“Just get past all the weird Swedish stuff and boring business details. It’s awesome. Super creepy.”
That’s what my sister said as she shoved Stieg Larsson’s 600-page novel into my hands. She’s a pediatric intensive care nurse, and after working crazy hours in intense life-or-death situations, she likes to escape into a good book. With her recommendation, I knew it was going to be a worthwhile read.
In the novel translated from Swedish, we meet journalist Mikael Blomkvist, who is watching his rising star dim. The story he thought would expose international financial scandal instead lands him in court accused of libel. His misfortune does open up a new adventure and a chance to rebuild his tarnished reputation. Mikael is recruited by the aging patriarch of a powerful corporate family, whose last wish is to solve the decades-old mystery of the disappearance of his beloved niece.
I am afraid to give too much away and spoil the plot twists and shocking scenes (some downright disturbing) that had me turning the pages for hours on end. I will say Mikael gets help unraveling the mystery with one of literature’s most unlikely and oddest heroines, Lisbeth Salander. A social misfit whose next move is impossible to predict, she adds an element of intrigue and surprise that makes her one of my new favorite smart and strong female characters.
I loved “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” so much that I am now on to the next book in the series, “The Girl Who Plays with Fire.” Only 100 pages in and it’s already as enthralling as the first. Unfortunately, Larsson died shortly after delivering the manuscripts for three books (he had outlines for 10 in the series). I am looking forward to the final novel’s release in May, but I am worried it will just leave me wanting more.
--Reviewed by Kristin Petersen
Ok you got me. THis is my summer reading for 2010!
Posted by: tracy | March 04, 2010 at 10:25 PM
I’m sold as well. I think the creepiness factor you mention got me since those always seem to be the most interesting, and attention-keeping, tales. And the fact that it’s a recommendation is even better. Do you know if all three of Larsson’s novels are linked together?
Posted by: Christine Rojewski | March 16, 2010 at 02:07 PM
Yes, the three books that have been released are known as the Millennium trilogy. Millennium is the name of the magazine where Blomkvist works. It's great to follow the characters and get to know even more about them through new mysteries. Apparently the Swedish movie based on the first book will be released in North America this month, and a Hollywood version is in the works!
Posted by: Kristin Petersen | March 16, 2010 at 02:24 PM