For those of you who've never cracked one of these books - you really need to. This is especially true for women and writers.
My god, what stories these are. No, they're not perfect. Just go to Amazon and read the many negative one and two star reviews about there being too much detail about what the characters eat, the computers they use, the way the hero Blomkvist sleeps around (didn't bother me at all), and so many other (small) points that some readers didn't like.
That's not what these books are about. They're about men who hate women (which was the title of the first book before the publisher changed it to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo).
Salander is a female character like none I've ever read. She's not beautiful, sexy or witty. She's a computer hacker, stunningly brilliant when it comes to mathematical formulas. More importantly, she's been a victim of men in power - a victim who refuses to be victimized. She does what many might call immoral things, yet she is the most moral character I've ever met.
The way she extricates herself from her sadistic and creepy guardian Bjurman in the first book The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was awesome. I certainly didn't see it coming, and trust me, I've guessed the end of every Agatha Christie book and other murder mysteries/thrillers since I've started reading the genre. I honestly thought she was going to kill the slimeball. (Hell, I was having my own fantasies about that). Not Salander. She found the perfect punishment for the SOB. During that scene, I was pumping my fist in the air and shouting, "You go, girl!"
Blomkvist, a crusading financial journalist, isn't only her lover at times. More importantly, he's her friend in a world where she sorely needs one. This is a relationship I believe all women want with a man. Someone who listens to you, believes in you and will do all that he can to ensure your safety even though the rest of the world thinks you're weird and unattractive. Yeah, he's my kind of guy.
It's a damn shame Larsson died after writing these tales. His work speaks to me as a woman who wants to be treated fairly, to be understood (not dismissed/abused/exploited) and who is more than a means for a man to make himself feel important.
As a writer, I'm amazed at his intricate plotting, stunning cliffhangers and the connection between Salander and Blomkvist. I didn't want these stories to end...ever.
Do yourself a favor - read these books. Savor them. Mourn the loss of a very great writer.
Tina
Tina Donahue
“Heat with Heart”
DEEP WITHIN ME (June 25 - Samhain)
ILLICIT INTENT (5 FLAMES - MY READING OBSESSION)
ILLICIT DESIRE (4 STARS - ROMANTIC TIMES)
SENSUAL STRANGER (BOOK OF THE YEAR 2010)
DEEP, DARK, DELICIOUS (HOLT MEDALLION AWARD OF MERIT)
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8 comments:
I haven't read the books yet but I did see the film. I had the same reaction you did when she dealt with her creepy guardian. I'll have to check the books out.
Slander is one of the most amazingly written characters ever. Smart, strange and, as you mention, stunningly moral. I loved her. But the beginning of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is about as dull as fiction gets! :) Once Salamder steps onto the pages, though... Magic.
Paris, you're going to love these books. I'm just starting the last in the trilogy. I just don't want to read too quickly because I don't want it to end.
It moved slow for me too, Tali. But Salander made it all worthwhile. What a character. Wow.
I hadn't read them but I think by what you've described it's worth checking out. Thanks Tina.
You're welcome, Rose. These are amazing books. Enjoy!
I've not read them. I haven't seen the movie either, but I love the idea of a character that isn't allowing the world to walk all over her.
If you like strong females, Melissa - you HAVE to read this book. Salander doesn't come off as Rambo or the Terminator. She's so much more than that male wet dream. She's moral in a way few people are. Amazing character.
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