
author: Stieg Larsson
series: Millennium #3
published: 19 May 2010
publisher: Knopf
genre(s): thrillers
pages: 656
source: library
format: eBook
buy/shelve it: Amazon | B&N | StoryGraph | Goodreads
rating:


the blurb
Lisbeth Salander - the heart of Larsson's two previous novels - lies in critical condition, a bullet wound to her head, in the intensive care unit of a Swedish city hospital. She's fighting for her life in more ways than one: if and when she recovers, she'll be taken back to Stockholm to stand trial for three murders. With the help of her friend, journalist Mikael Blomkvist, she will not only have to prove her innocence, but also identify and denounce those in authority who have allowed the vulnerable, like herself, to suffer abuse and violence. And, on her own, she will plot revenge - against the man who tried to kill her, and the corrupt government institutions that very nearly destroyed her life.
Once upon a time, she was a victim. Now Salander is fighting back.
a few notes
content warning:❗reference to murder, sex assault, family dysfunction, incest❗
steamy rating: 0 🔥s
language level: 🤬🤬
POV: 3rd person
HEA: n/a
keywords/phrases: theft, family, conspiracy, revenge
awards:
- Glass Key Award (2007)
- CWA International Dagger Nominee (2009)
- Audie Award for Thriller/Suspense (2010)
- Goodreads Choice Award for Mystery & Thriller and Nominee for Favorite Book (2009)
- LovelyBooks Leserpreis for Krimi (2008)
my review
If it was any other writer, I would say that the writing style absolutely does not work, that there is just too much of every little thing. But somehow, it absolutely does work. Instead of bogging me down with unnecessary detail, it brings me into the story in a deeper way.
This book marks the end of the original trilogy written by Stieg Larsson, each book very different than the last. The first was an odd but intriguing mash-up of a serial killer thriller and a political thriller, with some Silence of the Lambs vibes. Then book two was focused around the politics of the Swedish police and the media. And this one felt like a legal thriller. There is no doubt that the books are a statement about the existence of some rather heavy-handed misogyny. In fact, together, the three books could be seen as a bit of a manifesto on that misognyny and the resulting injustices faced by women in Swedish societies.
This installment really allowed for a broader insight into Lisbeth’s past. She is an interesting character that is somehow both the villain and the hero, often at the same time. This book really helps to explain why she is the way she is, diving deeper into the things that have happened to her.
This is not an read for the faint of heart. It’s dark, often horrifying, but it’s also deeply intense and engrossing.
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reading challenges:
- 2023 Beat the Backlist Reading Challenge
- 2023 Library Love Reading Challenge
- 2023 Linz the Bookworm Reading Challenge
- 2023 Monthly Motif Reading Challenge
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