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Millennium #5
The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye
The girl with the dragon tattoo does not forgive.
Salander is confined to the secure unit of a women's prison, with violence all around her, but for a hacker of her skills, there are no boundaries.
She gives Mikael Blomkvist a lead that could give him an important exposé for Millennium magazine, an investigation into a sinister experiment that may also unlock the mystery of her harrowing childhood.
The dragon inked into Salander's back is a constant reminder of her pledge to fight the injustice she finds on every side, and she will discover the truth, whatever the cost.
Salander is confined to the secure unit of a women's prison, with violence all around her, but for a hacker of her skills, there are no boundaries.
She gives Mikael Blomkvist a lead that could give him an important exposé for Millennium magazine, an investigation into a sinister experiment that may also unlock the mystery of her harrowing childhood.
The dragon inked into Salander's back is a constant reminder of her pledge to fight the injustice she finds on every side, and she will discover the truth, whatever the cost.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
About the author
David Lagercrantz
61 books2,725 followersDavid Lagercrantz, born in 1962, is a journalist and author, living in Stockholm. His first book was published in 1997, a biography of the Swedish adventurer and mountaineer Göran Kropp. In 2000 his biography on the inventor Håkan Lans, A Swedish Genious, was published. His breakthrough as a novelist was Fall of Man in Wilmslow, a fictionalised novel about the British mathematician Alan Turing. In David Lagercrantz' writing you can often see a pattern: major talents who refuse to follow convention. He has been interested not only in what it takes to stand out from the crowd, but also in the resistance that such creativity inevitably faces.
In 2011 his best-selling sports biography I am Zlatan Ibrahimović was published, one of the most successful books in Sweden in modern times. The biography was nominated for the prestigious August Prize in 2012, as well as shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award. To date, the book has been published in over 30 languages around the world and been sold in millions of copies.
In the summer of 2013, Lagercrantz was asked by Moggliden (the Larsson Estate) and Norstedts to write the fourth, free-standing sequel to Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy. The Girl in the Spider's Web was published – in August 27, 2015 – simultaneously by 26 publishers (in 24 languages) worldwide, ten years after the Swedish publication of Stieg Larsson's The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.
Stieg Larsson's three Millennium novels have sold more than 82 Million copies to date, by 52 publishers worldwide. The Girl in the Spider's Web is sold to 47 publishers and more than 6 Million copies have been sold worldwide.
In 2011 his best-selling sports biography I am Zlatan Ibrahimović was published, one of the most successful books in Sweden in modern times. The biography was nominated for the prestigious August Prize in 2012, as well as shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award. To date, the book has been published in over 30 languages around the world and been sold in millions of copies.
In the summer of 2013, Lagercrantz was asked by Moggliden (the Larsson Estate) and Norstedts to write the fourth, free-standing sequel to Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy. The Girl in the Spider's Web was published – in August 27, 2015 – simultaneously by 26 publishers (in 24 languages) worldwide, ten years after the Swedish publication of Stieg Larsson's The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.
Stieg Larsson's three Millennium novels have sold more than 82 Million copies to date, by 52 publishers worldwide. The Girl in the Spider's Web is sold to 47 publishers and more than 6 Million copies have been sold worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,149 reviews
September 9, 2017
Absolutely pathetic. Clumsy, dull, slow. It has unbelievable characters, improbable situations, implausible plotting. Lagercrantz is nothing like Stieg Larsson, he is destroying a franchise that was popular world-wide. He has Lisbeth as a Wonder Woman who can beat the crap out of six foot two, physically fit men, drop them and dislocate a shoulder with a couple of punches. Ludicrous. He has not the faintest clue about computer hacking, nor many other areas of modern technology. A waste of time. I returned my copy to Amazon after only a few chapters. It wasn't just poorly written, it was aggravating. Lagercrantz is an example of Mary Sue on steroids. He also has not heard the axiom "Show don't tell" or if he has, he ignores the advice.
April 15, 2018
“First you find out the truth. then you take revenge.”
There are just times when the laws of the land get things wrong. Our uber hip, ominously dangerous heroine, Miss Lisbeth Salander, is in Flodberga prison for two months because, in the course of saving an autistic child from his abuser, she got…too aggressive.
