"I want you to find out who in the family murdered Harriet,
and who since then has spent almost forty years trying to
drive me insane." (4.195)
Over Thanksgiving Break I read Stieg Larsson's "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." Most of my family was pretty surprised at the choice, since crime novels aren't exactly my genre of choice. I have to say that for a crime novel, it was pretty intriguing, and the story line was fascinating. However, I would probably not recommend this book.
The book was extremely violent and at times brutal and disgusting. The sexuality was explicit, as was the language. I am not an innocent reader necessarily, but this was over the top. The message of females being the victims of male violence was good I think, because anything to raise awareness is good, but as far as an inspiring, uplifting novel goes, this isn't one of them. Not to mention it is 600 + pages, and personally there is better literature I could have spent my time with.
Have you read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo? What did you think?
14 comments:
I read it a few months ago. I found it to be very slow to start with, but eventually got into it and could not stop reading. I see where you're coming from with the violence, though I suppose I didn't find it as bad? Maybe I just can't remember it well enough at this point haha. I think a lot of it has to do with the completely different point of view Europeans have when it comes to sex and violence. They're a lot more open about it in their literature than Americans, I'd say.
It has been on my long list of books to read. I am grateful to hear your comments. It sounds like this is a series I can skip over. I have so many other books I am looking forward to reading.
I read it and feel the exact same way. I was intrigued by the murder mystery but was annoyed by the sexuality and general sleaziness in the novel. I, like you, am not a sensitive reader but after reading it I felt the intriguing plot line wasn't worth the gore and sex. But I DID like Lisbeth's strength and audacity, especially when she takes matters into her own hands. I appreciate when sensitive issues are brought to light such as, abuse, and incest. My issue was with the main characters who seemed to have NO moral sense at all.
Agreed. I heard it was a good lead up to the other books in the series but I don't know if I'm gonna read them since this one was so explicit
i just checked it out from the library & haven't started it yet. i wont even bother!I Do you know of any great reads?
My sister-in-law read it and recommended it and my husband watched the movie. I was pregnant at the time and my hubs encouraged me NOT to read it since there's child violence (?). I just can't handle reading stuff like that now that I'm a Mom. There's enough to worry about and be fearful of without being reminded of it!
I'm glad I read your review! Will you post a list of recommended reads? I need some new books!
I agree with you full-heartedly. I couldn't put the book down, but I was hated that I was so involved in such a graphic and gritty story.
p.s. I'm a friend of Laura Collins. She introduced me to your blog. I'm hooked. I love reading your work.
I have the book and planned on reading it after finals.. but yikes! i'm a little nervous to now... hmmm
oh so glad to hear this. ive heard rave reviews but this doesnt sound like something id be interested in. thanks!
Thanks so much for sharing- I have this on a list of about 50 books to read so it will be nice to only have 49;-)
new to your blog and loving being here! seriously you make we want to read this book, like right now.
p.s. your blog is a gem!
Thank you for your honesty. My husband and I have had this book at our house for a while, and just haven't found the time to sit and read it. Your review is making me rethink spending time with it. I can find a lot of other books that are worth my time.
Anthem by Ayn RAnd
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