish scumbags and they have a relationship that is complicated. Within the story are a number of very disturbing sexual abuse/torture passages that are a bit hard to read.
posted 3 years ago.
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Princess Dana
Thank you alot for telling me, I don't think it is my kind of book, I can't enjoy crimes, not in movies or books!
posted 3 years ago.
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Kat
I can't look back on this book and think, "I really enjoyed reading that." I think it was a great book, but it was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo depressing and the sex abuse/torture parts were incredibly hard to read. If it wasn't for those two things I'd have good feelings about the book. I enjoyed the psychological aspects of it, especially the Lisbeth character. I really really liked her. And Mikael of course was interesting too. It was a little irritating that virtually every woman he comes in contact with is instantly attracted to him and want to (and do) sleep with him. But the Lisbeth character rocked and I'm interested in seeing what book 2 is like.
posted 3 years ago.
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Mandi C
Does anyone see the logic in Salander burning Martin's albums and dumping his laptop and then asking Frode to try to identify as many victims as possibly? If she really cared about the victims, identification would have been easy with Martin's careful documentation. What am I missing?
posted 3 years ago.
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Maxwell D
Thank you! This is the part that really annoyed me about the book, not only was it a terrible thing to do but I couldn't understand her motivation for it! Why would she destroy the evidence of something so evil?
posted 3 years ago.
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Lynn W
Mandi, I didn't get that at all. I was completely stumped by Salander's actions. I understand why she shuns contact with authorities, but someone with her skills could surely have figured out a way to pass on that wealth of evidence without getting personally involved. In fact, I was completely thrown by choices made by both Salander and Blomkvist at the end, and to be honest those choices ruined what for me had been a pretty gripping book until those points. But I simply cannot believe that a journalist who prides himself on exposing financial crimes would agree to cover up the existence of not one but two prolific serial killers. When the mother of all exposees drops in his lap no career journalist, and especially not one with the skill and ethics we've been led to believe Blomkvist possesses, would walk away--Harriet's peace of mind be damned. There's too much at stake for him personally, professionally, and ethically on behalf of all the dead women and their families. It was for me a ridiculous finale.
posted 3 years ago.
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Hala Y
I found that the plot was confusing at the end. How much of Blomkvist's expose was given to him by Henrik Vanger? I too didn't like the ending as much as the build up to it. I felt that the author got a bit bored at the end and just finished the book up quickly.
posted 3 years ago.
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Mary R
My exchange student recommended this book. He had it sent from Sweden for my birthday. I loved it. For Christmas, he got me books 2 and 3. I am about half way through with 2 and love it too. I hurt for Lisbeth.
posted 3 years ago.
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Barbara M
I think this book makes more sense when you think of its original title when published in Sweden 'Men who Hate Women". Lisbeth is not the main focus in this book and Larsson is obviously interested in showing the problems associated with domestic violence and the poor treatment of some women in society - within a taut crime thriller. Book Two expands the background of Lisbeth and you can see why it is called 'The Girl who Played With Fire' as she takes terrible risks to find the truth.
posted 3 years ago.
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meg
I loved the book. It was not a straight forward mystery and involved many plot twists and turns which kept me thinking and wondering what would happen next. If you're looking for a light, "beach read," this is not it. If you're looking for an intellectual mystery - struggle through chapters 1 & 2 - which are a bit tedious and then you'll fly through the rest.
posted 3 years ago.
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Dani loves books
You're absolutely right! I was on a beach trying to start it.....and wasn't able to until the last day of the trip! Once on the plane, I had a much easier time getting started. I'm glad I did too.
posted 3 years ago.
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ashley s removed this reply 3 years ago
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ashley s
“I agree the first two chapters are a bit hard to get into but once your done the book really opens up (so to speak) and starts getting better and better. Oh and poor Lisbeth I thought through the whole book she's been through so much, and then at the end when she finds she in love with mikeal its so sweet and sad.
posted 3 years ago.
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Sheri A
Thanks for the spoiler...I'm still reading it and haven't gotten that far.
posted 3 years ago.
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Dani loves books
I agree as I didn't expect the ending at all and will be curious to see if it will continue in the sequel.
posted 3 years ago.
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Mick L
Loved this, and the sequel. Was SO excited to find a new author, only to discover the third one will be the last as Larsson died recently (in mid-forties, I think). If you're only into cozies, this is not for you.
posted 3 years ago.
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Meredith H
My problem with this book was the writing. I felt to me as though someone typed it into freetranslation.com and hit enter. There were so many awkward phrases that were clearly translated poorly from the original Swedish text. I found the poor quality of the writing very distracting. While the mystery did keep me turning the pages, I was ultimately disappointed with the book as a whole.
posted 3 years ago.
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Sarabear...Cracked, but never broken!!
Wow, meredith.... you seem to very strongly dislike this book... so i ask, should i read it?
posted 3 years ago.
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Jenny H
I would still read it.. one person saying they do not like the book should not influence you not to read it. I didnt have a probelm with the writing.. the story is very engaging.. Read it and make up your own mind.
posted 3 years ago.
