I did it. After one previous, failed attempt, I finally read this entire book, prompted by my friend L, whose book advice I am happy to take 100% of the time. It took me 100 pages or so to get into the plot, and admittedly, I usually say that's too long to have to read with only minimal interest. But it was worth it. The plot thickened, and I found myself unable to stop reading after awhile.
Mikael Blomkvist is a journalist in this first Larsson novel (published by Vintage Crime/Black Lizard, 2008). He has just been convicted of libel, so finds himself with extra time on his hands before he is sent to jail for a short time. Right around this time, a member of the once-wealthy and powerful Vanger family requests Blomkvist's help in solving a 40-year-old mystery: namely, the disappearance of the young Harriet Vanger. Over the next year, Blomkvist uncovers unimaginable horrors and ties up the loose ends of the Vanger family's secret history once and for all. (Meanwhile revealing corruption in the financial journalism world as well, but that part of the plot was slightly less fascinating to me, I'll admit.)
Oh gosh, this book horrified me! Don't get me wrong--I thought the suspense element was really well done, but the rest of it...shudder!
ReplyDeleteThere were definitely parts of it I was relieved were over. It was kind of like a car crash where you just have to look...I'm still undecided whether I want to read the other books in the series.
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