Scan barcode
A review by cerealceec
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
huh, ok. went into this with a sense of obligation because i've heard a lot about this book (and movie adaptation) and wanted to form my own opinion. i'm sure i would have had a much harder time staying focused and invested if i'd read it, but as it turned out, vance's reading was so perfectly done that i thoroughly enjoyed listening to even the "boring" parts. this might actually get me into audiobooks for good.
it's hard to say exactly what it was about the characters, but i found them and their relationships just fascinating. many of them weren't portrayed with unusual depth, but i guess i loved how unflinchingly their flaws were portrayed. i love that lisbeth is infuriating at times in her anger and propensity to fly off the handle. it makes perfect sense for her character.
mikael's relationship with erika was such an unexpectedly loving, earnest portrayal of relationship anarchy and nonmonogamy that i couldn't believe i was reading it in such a well-known book. i'm really curious how it'll be expanded on in further books, especially with lisbeth involved.
i'm not a great plot critic but i was more or less satisfied with the resolution; not sure how i feel about some aspects of the villain's portrayal but i'll have to think on that one.
lots more thought but i'll sit on it, probably going to check out the next one.
-
sat on it, updated thoughts:
started the next book and it's unfortunately put the first book's flaws closer into focus... think i might give up on this series. blomkvist's Nice Guy characterization is starting to get on my nerves, especially the way all female characters can't help but be attracted to him... also the page on lisbeth's breast implants, jesus christ. think it's best to appreciate the first book for what it was and leave it there.
it's hard to say exactly what it was about the characters, but i found them and their relationships just fascinating. many of them weren't portrayed with unusual depth, but i guess i loved how unflinchingly their flaws were portrayed. i love that lisbeth is infuriating at times in her anger and propensity to fly off the handle. it makes perfect sense for her character.
mikael's relationship with erika was such an unexpectedly loving, earnest portrayal of relationship anarchy and nonmonogamy that i couldn't believe i was reading it in such a well-known book. i'm really curious how it'll be expanded on in further books, especially with lisbeth involved.
i'm not a great plot critic but i was more or less satisfied with the resolution; not sure how i feel about some aspects of the villain's portrayal but i'll have to think on that one.
lots more thought but i'll sit on it, probably going to check out the next one.
-
sat on it, updated thoughts:
started the next book and it's unfortunately put the first book's flaws closer into focus... think i might give up on this series. blomkvist's Nice Guy characterization is starting to get on my nerves, especially the way all female characters can't help but be attracted to him... also the page on lisbeth's breast implants, jesus christ. think it's best to appreciate the first book for what it was and leave it there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Misogyny, Pedophilia, and Rape