She did. I was there. I saw it with my reader’s eye. She beat the shit out of that low life, steaming pile of excrement.
Knowing Lisbeth as I do, this is my fifth book experience with her, I know she sat in that courtroom in brooding silence and offered no defense. Her code is that she shouldn’t have to defend herself in the face of such hypocrisy. She barely recognizes the court’s right to incarcerate her, but she did just order a bunch of books, a bit of light reading, on Quantum Field Theory, and maybe a few months in a quiet cell will allow her to finally work out the final wiggles in her quantum mechanical calculations.
I knew a writer, Pico Iyer, who would routinely check himself into the monastery at Big Sur to finish books. It would be similar to being in a prison, but the enclosed atmosphere always restarted his creative juices. If I were incarcerated, for say redistributing wealth, I would insist (plea) on being sent to the prison with the best library system. I would ask for solitary confinement, take my meals in my cell, and expect new books to be distributed to me every few days. If need be, I’d open a vein and sketch out my book reviews in blood with a rat’s tooth on toilet paper and have them snuck out of the prison, hopefully by the man who delivers my books because I’ve threatened to eviscerate him in every story I write for the rest of my life if he doesn’t help me.
I would get a lot of reading done.
Not that I’ve given this any thought.
Of course, the problem is Salander is not given the peace and quiet she craves. The beautiful, petite Faria Kazi, incarcerated for killing her brother after he killed her boyfriend in an Islamic fueled blood feud, is the favorite target of a woman who calls herself Benito. ”She was originally called Beatrice, and later took the name of a certain Italian fascist. These days she had a swastika tattooed on her throat, a crew cut and an unhealthy, pallid complexion.”
Obviously, her parents did not pay enough attention to her as a child.
Salander has zero tolerance for abuse. She sustained enough of it while she was growing up. She has made herself into a deadly weapon, and as tough as Benito is, I’m putting my money on Lisbeth every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Now what is interesting, in the fight scene it shows the difference between the two authors. Stieg Larsson would have given us detailed descriptions of the fight scene, where with David Lagercrantz, the fight begins and then a shutter comes down on the action and then shutter lifts to show someone on the ground gasping for breath. Maybe Lisbeth just moves too fast for Lagercrantz. Not a big complaint, but just a noticeable difference in styles of writing.
Mikael Blomkivst, Mr. Expose from the magazine Millenneum, who has helped Salander as best he can since the beginning of this series, is back once again. He goes to see Salander once a week, which is rarely satisfying because Lisbeth isn’t much for chit chat. She does give him a lead that she wants him to follow up on regarding the Registry, which has been an organization she has been trying to bring down ever since she found out her and her twin sister were forced into that program. This organization like to study identical twins growing up in vastly different environments.
They were demented people on an insidious mission, hidden beneath the guise of scientific research.
Lisbeth does remember one person specifically attached to the program.
”’There was a woman who used to stop by to see you, wasn’t there? It’s coming back to me now. She had some kind of birthmark.’
‘It looked like a burn on her throat.’
‘As if a dragon had breathed fire on her.’”
Lagercrantz also reveals more about the origin of Lisbeth Salander’s sexy dragon tattoo. There is some great backstory on our post-truth society and using ”lies as weapons,” as well. I’ve been increasingly concerned about the lack of interest in truth if it doesn’t jive with people’s own beliefs, so those passages resonate with me. Furthermore, Blomkvist is investigating the effects of a recent hacking of the stock market that caused panic.
”’Doubt on a small scale is what makes the stock market possible,’ Mannheimer replied. ‘Every day, millions of people out there doubt and hope and analyze. That’s what sets share prices. What I’m talking about is deep, existential doubt---lack of faith in growth and future returns. Nothing is more dangerous for a highly valued market. That level of fear can cause a crash and plunge the world into a depression. We could even start to question the whole idea, the imaginary construct. This will sound like a provocation to some of you, and I apologize for that. But the financial market is not something that exists like you or I, Karin, or this bottle of water on the table. The moment we stop believing in it, it ceases to exist.’”