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Dianne L
I had no problem with the writing and din't feel the translation was awkward at all. I really think you should read it. It was one of my favourite books and everyone I work with loved it too. I can't wait to read the other two.
posted 3 years ago.
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Lesley B
It'a a unique book with an intruiging heroine, and I didn;t notice problems with the syntax or the narrative flow at all. Wow- it has everything. Sadism, sex murder, mystery and all set in snowy Sweden. The plot is as old fashioned as a Poirot by Agatha Christie, but it is Lisbeth that makes the book so compelling.
posted 3 years ago.
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Irene M
I totally agree. She's probably one of the most interesting characters I've had the pleasure of reading about.
posted 3 years ago.
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Jenny H
I loved the book.. interesting characters.. and a great story. The Sweden names and the involved family connections mean you have to keep focused.. it is quite a heavy book.. but overall I thought it was great. Cant wait to read the next one.
posted 3 years ago.
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Amber
Did anyone else find the food descriptions a bit distracting? We were always being told what they were eating. The story itself was good and intriguing but I wouldn't necessarily call it a page-turner.
posted 3 years ago.
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Lynn W
Amber mentioned being distracted by the food descriptions. I was equally distracted by the detailed computer descriptions. I'm a Mac user, but this author must really love his Power Book.
posted 3 years ago.
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Jolly Bengali
Lynn,
I could not agree more. I'm a Mac/Apple fan-boy. But, I felt like throwing up at the fetishistic obsession about Mac computers described in the book.posted 3 years ago.
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Sheri A
I wanted to gouge out my eyes during the first third of this book--it was SO slow and boring--but I just finished the book last night and I have to say it not only got better, it got A LOT better.
posted 3 years ago.
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iluvwords
That's why I found the 2nd book better - which I actually read first - it's more focused on Lisbeth, definitely the entertaining character.
posted 3 years ago.
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Jolly Bengali
My Swedish friend gave me all three books and described them to me as 'must read.' The whole world seems to agree...average rating on Shelfari is 4 stars out of 5.
I hated this book.
I didn't think it was a terrible book. It was just very pedestrian. The story is formulaic at best. The characters are cliche. A computer hacker lacking social skills! A journalist with uncompromising morals! Give me a break!
What am I missing! can some one explain to me why this book is any better than a by-the-numbers James Patterson trash?posted 3 years ago.
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iluvwords
Yes, because deeper than the superficial labeling you have attached to the character of Lisbeth Salander - "computer hacker lacking social skills" is a character fighting to be herself against all odds, thus a story of humanity. She is what breathes life into these books. Her struggle to be human resonates with readers despite the predicatable diorama into which she is dropped. It is this theme that carries these books, not necessarily the plot. At least I found it so. But then I was only hoping for an entertaining read, and that's what I found.
posted 3 years ago.
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Patrick B
If you think Lisbeth's character can be described as you do, you haven't understood what's going on in her life.
Just start again and give it another try. Don't be driven by the first impression (I'm asking myself if that is possible at all) of any of the characters.posted 3 years ago.
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Irene M
I don't think you're missing anything. It's a simple matter of taste--I loved the book myself--maybe a socially incapable computer hacker is cliched, but I've never seen a woman play a character like this. I also thought the characters were all really interesting--I didn't find them cliche at all. It just wasn't your cup of tea.
posted 3 years ago.
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Dani loves books
The books are being made into a movie in Europe. Who would you cast?
posted 3 years ago.
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Joel
From what I understand all three movies are already complete (although they just released the first one here in the US with subtitles). I really enjoyed the movie, but read that they are doing a Hollywood version to be released in 2012.
posted 3 years ago.
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ISHINE
DIDNT REALLY ENJOY THIS BOOK...IT STARTED OUT PRETTY LAME AND SIMPLE THEN IT JUST DRAGGED OUT NTIL THE END...........FOUND MYSELF WANTING TO STOP READING .BUT THAT GOES AGAINT MY READERS ETHIC.................I REALLY WOULDNT SUGGEST THIS BOOK
posted 3 years ago.
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ISHINE
DIDNT REALLY ENJOY THIS BOOK...IT STARTED OUT PRETTY LAME AND SIMPLE THEN IT JUST DRAGGED OUT NTIL THE END...........FOUND MYSELF WANTING TO STOP READING .BUT THAT GOES AGAINT MY READERS ETHIC.................I REALLY WOULDNT SUGGEST THIS BOOK
posted 3 years ago.
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Ellie M
I don't think it is really a teen book ... it deals with some very dark subjects.. such as rape and violence against women. If your not close to being an adult I would skip it.
posted 3 years ago.
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Bette G
No, this is definitely not a book for teens. The original title of the book in Swedish is "Men Who Hate Women." That's a lot of what the book is about.
posted 3 years ago.
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Daniel H
Great article on Scandinavian crime fiction; mentions Larsson:
http://www.economist.com/culture/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15660846posted 3 years ago.
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Michelle W
I wasn't a HUGE fan of the first book, but the second one really picks up and addresses a lot of the questions I was left with. It's a harder read with the Swedish references and names, but easy enough to follow. Doesn't turn into an intriguing page turner until at least half way through; slow to start while building characters, etc. It's worth it in the end and like I said, the second book (The Girl Who Played With Fire) is a bit more exciting.
