This is the first of three novels
in Millennium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson. Other two being: ‘The Girl Who Played with
Fire’ and ‘The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest’.
One characteristic we immediately
realize about this novel is its intelligent design. The author, Stieg Larsson,
never assumes the readers as witless creatures.
Novel has two major parts. First
story covers the fight of investigative journalist against a powerful
businessman. Second story revolves around the mystery behind sudden
disappearance of a girl four decades ago. Second story is longer, more interesting,
riveting and unpredictable of the two stories.
Mikael Blomkvist is an
investigative journalist and part-owner of the magazine- Millennium. He has just lost a libel case against the
investment tycoon Wennerström. Mikael wants to overcome this embarrassment. He
wants to strike back and seek the redemption.
Enters Henrik Vanger, who is in
his eighties. An ex-CEO of erstwhile conglomerate (and now struggling) Vanger
Corporation. He wants Mikael to investigate the sudden disappearance of his
grand-niece Harriet Vanger, apparently murdered, almost four decades ago.
What initially appears to be a
silly task turns into a serious investigation. Very Soon Mikael realizes that
there are people who do not want him to dig into the matter. Situation is
worsened by non-cooperation of weird and eccentric members of Vanger family. The
troubles increase with the progress of the case. He is assisted by an anorexic
and strange girl – Lisbeth Salander. All characters, including Mikael and
Lisbeth, have their own secrets. Will Mikael and Salander succeed in their errand?
It will not be easy. How many twists and turns will the story take before we
come to an end? There are subtle clues. Few leading, other misleading.
Slowly but surely the novel grips
you. The character development is extremely good. Each character, irrespective
of its length, stays in the memory. You
cannot put down the novel till the Harriet mystery is resolved.
While the Vanger story is
intriguing, the Wennerström affair appears prosaic. It lacks the thrill,
nuances and twists in the Vanger mystery. But it is just a minor hiccup in
otherwise a very brilliant work.
Overall, it is one hell of a
novel. You will be spellbound. There is no surprise that this novel (and entire
Millennium Trilogy) has been a huge success across the world.
Unfortunately, Larsson did not
survive to see his work being adored by the people. His novels were published
posthumously.
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