I love it when a writer expresses something I believe... in such a simple well defined way. I do, I confess, have some of my portfolio in the stock market, but it is a relatively small amount of my retirement. I’ve plunged most of my money into things more tangible like real estate. I can see it. I don’t have to imagine it. I feel the stock market is all just a rigged game for rich people to become richer, while the middle class dreamers who invest in the market thinking they will be rich, often see their life savings evaporate into thin air, like it never existed.
Blomkvist and Salander join forces once again to try and bring down the forces of the Registry. Sometimes it feels like one step forward and two steps back, but they continue to circle closer to the black heart that guides the rest. David Lagercrantz is not Stieg Larsson. (I’m so glad he isn’t trying to wear a dead man's clothes.) Some may miss Larsson’s unique writing style. Lagercrantz may be different, but he is keeping Larsson’s characters alive and writing thrilling stories that I continue to enjoy.
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at: https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
There are just times when the laws of the land get things wrong. Our uber hip, ominously dangerous heroine, Miss Lisbeth Salander, is in Flodberga prison for two months because, in the course of saving an autistic child from his abuser, she got…too aggressive.
She did. I was there. I saw it with my reader’s eye. She beat the shit out of that low life, steaming pile of excrement.
Knowing Lisbeth as I do, this is my fifth book experience with her, I know she sat in that courtroom in brooding silence and offered no defense. Her code is that she shouldn’t have to defend herself in the face of such hypocrisy. She barely recognizes the court’s right to incarcerate her, but she did just order a bunch of books, a bit of light reading, on Quantum Field Theory, and maybe a few months in a quiet cell will allow her to finally work out the final wiggles in her quantum mechanical calculations.
I knew a writer, Pico Iyer, who would routinely check himself into the monastery at Big Sur to finish books. It would be similar to being in a prison, but the enclosed atmosphere always restarted his creative juices. If I were incarcerated, for say redistributing wealth, I would insist (plea) on being sent to the prison with the best library system. I would ask for solitary confinement, take my meals in my cell, and expect new books to be distributed to me every few days. If need be, I’d open a vein and sketch out my book reviews in blood with a rat’s tooth on toilet paper and have them snuck out of the prison, hopefully by the man who delivers my books because I’ve threatened to eviscerate him in every story I write for the rest of my life if he doesn’t help me.
I would get a lot of reading done.
Not that I’ve given this any thought.
Of course, the problem is Salander is not given the peace and quiet she craves. The beautiful, petite Faria Kazi, incarcerated for killing her brother after he killed her boyfriend in an Islamic fueled blood feud, is the favorite target of a woman who calls herself Benito. ”She was originally called Beatrice, and later took the name of a certain Italian fascist. These days she had a swastika tattooed on her throat, a crew cut and an unhealthy, pallid complexion.”
Obviously, her parents did not pay enough attention to her as a child.
Salander has zero tolerance for abuse. She sustained enough of it while she was growing up. She has made herself into a deadly weapon, and as tough as Benito is, I’m putting my money on Lisbeth every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Now what is interesting, in the fight scene it shows the difference between the two authors. Stieg Larsson would have given us detailed descriptions of the fight scene, where with David Lagercrantz, the fight begins and then a shutter comes down on the action and then shutter lifts to show someone on the ground gasping for breath. Maybe Lisbeth just moves too fast for Lagercrantz. Not a big complaint, but just a noticeable difference in styles of writing.
Mikael Blomkivst, Mr. Expose from the magazine Millenneum, who has helped Salander as best he can since the beginning of this series, is back once again. He goes to see Salander once a week, which is rarely satisfying because Lisbeth isn’t much for chit chat. She does give him a lead that she wants him to follow up on regarding the Registry, which has been an organization she has been trying to bring down ever since she found out her and her twin sister were forced into that program. This organization like to study identical twins growing up in vastly different environments.
They were demented people on an insidious mission, hidden beneath the guise of scientific research.
Lisbeth does remember one person specifically attached to the program.
”’There was a woman who used to stop by to see you, wasn’t there? It’s coming back to me now. She had some kind of birthmark.’
‘It looked like a burn on her throat.’