I do have to say, I was disappointed in the movie (Swedish movie with English subtitles). It was well done, but a classic case of down-playing the more exciting parts and overlooking recurring themes and details of the book.posted 3 years ago.
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Patrick B
I'm wondering whether the three books were originally intended to be a trilogy or not. I have the feeling that someone cut back parts of the story to make it 'fit'. Maybe the cutting-back was done by Stieg himself...
I would love to find out more about the history and background of the writing.posted 3 years ago.
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Irene M
I know there is a biography about Larsson. I don't think it's published yet, but it's forth coming. There might be something in that book about the writing/editing process.
posted 3 years ago.
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Leah K
Larsson had originally planned the book as I believe, a 10 book series. However, shortly after turning in the first 3 manuscripts, Larsson suddenly passed away - leaving the series unfinished. The were a few unfinished manuscripts found - how the plan to deal with those, I'm not sure.
posted 3 years ago.
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smfoye
I read basically what Leah wrote, except that I read that it was originally 6 planned books, 3 manuscripts written and 3 more outlines for the future books before he passed away of a massive heart attack. The same article I read said that Larsson's father does not plan to allow the outlines to be written by someone else to expand on Larsson's original plan.
posted 2 years ago.
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Mary Lou N
Here is some good info on the author. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stieg_Larsson He passed away while writing the 4th novel of this series. I read somewhere that he had 10 in the series outlined. So sad that he was lost so young. There was a horrible battle for the rights to his work between his partner, whom he never married, because their address would then become public record, and his estranged father. @smfoye I am sad to hear that he won't let anyone else finish them. It seems his mate would most likely know his work, but I don't know if she was also a writer. The only reason she didn't get the rights was because they weren't married even though they had been together a long time. He was a journalist who was an expert on, and wrote about, religious and political extremism and kept their whereabouts private for personal protection.
posted 2 years ago.
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Alison A
When you read the second book you get more backstory on Lisbeth and then you can see how this could be more than just 3 books. For those who just read the first one, the second has a different tone and pace but loved it as well!! Good reading
posted 2 years ago.
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Laurea
I wondered how these books all 'should' have fit together, and what must have changed once the author passed away. Now that I've read these replies, I understand why the first one seems so choppy.
posted 2 years ago.
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Chrystal G
The book did start off slow but it was worth sticking with it. Interesting plot with an unpredictable ending. Highly recommend!!
posted 3 years ago.
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jlkistner
I agree. I was in the middle when I decided it was worth finishing. :D
posted 2 years ago.
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David W
To answer someone's question below, no this is NOT for teens. Definitely a mature readers book.
The movie follows the book's story pretty closely, and it was a little hard to take at parts due to the violence that happens to the characters. It's is very realistically portrayed. Movie is worth seeing if it's playing near you. Second one will be out this year as well.
I have to agree that the first chapter is a bit slow, but I was interested enough to keep reading, and it was worth it.posted 2 years ago.
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Katie S
This is one of the best books I've read in a while. I loved the complexity of the plot and the characters, but I also loved that I had an inkling from the very beginning about what really happened. I can't wait to read the next one!
posted 2 years ago.
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:)*MoLlIe HaMiLtOn*:)
i want to no if anyone really recommends this book for me?
posted 2 years ago.
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jlkistner
Save it for when u r older. There are alot of better books suited to your age. Its a good book but I wouldn't have read it 10 years ago and I would have been 28 then. :D Hope that helps.
posted 2 years ago.
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Katherine A
I agree, with Big O and Josie, give it a few years, at least. There are very disturbing scenes, I am a married adult and I could not sleep because of the issues presented in this book.
posted 2 years ago.
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Christine A
Question- I just started this and am finding it a little dry with all of the corporate intrigue- it gets better, yes?
posted 2 years ago.
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Andiepoo
Definitely, but there's also a movie out if you want to know what you're getting into. :)
posted 2 years ago.
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JoAnn C
I found the same thing about this one and the next one in the trilogy. Hang in there though - about a third of the way in it turns into a complete page turner that you won't want to put down until you are done.
posted 2 years ago.
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Mary Lou N
YES, it does get better. I felt the same thing and wondered if something was lost in translation. After the first 100 pages or so, it gets very interesting. The second of the trilogy is even better. I just finished it and am awaiting the third.
posted 2 years ago.
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Christine A
Thank you for the comments. I am about half waqy through it and hate the fact that I have to sleep at night. This is the first book on a while that has been an absolute page turner for me. What do you all think of Mikael's relationships with Celia and Erika? I am a little puzzled by them.
posted 2 years ago.
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Fifty-one
The author tones down the financial stuff... however, the family history that follows is also tedious. One or two pages about Lisbeth caught my attention... keep reading it :)
posted 2 years ago.
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Kristie S.
I had to restart it as I was a bit confused in the beginning and I put it aside for a week and could not resume it easily. It does get better - but overall I don't think it lives up to its hype.
posted 2 years ago.
