Scan barcode
profbanks's review against another edition
4.0
I've fallen a bit behind in blogging about my Year of Reading Virtuously efforts, but so far, I'm still managing one "required reading" book per week. This one may seem like a strange addition to any list of "virtuous" reading, but since it's hard to have a conversation or read an article about current fiction without this book coming up, I figured its virtue lay in keeping up with some sense of cultural literacy (I know, a ridiculous, bordering on delusional, effort for a parent of young boys).
I figure most of the good analysis of the complex layered characters, the twisting and intertwining plots, and the brisk narrative style have already been done by better critics than me. I only have two observations to make that may or may not have been said before:
First, this book basically has about 250 pages of exposition, which makes it a surprisingly difficult book to stick with. After that, it's all downhill to the end, but I have to admit my reluctance to start the sequel without knowing if it's going to be such a hard slog until momentum reaches a cruising speed.
Second, I know that Sweden exists (I can even find it on a map), and I know that this story would be firmly grounded in the mental map of Swedish, even generally Scandinavian, readers. As a foreign reader, though, Sweden might as well have been Krynn or Middle-earth. All the references to streets and islands and rail lines squiggled around in my head as indefinitely as one of those atlases of the world that just fades out around the edges. Combined with the fact that isolation--geographic, social, emotional--is a central theme of the book, the whole thing seemed to hang in the same vague, misty middle distance as any other fantasy book I've ever read.
I figure most of the good analysis of the complex layered characters, the twisting and intertwining plots, and the brisk narrative style have already been done by better critics than me. I only have two observations to make that may or may not have been said before:
First, this book basically has about 250 pages of exposition, which makes it a surprisingly difficult book to stick with. After that, it's all downhill to the end, but I have to admit my reluctance to start the sequel without knowing if it's going to be such a hard slog until momentum reaches a cruising speed.
Second, I know that Sweden exists (I can even find it on a map), and I know that this story would be firmly grounded in the mental map of Swedish, even generally Scandinavian, readers. As a foreign reader, though, Sweden might as well have been Krynn or Middle-earth. All the references to streets and islands and rail lines squiggled around in my head as indefinitely as one of those atlases of the world that just fades out around the edges. Combined with the fact that isolation--geographic, social, emotional--is a central theme of the book, the whole thing seemed to hang in the same vague, misty middle distance as any other fantasy book I've ever read.
juliehirt's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed it. The characters are great and unexpected. I miss them already!
gjeva's review against another edition
4.0
I was so resistant to read this but then I just bit the bullet and did it. Fast. Never thought I would enjoy a book that falls into a mystery/crime category but this was fascinating from beginning to end, so detailed, clever, gripping and I loved the girl at the centre, totally unlike any other "heroine" I've ever come across. Although I must say, there is barely any mention of the dragon tattoo itself, so I don't know why they decided to change the title from the original Swedish. Although "Men Who Hate Women" is understandably a pretty brutal name, too envelope-pushing for the English and American publishers!
0xdamien's review against another edition
5.0
Ok, I didn't actually read this book, I listened to it on my iPod. The story is fascinating and was really enjoyable for me. There are some sensitive topics that might not be for everyone, but the story kept me engaged over the 15+ hours of listening on my commute. I liked the audio book so much, I may read the actual book again.
irishjoe's review against another edition
5.0
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book as I'd missed all the hype and came to it fresh recently. What I got was a real page-turner of a thriller! Although [a:Stieg Larsson|706255|Stieg Larsson|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1246466225p2/706255.jpg] spends a long time building the characters and the background layer by layer, I never lost interest for a moment, and when the action kicks off the story turns rapidly into a dark psychological thriller. It is obvious the author, now deceased, was very passionate about the core theme (original title: Men Who Hate Women) and this really comes through in the writing. The writing style is at times clunky, but he is a good story-teller and the suspense is built very nicely indeed. This reminded me a lot of [a:Ian McEwan|2408|Ian McEwan|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1206590269p2/2408.jpg], or perhaps even [a:Dan Brown|630|Dan Brown|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1206553442p2/630.jpg].
Recommended reading for thriller fans.
Recommended reading for thriller fans.
andsheewas's review against another edition
3.0
Definitely gripping, but not without its flaws. The main plot is absolutely mind-blowing; however, I don't think I'm a complete fan of Larsson's style and casual "name dropping" of technology and early 2000 fads. It has moments that are downright Chandleresque, but others are quite amateurish.
melissarochelle's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely lives up to the hype.
I don't think the author hates women like that Entertainment Weekly woman said...however, it would be something if it turned up that he had one of those Martin Vanger type rooms in his basement.
I'm definitely upset that there are only three books...I'm totally attached to Lisbeth and I just want to be her friend. She needs friends.
Can't wait to read Book #2!
I don't think the author hates women like that Entertainment Weekly woman said...however, it would be something if it turned up that he had one of those Martin Vanger type rooms in his basement.
I'm definitely upset that there are only three books...I'm totally attached to Lisbeth and I just want to be her friend. She needs friends.
Can't wait to read Book #2!
spettit's review against another edition
5.0
Love this book! What a great story and holds your interest right down to the last page! Can't wait to read book 2!