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.
*May Contain Spoilers*
Why haven't I read this entire series yet? I can't believe that it's taken me this long to pick up Steig Larsson's The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. I'm completely blown away by the cunning storyline and stylisitic features of this novel. And I cannot wait to get my hands on the next two.
Mikael and Lisbeth share the spotlight in this gripping novel. Mikael is a reporter who always gathers the facts, with sources. He is diligent, intelligent, loyal, trustworthy, and as readers find out, a damn good investigative reporter. Readers will love his forward thinking, his attention to detail, and his honesty.
Lisbeth is a bit more difficult to connect with, Mikael being the only person in the novel that seems to be able to break through her reserves. As Lisbeth learns to trust and rely on Mikael, readers, in turn, will be able to build their relationship with her. While Mikael's connection with readers is firmly rooted from the beginning, Lisbeth's connection is an evolution.
The plot of this novel is, in a word, astounding. I was thoroughly impressed with how Larsson weaves such an intimate story, bringing together two completely different situations. The mystery of Harriet Vanger brought harsh family secrets to light while also uncovering a serial murderer. I was on the edge of my seat, biting my nails, along for the ride.
Again, why haven't I read this series before now?