‘As if a dragon had breathed fire on her.’”
Lagercrantz also reveals more about the origin of Lisbeth Salander’s sexy dragon tattoo. There is some great backstory on our post-truth society and using ”lies as weapons,” as well. I’ve been increasingly concerned about the lack of interest in truth if it doesn’t jive with people’s own beliefs, so those passages resonate with me. Furthermore, Blomkvist is investigating the effects of a recent hacking of the stock market that caused panic.
”’Doubt on a small scale is what makes the stock market possible,’ Mannheimer replied. ‘Every day, millions of people out there doubt and hope and analyze. That’s what sets share prices. What I’m talking about is deep, existential doubt---lack of faith in growth and future returns. Nothing is more dangerous for a highly valued market. That level of fear can cause a crash and plunge the world into a depression. We could even start to question the whole idea, the imaginary construct. This will sound like a provocation to some of you, and I apologize for that. But the financial market is not something that exists like you or I, Karin, or this bottle of water on the table. The moment we stop believing in it, it ceases to exist.’”
I love it when a writer expresses something I believe... in such a simple well defined way. I do, I confess, have some of my portfolio in the stock market, but it is a relatively small amount of my retirement. I’ve plunged most of my money into things more tangible like real estate. I can see it. I don’t have to imagine it. I feel the stock market is all just a rigged game for rich people to become richer, while the middle class dreamers who invest in the market thinking they will be rich, often see their life savings evaporate into thin air, like it never existed.
Blomkvist and Salander join forces once again to try and bring down the forces of the Registry. Sometimes it feels like one step forward and two steps back, but they continue to circle closer to the black heart that guides the rest. David Lagercrantz is not Stieg Larsson. (I’m so glad he isn’t trying to wear a dead man's clothes.) Some may miss Larsson’s unique writing style. Lagercrantz may be different, but he is keeping Larsson’s characters alive and writing thrilling stories that I continue to enjoy.
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at: https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
October 14, 2017
I think I am kind of jaded by this series at this point. Honestly, I did enjoy the second two books of the original trilogy, but I was not a huge fan of the original novel and, with these two that have come out by a different author, I am skeptical, but I want to give them a chance. I did enjoy this book, even more than the last one, but I think if it was not connected to this series, I might have enjoyed it more.
First thing, in general, I enjoyed the story. Also, the returning characters were interesting and some of the new ones are fascinating. I definitely think getting to know the people in it and watching them do the crazy things they do is my favorite part.
One thing that has bothered me - even in the original trilogy - is the tendency for the story to be going along just fine and making perfect sense and suddenly it goes off on a really crazy tangent and I have no clue what is happening. Then, just as I am starting to wonder how this all ties in, it goes back to making sense. It kind of makes reading the books in this series a bit uncomfortable.
The front of this book says it is a Lisbith Salander book. That is kind of like saying Rogue One is a Darth Vader movie. I mean, yeah she is in it and definitely plays a part, but I found her to be involved much less than expected.
So, if you are a fan or a completist, give it a shot, but I cannot say for sure if you will enjoy it or not.
First thing, in general, I enjoyed the story. Also, the returning characters were interesting and some of the new ones are fascinating. I definitely think getting to know the people in it and watching them do the crazy things they do is my favorite part.
One thing that has bothered me - even in the original trilogy - is the tendency for the story to be going along just fine and making perfect sense and suddenly it goes off on a really crazy tangent and I have no clue what is happening. Then, just as I am starting to wonder how this all ties in, it goes back to making sense. It kind of makes reading the books in this series a bit uncomfortable.
The front of this book says it is a Lisbith Salander book. That is kind of like saying Rogue One is a Darth Vader movie. I mean, yeah she is in it and definitely plays a part, but I found her to be involved much less than expected.
So, if you are a fan or a completist, give it a shot, but I cannot say for sure if you will enjoy it or not.
June 11, 2022
Millennium V: Another instalment of the adventures, investigations and take-no-prisoner crime busting by the equally irrepressible Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist. Lisbeth, from the events of The Girl in the Spider's Web is in prison, but, as you expect from Lisbeth, is in complete control of her space. She tries to not get involved with the Bengali descendent Muslim girl sentenced for the murder of her brother, and bullied in prison... but she just can't. Added to this, her one-time mentor virtually crawls to prison (In his aged state) to visit with more information he has found out about her past. Let the games begin!