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Christine A
No. I think that you are a little on the young side for some of these scenes......
posted 2 years ago.
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Treva W
There are lots of books out there for you to read now. Save this one for your adult reading life.
posted 2 years ago.
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Jennifer J
No, this book is not appropriate reading for an 11 year old. Wait about 5 years or so!
posted 2 years ago.
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Melanie L
The only way I would allow my child to read this is if I read it first and had a discussions about it as you read. I don't know your parents. It is for an adult.
posted 2 years ago.
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Heidi S
Sorry, but no. Some violent scenes that I believe reading at age 11 - just not the right time for you. Save this one for the future for sure!!
posted 2 years ago.
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Rachel
I feel a bit patronizing advising you not to read a book, but I think this book is a bit too adult for an 11 year old. Graphic sexual violence is a major theme in this book and I found myself gritting my teeth at some points through the book. I would say wait a few years until you read it.
posted 2 years ago.
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knoel
I agree ... NOPE .... not a book for you :(
Wait till your older. Some very disturbing material / subject matter in it that just isnt suited for your age.posted 2 years ago.
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Ben K
I'm sure that at your age you would be able to understand where there are violent parts in the story and what's bad about them. But I also think that you probably wouldn't completely enjoy the story. The whole book is a lot to slog through and the violence is pretty confusing. I don't know how you could prepare yourself better, but you would probably appreciate this book more if you read it when you are older and have a better idea about some of the other ideas in the story. The whole first part concerns a libel case, which I'm sure is not very alluring to an 11 year old.
posted 2 years ago.
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Fifty-one
The constant reference to coffee is very annoying. Did anyone else notice this oddity?
posted 2 years ago.
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Treva W
They do drink a great deal of coffee! In the third book, one character finally turns down an offer, saying that she had already had enough coffee. That's what ends up being the oddity in the trilogy.
posted 2 years ago.
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jlkistner
I noticed. It seemed relevant b/c they were putting in alot of hours. I can/could relate b/c I'm a coffee drinker. :D
posted 2 years ago.
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Carla
Annoying? You must not be a coffee drinker! I found myself loving these people who drink coffee as the English do tea- must be a very social part of their lives. I found myself wanting to make coffee while I read it, but of course it was either too disturbing or to interesting to put down and make a cuppa!
posted 2 years ago.
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Treva W
I suggest that you just plunge in and start reading. It will seem slow at times and confusing at times, but it all comes together.
posted 2 years ago.
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Christine A
I am about 30 pages to the end. This book definitely went in a direction I didn't see coming. I too am interested in finishing it and starting the next one as I am curious to see if they really were meant to be a trillogy.
posted 2 years ago.
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Treva W
I just fininshed the third book. I normally don't read more than the first book in a series. These three kept me interested. I suggest that you read all three one right after the other. It had been several months since I read the second one. It took me a while to get all the characters straight in my mind again when I started reading the third one.
posted 2 years ago.
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Melanie L
I had read on his website that he was working on the fourth book - completed the beginning and end but was still working on the middle. His long time girlfriend helped write and has the laptop with the 4th book, but will not do anything until the estate is settled - she has no rights. Apparently she did help him write them. I also read he left outlines for a total of 10 books.
posted 2 years ago.
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Emily M
They truly are meant to be a trilogy. two and three really fit together well. The first is more of an introduction to how Lisbeth and Mikael meet because the second doesn't pick up right after the first. The third picks up IMMEDIATELY after number 2. If you can get through the brutality of two, three is an absolutely perfect ending, in my opinion.
posted 2 years ago.
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Chris P
The story picked up halfway through the book. Not a book for young teens at all. Very disturbing subjects.
In the story, I thought it was absurd that the original investigators didn't solve the crime. I stayed up late to finish the book. I'm not a big fan of crime scene books, etc. Not sure if I'll read any more of the books.posted 2 years ago.
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Mary B
I agree with chris p. the story dragged on and I almost put it down, and finally, after the disturbing event that happened to Lisbeth (don't want to give it away), the story took off. I hated that they didn't report their findings to the police...seemed very unrealistic to me. I also read the first few pages of the next book The Girl who Played with Fire, because there was a little section in the back of this one. I don't think I'll like it!
posted 2 years ago.
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Emily M
oh my goodness--give it a try. That very beginning part is a flashback to something. It gets hard to read because of the stuff that happens to Lisbeth, but if you can get through it and on to the third one, it is so worth it!
posted 2 years ago.
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Vampy64
What a great book now i'm reading the next one the girl that palyed with fire and all ready thrillen
posted 2 years ago.
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Jessica
I had almost stopped reading this book, I found myself waiting and waiting for something interesting to happen. fifty-one I do agree there were a lot of references to coffee, as I was reading I would think to myself "more coffee?" The book did turn out to be decent, but it did drag on a little.
posted 2 years ago.
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Rick H
I'm finding the same... I can only read about a chapter a day without getting completely frustrated with it. A chapter a day is good though. Gives me a bit of time to think about what I've read before moving on, i guess.
posted 2 years ago.
