Author: Stieg Larsson
Publisher: Knopf
Publication Date: September 16, 2008
Pages: 480
From Goodreads:
Mikael Blomkvist, a once-respected financial journalist, watches his professional life rapidly crumble around him. Prospects appear bleak until an unexpected (and unsettling) offer to resurrect his name is extended by an old-school titan of Swedish industry. The catch--and there's always a catch--is that Blomkvist must first spend a year researching a mysterious disappearance that has remained unsolved for nearly four decades. With few other options, he accepts and enlists the help of investigator Lisbeth Salander, a misunderstood genius with a cache of authority issues. Little is as it seems in Larsson's novel, but there is at least one constant: you really don't want to mess with the girl with the dragon tattoo.
First off...WOW. This book was not what I was expecting at all. I knew it was a widely popular book but had no idea what the story was about. But, I thought I'd give it a try and see what all the hype was about.
When I first started, I was having a rough time with the language, lack of editing, and the million Swedish characters introduced. I really struggled with getting into the book, but I am one to always finish a book no matter what, so I marched on.
I am so glad I stuck it out, because about halfway through the book the tempo picked up and the story got so engaging that I couldn't put it down! I think it took me a day to read the last half of the book, whereas the first half took about 4 days. I had no idea how the ending was going to turn out, or if Blomkvist could really solve the 40-year-old disappearance. And I certainly wasn't expecting the outcome (no worries, I won't spoil!) My favorite character was Salander by far, and I hope the second and third books delve into her past more.
This is definitely a must-read book if you are into mystery, suspense, dark humor, and a little romance mixed in.
You are a reviewing machine! Good job reviewing right after you finish :)
ReplyDeleteI still don't really want to read these books, but we do own copies if I ever change my mind. The cover of the last one is pretty and shiny!
I agree 100% with your great review. The first half was so hard to get through. The second book is good and the third is still good, but the first remains my favorite. Once you get used to the Swedish landmarks and his writing style, it gets much easier. I think you can really tell that these books were translated into English and that's why they are hard reads.
ReplyDeleteI agree, our thoughts were pretty similar on this book!
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