A bit more intense than the usual with Salander up against it from the off, stuck in prison with a psycho gang-leader looking to bait her. Meanwhile Blomkvist playing a lesser involved role than usual makes the story feel a lot less Millenium-ish than the previous Lagercrantz offering. Pealing the layers of Salander's past continues to shock and surprise, but also starts to verge on being too far-fetched, as in one feels like asking what didn't happen to her in her youth?
Knowing it is pointless comparing 2 different writers of the same series, I just feel compelled to - I feel the reason why Larsson wrote such detailed and meticulous back stories and investigations was because he was replicating the approaches of Salander and Blomkvist's methodology, and Lagencrantz not doing is, takes something essential away from the series, we don't get to really see or feel how they crack crimes and secrets.
Still a solid story, with one of the best group of characters in crime-fiction can't be that bad. And indeed we get to hit some good shit on some key modern day issues such as the post-truth world, financial markets and as ever the abuse of executive power. 8 out of 12 :)
2020 read
A bit more intense than the usual with Salander up against it from the off, stuck in prison with a psycho gang-leader looking to bait her. Meanwhile Blomkvist playing a lesser involved role than usual makes the story feel a lot less Millenium-ish than the previous Lagercrantz offering. Pealing the layers of Salander's past continues to shock and surprise, but also starts to verge on being too far-fetched, as in one feels like asking what didn't happen to her in her youth?
Knowing it is pointless comparing 2 different writers of the same series, I just feel compelled to - I feel the reason why Larsson wrote such detailed and meticulous back stories and investigations was because he was replicating the approaches of Salander and Blomkvist's methodology, and Lagencrantz not doing is, takes something essential away from the series, we don't get to really see or feel how they crack crimes and secrets.
Still a solid story, with one of the best group of characters in crime-fiction can't be that bad. And indeed we get to hit some good shit on some key modern day issues such as the post-truth world, financial markets and as ever the abuse of executive power. 8 out of 12 :)
2020 read
August 24, 2018
This book is Chaotic and pretty much without a plot, not to mention it was written in such a stilted manner. Is Lagercrantz intent on destroying Larsson's legacy?
October 4, 2017
I've enjoyed this series immensely, even the last book written by Lagercrantz. But this book just lacked something. It seemed to spend the first ⅓ meandering around without truly setting up a definitive plot line. As you would expect, there remain lots of moving pieces throughout the book with lots of very current themes- hacking of the financial markets, fentanyl, Muslim fanatics. Despite the multiple themes, it's often far too easy to see where the storyline is going.
There are lots of characters and it's sometimes difficult to keep track of all the names. Lizbeth is not a major player in this book and she seems different. More ninja warrior, able to physically fight off her enemies no matter how beaten up. Broken ribs, no problem. She no longer seemed like a real character, more comic book hero.
This is the weakest of all the books. Still entertaining, but not enthralling.
February 6, 2021
An incredible story with multiple plot lines that must be read or listened to intently to appreciate the great depths of author Lagercrantz' imagination. 10 of 10 stars!
December 18, 2017
When I read and reviewed The Girl in the Spider's Web, I really was of the opinion that Lagercrantz's version of Lisbeth Salander was a shadow of the woman that Stieg Larsson had made a household name. In this latest installment of the series, I feel that author and character are becoming more comfortable with each other. I also felt that Salander and Blomkvist' s relationship was written so much better and I loved the continued exploration of their strange alliance.
But I still have my issues, mainly that there appears to be more emphasis on just writing up a detective thriller. Something I know a few of my reader buddies feel is great, but I find myself missing all the information on Swedish history and politics and newsmaking. Yes, I even really enjoyed all the journalism woes! From the beginning, this type of information really set the series apart for me. I felt that there was too much awareness of the international reading audience, plenty of North American cultural references- Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, jazz music AND a lot of censorship on the rawness and brutality that served as a vehicle in the first three books. From my viewpoint, I felt that Larsson was willing to say "Here is the cruelty that exists in our world and I am not going to shy away from it." Lagercrantz is a bit more " Yeah, but how about if I tug at your heartstrings a bit first by giving Lisbeth an autistic child or a wrongly accused immigrant woman to save?" Then again, if DL is going to finish the prophecy of the original creator and carry this series to 10 books, I guess a few changes must occur to give longevity and momentum to the books.