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llevinso
There already is a movie (in Swedish) but it's out in the US on DVD already I'm pretty sure. The woman that plays Lisbeth is FANTASTIC. The movie for the second book recently came to US theaters. And the third one will be out in the fall. If you don't mind subtitles I suggest those!
But also they are just now casting for this book for the Hollywood version. Daniel Craig is going to be Blomkvist. Lisbeth, last I heard, had not yet been cast. So that movie is a while away.posted 2 years ago.
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Chantal
in Europe (at least the Netherlands) all 3 (Swedish) movies are already on DVD...
posted 2 years ago.
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Judith M
The film was shown in Baltimore a couple of months ago--the Swedish one
posted 2 years ago.
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Jilly
There is a swedish verison. An american one is coming out with Daniel Craig, I think.
posted 2 years ago.
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Steve C removed this reply 2 years ago
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Steve C
Maybe I am crazy, but I don't feel the book was ever slow. I think what many are referring to is the first part of the book which sets the scene and introduces the characters. It is so necessary for the story, and the book would suffer greatly if it were missing. The book is a thriller, but you are not in suspense every second. I find it rather odd that so many people find these parts "slow" since it is where so much of the history and character analysis takes place. I guess if you want a fast paced novel with no intelligent writing you could look for one of those cheap paperbacks written by nobody in particular to get your fix. I do agree that this book is not for young teens, but certainly older teens could handle it.”
posted 2 years ago.
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llevinso
I agree. I never found this book slow. But I think many people are talking about all those parts (in the first and second book, haven't read the third yet) where the author sets up the backround on the characters and also goes into detail about financial things and computer hacking and whatnot. But I still never found it slow. I read both books in a week.
posted 2 years ago.
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Dianne L
I read it after seeing the movie and I never found any of the books slow.
posted 2 years ago.
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Chantal
Yep, you are totally right. The first part is necessary. Just like the last part. It show's Lisbet's abilities.
posted 2 years ago.
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Jennifer H
On the nose. Found all books engaging the whole way through. I even waited to read the 3rd until I had a weekend home because I knew I wouldn't put it down untiil I was done.
posted 2 years ago.
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Kathy S
I watched the Swedish movie (with subtitles) last week. Very good, but book clearly is better.
posted 2 years ago.
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I just saw the movie too and liked it. You're right, the book is better. I enjoyed the whole solving of the mystery part, which is compressed and skimmed over a bit in the movie. I am interested to see how the US version will work, particularly with the Lisbeth/Bjurman part. Since the USA doesn't have any comparable version of a guardian who would have control over an adult the way the Swedish government does, I'm really intrigued as to how Hollywood is going to explain the Lisbeth/Bjurman relationship. And they can't just get rid of it because that's what a lot of the second book is about.
posted 2 years ago.
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Christine A
Good to know that the trend is not bucked! I don't know that I have ever seen a movie that was better than the book! Have you read the rest of the trilogy?
posted 2 years ago.
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Chantal
9 out of 10 times the movies is not as good as the book. Partly because it's impossible to add all the details. The millennium movies are 3 hours eacht already....
off topic: The only exception to this rule, I think, is Stephen King's IT. the book can be confusing, where the movie is not.posted 2 years ago.
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I just finished this book and although for the most part I enjoyed it, I found the misogyny of many of the male characters disturbing. I understand that it is necessary for the backstory of Lisbeth, but many of the male characters didn't just simply dislike women, they belittled women and described them as "whores" and "dykes" and other names. Larsson seemed to go overboard with his characterizations of either "good" men (feminist men) or "bad" men (misogynistic). I was distracted by how often the word "whore" was used. I also thought it was ridiculous to make Faste, one of the detectives, such a thorough jerk that any woman who disagreed with him was a "whore" and a "dyke" and he, although he has never met Lisbeth, is sure she is a crazy dyke whore and wants her punished. I found this simplification of male/female relationships to be annoying and disturbing and wish that the author had lived at least long enough to rewrite some of this. This is one of the weakest aspects of the novel, aside from the extremely long boring passages of exposition. Was anyone else bothered by the misogyny in this novel?
posted 2 years ago.
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Dianne L
Considering that the first book was originally called The Man Who Hated Women I have to say I wasn't really surprised or disturbed by the misogyny. I probably would have been had I not know about the original name or background.
posted 2 years ago.
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Joshua T
[SPOILER ALERT] Anyone else feel like the book could have been concluded once Harriett was found and the whodunit solved? I felt like the financial crime bit over the last 100+ pages was tacked on and clumsy.
posted 2 years ago.
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Carla
I actually had a harder time starting the book than finishing it. I did, however, wonder how Harriet could just up and leave Australia and come back to what I would think would remind her of the horrible experiences in her childhood- I mean her mother was still alive- I just can't see someone going back to that, especially with a family and business elsewhere. I suppose that's why it is a novel! Quite! It did come close to 5 stars for me though...
posted 2 years ago.
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Steve Z
That is exactly how I felt about the book, it started with a fascinating idea but somehow the ending part was rather clumsy, I was giving it a 5 stars in the begining and chose it a 4 stars only for that reason.
posted 2 years ago.
