This is not a book I would have ordinarily picked up. I think apart from anything else, there's been so much hype about it, that I found it kind of offputting. But someone offered to lend it to me, so I almost felt obligated to give it a go, especially as they were so enthusiastic about it.I'm not sure I could say I enjoyed the book, as I think that's the wrong word. (I've watched Wallander on the BBC - another series based on a Swedish crime thriller - and there's a bleakness to that as well. So maybe it's a Swedish thing?)
However, having said that I certainly found it compulsive reading and I couldn't really explain why, especially as for the first part nothing really seemed to happen. If anything, I think it was the prologue that pulled me in, I wanted to know who was sending the flowers. And I think I was also genuinely surprised by the identity of the killer - which doesn't happen that often, I have watched far too much CSI, Law and Order etc. etc. to be surprised on a regular basis. So it makes a refreshing change.
A lot of it made for uncomfortable reading. I think it's not just that it has a misogynistic feel, I don't think it's that complimentary to men either. But Lisbeth Salander is one of the most interesting characters I've read about in a long time.
3 comments:
I agree. It's not an enjoyable book in that sense, and parts are very difficult to read, but it was, for me, absolutely riveting. All the characters are complicated and, with few exceptions, none of them is someone I would like to know. Still, I read all three like a house afire and am eager to see the new film.
I agree. They were very compelling. I listened to all 3 of them and that was a difficult experience as well. The narrator was great with the names, but still. The last one was really the most uplifting - if you can call it that.
Darlynne - I agree about the absolutely riveting. I think recently, it's the book I've finished fastest.
Laura - Will be borrowing the books from a friend - hopefully? So am having to wait to get my hands on the next one.
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