That's just how I see it, but I am just ONE reader among the thousands. Heck I had originally placed this book at a 2 star because the first 80 pages were ROUGH.. After further consideration, in which, I realized I planned to go to bed early and now notice it is midnight tells me that I enjoyed this READ more than I originally thought. I will also admit that I really loved the continued look at Lisbeth's back story and how closely related the investigation was into her own experiences as a child.
So, what do you think? Should the Millenium series continue or is it time for all of us to move on?
But I still have my issues, mainly that there appears to be more emphasis on just writing up a detective thriller. Something I know a few of my reader buddies feel is great, but I find myself missing all the information on Swedish history and politics and newsmaking. Yes, I even really enjoyed all the journalism woes! From the beginning, this type of information really set the series apart for me. I felt that there was too much awareness of the international reading audience, plenty of North American cultural references- Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, jazz music AND a lot of censorship on the rawness and brutality that served as a vehicle in the first three books. From my viewpoint, I felt that Larsson was willing to say "Here is the cruelty that exists in our world and I am not going to shy away from it." Lagercrantz is a bit more " Yeah, but how about if I tug at your heartstrings a bit first by giving Lisbeth an autistic child or a wrongly accused immigrant woman to save?" Then again, if DL is going to finish the prophecy of the original creator and carry this series to 10 books, I guess a few changes must occur to give longevity and momentum to the books.
That's just how I see it, but I am just ONE reader among the thousands. Heck I had originally placed this book at a 2 star because the first 80 pages were ROUGH.. After further consideration, in which, I realized I planned to go to bed early and now notice it is midnight tells me that I enjoyed this READ more than I originally thought. I will also admit that I really loved the continued look at Lisbeth's back story and how closely related the investigation was into her own experiences as a child.
So, what do you think? Should the Millenium series continue or is it time for all of us to move on?
June 13, 2018
Lagercrantz returns with his second offering in the Lisbeth Salander series focusing on the personal history of Lisbeth as a child that she can barely remember or understand. Lisbeth has been unjustly imprisoned at Flodberga women's prison, which Lisbeth is indifferent to her position as she focuses on her interest in science. She is not, however, going to let the bullying and abuse of Bangladeshi Faria Kazi by psychopath, Benito, a woman that everyone is afraid of, including the prison warden, pass by without intervening. Kazi's boyfriend, Jamal Chowdry, a political activist under a fatwa issued by extremist Islamists, seemingly committed suicide. Kazi refuses to talk about the fall of her brother from their family home, and this has landed her in prison. Mikael continues to see Lisbeth, agreeing to look into a Leo Mannheimer at her request, without understanding why.
Salander's beloved former guardian, the elderly Holger Palmgren has received papers on Lisbeth's history as a child, and decides to look more closely at the details despite them appearing to be saying little that is new. This has the past raising its ugly head, with forces determined to keep their malign and amoral secrets at all costs. Blomkvist and Salander learn of The Registry for the Study of Genetics and Social Environment despite information being hard to get at, and their work on twins in the nature vs nurture debate. Lisbeth's intervention to save Kazi leads to a seriously injured Benito, who vows to make her pay. She makes an enemy of Bashir, Kazi's brother, as she looks into the death of Chowdry. As unsavoury facts emerge, Salander is to find herself in danger because she will not let injustice pass without redress.
It is the plot that drives the narrative in this thriller. Lagercrantz's characterisation is weak and he is guilty of not developing the familiar characters. His writing at best can be described as basic and workman like and he demonstrates little skill in the subtle and the nuanced. I did enjoy reading this book, but once I had finished, it felt like junk food, great whilst reading but leaving me empty once I had finished, knowing it will leave no long lasting impression. So by all means read this, just don't expect depth and enjoy it for the short lived superficial thrill ride.