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Meirav the bookworm
I completely disagree. Part of what I valued in this book was the multi-layered plot, and the way each part of the story was ended properly - no loose ends. The financial crime bit was crucial to the story, and it also highlights Salander's interesting take on ethics, her idea that revenge is ok and so whilst Blomkvist is doing things in a legal way she is behind the scenes robbing the bad guy.
posted 2 years ago.
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jono t
Wasn't the whole reason for Blomkvist taking the Harriet Vanger assignment to get dirt on Wennestrom? It made sense to tie that up at the end explaining the financial world of Wennestrom , even though the required evidence didn't some from Henrik Vanger? Agreeing with Meirav, it introduces Salander and her 'interesting take on ethics' and sets up the next book nicely, I hope anyway.
posted 2 years ago.
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Laurea
Joshua... I agree with you. The book turned out to be good, but the first 200 pages were quite boring... so bad I almost gave up on it, and the last bit was like reading the ending of another book.
posted 2 years ago.
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Michael T removed this reply 2 years ago
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Michael T
I haven't read too many of the discussions on here minus a few I've skimmed through and I have to admit that I typically don't read books like this (i.e., crime fiction) but was somehow drawn to its recently popularity. I think that this book definitely has its flaws (namely the complex financial subplot which I read hastily) and read much like a movie script but I think overall it was a good book. I think the author definitely had issues with women given the graphic nature of some of the scenes and I do agree with "joshua t" that the financial crime bit was drawn out too long at the end of the book--although I think that it was necessary to provide some form of closure to the whole Wennerstrom affair. I did feel that it took a while to set up the plot and for the main characters to meet (not until midway through) and that some of the names of the characters/locations were difficult to remember but that's just because I'm not Swedish. The only part of the plot that I thought was unoriginal was the reference to the bible quotes and the ensuing actions taken (I mean, really?). Other than that, good book. I will probably continue to read the remaining two books just to see how things turn out between both main characters and see if the author really was a bit of a misogynistic.
posted 2 years ago.
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Ben K
The Swedish title translates directly to Men Who Hate Women, so the misogyny is intentional.
posted 2 years ago.
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Ellen G
I thought reading this book was like listening to a symphony. The structure had deliberate tempos. Largo, adagio, allegro going back and forth with a definite crescendo at the end.
posted 2 years ago.
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josieD
Three books were in printing, one was in the process of being written. There are outlines for 10 books total, I have read. That's why the third book, "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest" was so open ended. Hope that helps.
-Josieposted 2 years ago.
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Meirav the bookworm
I am amazed to read comments here suggesting that the author was a misogynist. Sure, he describes some extremely misogynistic characters, but they are very clearly the bad guys in the story!
posted 2 years ago.
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Judith M
Larsson was NOT a woman-hating man; in fact, he spent a lot of his journallstic life writing about violence against women. This book is an extension of his professional life.
I though Lizabeth was an original characher--determined not to be a victim.posted 2 years ago.
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PaytonLee
Who is the bad guy really? I don't call it misogynistic, I call it pornographic. But a lot of people get on the bandwagon simply because it is on the top ten bestselling list. I just wonder how many young woman are running to tattoo palors for a Dragon Tattoo. Personally, it is a well written crime and mystery book, and obviously written by a man, but the pornography simply wasn't necessary and could have been eliminated without destroying the story at all. Allusions to events could have been made without going into the detail as a background.
posted 2 years ago.
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Monique S
oh I m afraid. My book club is reading this book for this months selection.. I m starting it tomorrow.. from the looks of the posts.. it is not an enjoyable read from cover to cover
posted 2 years ago.
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Na Ree
Larsson witnessed a gang rape a young girl when he was 15 and never forgave himself for not helping the girl. The girl's name was Lisbeth. So I guess writing this book was some sort of redemption on his part, but I thought it was done poorly (and he never turned in the manuscripts for this book and the other two for publication). I found it ironic that the theme of the book dealt with physical and sexual assault on women, yet he portrayed the main females characters in the book like sex objects. The violent content of the book was unnecessarily graphic and the extreme usage of profanity just added the poor quality of writing (or translation).
The plot wasn't as great as I thought it would be. I was expecting something more clever, like the Da Vinci Code, but it was far from it. In some ways, it was predictable. I read the general synopsis of the next two books online and I got the gist of it and won't be reading them.posted 2 years ago.
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Amy F
I definitely had to take breaks in this book to adjust to the sexual violence depicted in it. At first i thought "wow what a sicko, or if i was actually into this stuff i would read this book." But I think the jarring nature is a good warning for people not to be so trusting.
posted 2 years ago.
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Monique S
This book took a bit to get into. Once I did it was good but the lack of connection with the characters and the ending was enough to deter me from reading the next one in the trilogy.
posted 2 years ago.
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Diana Raabe
Did anyone read the parody on the Millenium series written by Nora Ephron that was in The New Yorker several weeks ago? It was hilarious!
I liked the series although some of it was hard to read (specifically, the crimes in the first book) and every time Larsson mentioned coffee (which was every few pages), it made me want a cup.posted 2 years ago.
