Monday, January 18, 2010

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larson

Honestly, I don't really get what all the fuss is about. I thought this book was good, and I love the glimpse into Swedish life, but the main mystery seemed far-fetched, and the subplots somewhat tiresome. I was enthralled by Lisbeth Salander at first, but she seemed more and more two dimensional and less and less believable as the novel progressed. In general this book was, to me, like so many thoroughbreds - quick out of the gates but slower and slower on the turns until they're merely trotting to the finish.



Where I heard about this book
: Umm... everywhere?


What I thought of this book
: It was good. 3 1/2 stars.


What this book is about
: A murder mystery set in Sweden.

Here are the two things I loved most about this book: The author pays homage to his favorite crime writers by mentioning that the main character is reading their books. This same character is constantly eating fantastic-sounding Swedish snacks featuring things like pickles, eggs and herring. Overall it made me really want to travel to Scandanavia; it sound gorgeous and sane, and is everyone there really so practical and smart?

3 comments:

  1. I agree. I think this book was overhyped. I also liked Lisbeth at first, but then was increasingly put off by her and the story. I also hated the weird torture stuff at the end. People say that the sequel is good, though.

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  2. What- no reviews of the other two?

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  3. I was too traumatized by this one to read the others!

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