Salander's beloved former guardian, the elderly Holger Palmgren has received papers on Lisbeth's history as a child, and decides to look more closely at the details despite them appearing to be saying little that is new. This has the past raising its ugly head, with forces determined to keep their malign and amoral secrets at all costs. Blomkvist and Salander learn of The Registry for the Study of Genetics and Social Environment despite information being hard to get at, and their work on twins in the nature vs nurture debate. Lisbeth's intervention to save Kazi leads to a seriously injured Benito, who vows to make her pay. She makes an enemy of Bashir, Kazi's brother, as she looks into the death of Chowdry. As unsavoury facts emerge, Salander is to find herself in danger because she will not let injustice pass without redress.
It is the plot that drives the narrative in this thriller. Lagercrantz's characterisation is weak and he is guilty of not developing the familiar characters. His writing at best can be described as basic and workman like and he demonstrates little skill in the subtle and the nuanced. I did enjoy reading this book, but once I had finished, it felt like junk food, great whilst reading but leaving me empty once I had finished, knowing it will leave no long lasting impression. So by all means read this, just don't expect depth and enjoy it for the short lived superficial thrill ride.
February 7, 2020
My reading style is eclectic, and I'd probably use the same term to describe this series and book. I first picked up the 'Millennium' series when I saw all the hype and read the description of the published novels. I particularly love genealogical mysteries, and when you toss in some thrills and suspense, it's likely a good fit for my reading preferences. I absolutely adored and rated The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo in my top books of all time. I read the next two in the series and was saddened over the author's death but excited to see another writer's take on the characters and setting.
Lagercrantz is a worthy successor, and someday, I will read one of his prior books too. I'm troubled when reviewers complain about the choice of a new author to to continue writing a series because all they do is compare the two and start out with a pessimistic attitude. I prefer to have some sense of an open mind and look for the positive in a new take on an old favorite. I'm also an optimist and respect an author's efforts and talent and find it difficult to give something a poor rating unless it was absolutely ridden with errors and issues. Hence... for Lagercrantz's versions, I enjoy the style, writing quality, different views, and continuation of a fantastic concept. The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye is the second of his in this series that I've read, and while it was a good read, there were a few items that didn't work in totality for me. I ended up at a 3.5 rating, comfortably rounding upward to account for all the effort that goes into a series and taking over another author's work.
One of my favorite aspects was the revisit to Lisbeth's childhood when abuse formulated her outlook on life. In an earlier book, when we learned the extent to which she'd been attacked and damaged, I felt horrific sorrow for her. Seeing what else happened, via this book, I'm even more devastated. Initially, I thought... wait, is this a history rewrite? I didn't go back to compare the timelines and actions, as I'm sure the editors and author's did their justice... but I did find myself wondering how this aligned with Zala's influence on his daughter, Lisbeth. I'm kinda hoping to get a book dedicated to Agneta, Lisbeth's mother, as there is a bigger story there - I'm certain! For me, these characters are so flawed, yet so lovable (not in a cozy way, but in an 'I want to help you' way). Learning what they went through and what forced them to become the people they are today... that is excellent character development. Possibly over-the-top in a few places (not unlike the whole series... just a bit more in this book), I put aside my 'hmmm...' attitude and focused on what bond must exist between Mikael and Lisbeth to support each other through these tragedies. These are two friends we should all have. I particularly enjoyed the Muslim-focused story-line, and I was irate over the way these men treated their sister (and in general how certain attitudes still prevail).
The translation (actually, was it translated? The originals were, but I'm honestly not sure about these ones. Did the author write originally in his own language? I checked and the Swedish and English versions came out on the same day.) was good and offered new vocabulary for me to learn. I found some of the individual scenes a bit repetitive, but they moved the story forward. The end was satisfying in terms of catching the bad guys (sort of), but I wanted it to be more of a showdown. The sixth book in the series comes out later this year, and I'm going to try to read it relatively quickly close to this one, as I suspect some of the ending components will continue into it. What did everyone else think of this book?