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Sammie S
haha it made me want a cup of coffee too!
The hardest part for me was keeping the whole Vangar family straight.. gosh!posted 2 years ago.
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delmargal
What is it with all the coffee? By the time I got to the third book I started noting every time someone got coffee ... something like 60 times!
posted 2 years ago.
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Lady Quindecim
Those of you who may be like, "okay, I read this one, but it was kinda hard for this reason or that," please understand that this book, more than anything, lays the groundwork for the other two. In my opinion, TGWPWF is the best of the three.
Oh, and I kept craving cheese and bread while reading these.posted 2 years ago.
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kimberly s
Well from browsing the recent posts it sounds as if not many people cared for the book. I read the book and absolutely loved it. Though it was graphic and hard to read at times I totally understood what the author was trying to portray even before I researched him. Here's what I got from the book: I felt that it was a depiction of how women are still looked at by men, how we actually have not come that far, we will always be sex objects. I felt he was trying to make a point. If anyone has traveled overseas you will know that sex is seen totally different than here in the states. Most men have mistresses and the wives are well aware of it. They have swingers clubs and such. I lived in Italy for a few years. The author, I felt was depicting the way women are still percieved, by their looks, their mannerisms, the way they grew up. I think that many people are afraid of the reality of some of the book. This sort of stuff does go on. If you read about the author you will know that he defined himself as a feminist. I love Salander, I think she is a wonderful charachter. I rate this my #1 book of all time thus far.
posted 2 years ago.
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Rita R
I think you hit the nail on the head--the book also explores the notions of acceptance and tolerance. Salander is "different" and as such exploited and/or ostracized by society. In working with children, I see a lot of "Salanders" and I think Larsen does an excellent job of compelling people to look at how they respond to those who may appear "different" by society's standards.
posted 2 years ago.
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cbentz
At about page 200- anyone else having a difficult time keeping the Vanger family straight? No matter how many times they go thru the tree I still don't keep them all straight....
posted 2 years ago.
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North
Seriously...I doing my level best to NOT give up on this book. I'm on page 109 and almost nothing has happened. There's a whole lot of very dry financial mumbo-jumbo, but that's about it. With the exception on Lisbeth, the characters are distant and dry, too. I've been reading other reviews and some people say it doesn't get good until about page 200 and the last 100 pages are more financial mumbo-jumbo. To me, that's a waste of 300 pages. If the 540 pages in between aren't SPECTACULAR, I'd rather give up. Please tell me it gets A LOT better!!!
posted 2 years ago.
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Ayla
I agree that the first part of this book is slow moving but it does get a lot better! Hang in there.
posted 2 years ago.
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Rita R
I think if you are not hooked right away, this may not be a good read for you. I'd love to hear if you continued or not--and what you think.
posted 2 years ago.
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Spider V
Well, it gets past the dry financial mumbo-jumbo but that doesn't means it gets better. Just a different kind of bad.
posted 2 years ago.
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Josh Gribble
I also thought it started slow and around page 100 wondered if anything was ever going to happen. It picks up a lot and I found my patience well rewarded with a very exciting second half.
posted 2 years ago.
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Lori B
I can't put it down. I'm reading it on my Nook and on the Nook on the Computer. I have been reading the comments and I think I like books that take some thinking and work. It is worth the effort. I was a bit astonished by the sexual violence, but it's out there. I haven't read who killed Harriet yet, but I'll find out tonight. Look forward to the next one.
posted 2 years ago.
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Liz M
This book (and the others in the series) are a glaring look at misogyny in our culture. Lisbeth Salanger is this a modern heroine for every woman.
posted 2 years ago.
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Karriann B
This book is... well.... very well written. Its a little hard to get into it, but stick with it!! Its worth it in the end! A good read.
posted 2 years ago.
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ljavu
The book is very difficult at first, but don't give up....... keep reading, the book will get better.
posted 2 years ago.
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Jessie M
I agree with you that if you keep reading it gets better. But, I am not sure it was worth my time in the first place. I don't know if I will ever bother getting around to books 2 and 3.
posted 2 years ago.
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Manuel J removed this reply 2 years ago
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Manuel J
I really liked this book. It's long but I didn't get tired because I like that there are many stories. I mean, when someone explains something old, it's like a mini story, then you move trough the main one to the next station. Also you are always waiting for something: when will they meet, what happened to Harriet, what is her secret investment, etc.
Only needed at the end something to make me read the second, there is not cliffhanger or something, so I think the second is a totally different new case.posted 2 years ago.
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Clarissa
I love this book, but I found it difficult to get into the second one. I read them back to back. Maybe it's because _The Girl With the Dragon Tatto_ ending was very fast pace and then _The Girl Who Played With Fire_ starts off slow...
posted 2 years ago.
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Josh Gribble
Really? I actually thought The Girl with the Dragon tattoo was the only one of the three that started slow. For me "with fire" started out very creepy and intense. Just goes to show how two people can have different experiences with the same thing.
posted 2 years ago.
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Wayne
I'm with Josh, I thought the first book was slow. The second book *explodes* at around the 40% mark, so keep with it (I read it on my Kindle, so all I have is the percent).
posted 2 years ago.
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Ms. V
((SPOILER ALERT))
A Question:
What was the connection of the Bible writings to the slayings? In the end after all the investigation they seem disconnected. What was Gottfreid's motive?posted 2 years ago.
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George M.
Come to think of it, you have a great point there! The Bible angle was nor the motive you talk about was explained really at all....
posted 2 years ago.
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Kerri
Gottfreid's motive was that he was a sick individual (putting it MILDLY) who mis-used the Bible in a twisted way to rationalize (in HIS mind) his behavior as acceptable in God's eyes.
posted 2 years ago.
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George M.
My review: Took on this book it to see what the fuss is all about. Positives: good plot development, good pace especially after things get moving around 30% into the book, intriguing setting (rural and urban Sweden etc.) Negatives: for me, could not connect to the characters to the degree that I really cared about what happened to them. The sort of casual, amoral tone, Blomkvist running around jumping into bed with whoever, the strange "marital" situation of one of the characters (I don't want to give too much away here) was for me, rather off-putting. You may think otherwise. I do not feel inspired to read the rest of the trilogy, but do not regret reading this one. I am now on to other things.
posted 2 years ago.
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Ms. V removed this reply 2 years ago
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Ms. V removed this reply 2 years ago
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Ms. V
agree..feel the same here. enjoyed the plot but thought the climax was medicore. The characters were portrayed in extremes. The mystery and sloving of the msytery really held my interest....I do not feel the urge to read the next one yet but the book was fun while it lasted.
posted 2 years ago.
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Ivana M
I think that Blomkvist's daughter is put in the story just because Larsson couldn't think any other way to solve the problem with Bible. I don't understand why Larsson couldn't solve that problem on some other way? More logically?
posted 2 years ago.
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Selina C
aarrgh can't be bothered with this book anymore. Final straw came when thing- Blomkivst jumped into bed or was pounced on by Salander the girl with tattoos, he said 'i don't have any condoms' and she said 'screw it'.
really? I don't think so. Not to mention he cheats on his wife with his colleague and then just sleeps with a random neighbour just because she asks. Useless. Do I want to read about that? What's that got to do with finding out who killed Harriet..if she was..then all this other sadistic stuff..it's made up anyway but it's so long and drawn out and includes so much advertising for i-books that I can't be bothered. Who cares if other people have read it..there are other better books out there about REAL unsolved crimes.posted 1 year ago.
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Teachertraveler
I think it's fascinating how this book was marketed. In English, the emphasis is on Lisbeth, hence the title "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo". Movie posters have glossy pictures of a hot goth girl.
Yet, in Swedish, the title is "Men Who Hate Women". This seems much more honest to the actual plot and feeling of the book.posted 1 year ago.
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Jelena
I definitely recommend this book, just read it before you watch the movie.
posted 1 year ago.
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Dale K
Realize you asked this a long time ago but in case anyone else had the same question thought I would say that this book is VERY adult and DEFINITELY not for teens and not even for all adults.
The book contains:
- rape
- incest (homosexual and heterosexual)
- BDSM
- sexually-motivated serial killer
- forced oral sex
- anal penetration
- bisexuality
- and plenty of casual sex as wellUnless you are fascinated by these subjects, best to avoid the series. The second book continues the theme dealing in sex trafficking.
posted 3 days ago.
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Kate Rice
Did this book make anyone else want to visit Stockholm? I'd never given Sweden much thought before this, but it's top of my list now. Unfortunately, I've heard everything is expensive there!
posted 1 year ago.
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Princess Dana
I watched the movie yesterday and I HATED it!! I can't believe no one warned me that it would be so violent and brutal! Thank God I didn't buy the book! I couldn't have tolerated a lengthy description of the raping scenes! This book and movie should be read by willing adults only. It's so disturbing!
posted 1 year ago.
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to-the-stars
This book was a complete disappointment. For more than the first half of the book nothing happens - no major progress into the investigations, no character development, no suspense, the two main characters, Lisbeth and Blomkvist, don't even meet. By the end of the book, I wouldn't care less what happens to the character due to lack of character development. Too many events were crammed into the last five chapters and everything just too perfectly seemed to fall into place (the death of Martin, Harriet reappearance, Lisbeth and Blomkvist's relationship, and the Wennerstrom affair) . I don't understand why people claim this book was a cliffhanger from beginning to end. It was quite obvious from the beginning Harriet was still alive as her body was never found and Henrik still received those flowers on his birthday exactly like the one Harriet sent. Don't waste your time reading this.
posted 11 months ago.
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Cath Davidson
This was exactly what I thought, I read to the end because I always finish a book but also kept thinking it would get better. I didn't learn my lesson either I thought I'd try the second one too as people said it was better...not! Not reading the third one that is for sure!
posted 11 months ago.
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Cath Davidson removed this reply 11 months ago
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SaadKhan15
No,i have also read the book,i found it really nice in terms of sequence and besides mysteries get solvede at the end Dah!
posted 11 months ago.
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