Lagercrantz is a worthy successor, and someday, I will read one of his prior books too. I'm troubled when reviewers complain about the choice of a new author to to continue writing a series because all they do is compare the two and start out with a pessimistic attitude. I prefer to have some sense of an open mind and look for the positive in a new take on an old favorite. I'm also an optimist and respect an author's efforts and talent and find it difficult to give something a poor rating unless it was absolutely ridden with errors and issues. Hence... for Lagercrantz's versions, I enjoy the style, writing quality, different views, and continuation of a fantastic concept. The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye is the second of his in this series that I've read, and while it was a good read, there were a few items that didn't work in totality for me. I ended up at a 3.5 rating, comfortably rounding upward to account for all the effort that goes into a series and taking over another author's work.
One of my favorite aspects was the revisit to Lisbeth's childhood when abuse formulated her outlook on life. In an earlier book, when we learned the extent to which she'd been attacked and damaged, I felt horrific sorrow for her. Seeing what else happened, via this book, I'm even more devastated. Initially, I thought... wait, is this a history rewrite? I didn't go back to compare the timelines and actions, as I'm sure the editors and author's did their justice... but I did find myself wondering how this aligned with Zala's influence on his daughter, Lisbeth. I'm kinda hoping to get a book dedicated to Agneta, Lisbeth's mother, as there is a bigger story there - I'm certain! For me, these characters are so flawed, yet so lovable (not in a cozy way, but in an 'I want to help you' way). Learning what they went through and what forced them to become the people they are today... that is excellent character development. Possibly over-the-top in a few places (not unlike the whole series... just a bit more in this book), I put aside my 'hmmm...' attitude and focused on what bond must exist between Mikael and Lisbeth to support each other through these tragedies. These are two friends we should all have. I particularly enjoyed the Muslim-focused story-line, and I was irate over the way these men treated their sister (and in general how certain attitudes still prevail).
The translation (actually, was it translated? The originals were, but I'm honestly not sure about these ones. Did the author write originally in his own language? I checked and the Swedish and English versions came out on the same day.) was good and offered new vocabulary for me to learn. I found some of the individual scenes a bit repetitive, but they moved the story forward. The end was satisfying in terms of catching the bad guys (sort of), but I wanted it to be more of a showdown. The sixth book in the series comes out later this year, and I'm going to try to read it relatively quickly close to this one, as I suspect some of the ending components will continue into it. What did everyone else think of this book?
November 4, 2017
Commissioned to continue the Millenium series, David Lagercrantz seeks to carve out his own niche while remaining true to Stieg Larsson’s foundation. Here, the reader remembers some of the issues that faced Lisbeth Salander, now sitting in prison for the computer crimes she committed. While on the inside, Salander shows her highly aggressive side as she protects a vulnerable Muslim prisoner who is accused of a murder, but espouses her innocence. When the prison gang leader learns that Salander will not back down, brutality seems the only option. That said, no one can tell when Salander will blow her lid and the damage that she’ll bring about thereafter, which leaves this leader rushed to the infirmary on at least one occasion. Salander has been doing some research into her past, tied to something called The Registry, an organization she remembers worked alongside her mother years ago. Turning to investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist, Salander points him in the direction of an elderly lawyer who may possess a vast number of documents tied to her time with The Registry. When Blomkvist locates the lawyer, it is too late, as someone’s come to kill the man before he can reveal much of anything. When Salander is released from prison, she has numerous groups looking to exact revenge on her, from a devout Islamic community through to those who ran The Registry and cannot allow their secret to come out. Will Salander and Blomkvist learn enough to provide answers and discover just how deep The Registry goes and how many others might be suffering the consequences? Lagercrantz weaves not only a highly educational piece about genetics and human behaviour, but returns to Larsson’s intense style as the story morphs in wonderful twists that provide just enough angst to sustain the series’ trademark style. Series fans can breathe a sigh of relief that everyone is back on track and those who have an interest in the series can pick this one up to whet their appetites.
I will be the first to admit, I was in the minority when it came to people who was displeased with David Lagercrantz taking over the series. I have had bad experiences when authors take the reins from an author who is either deceased or has chosen to fade away. Larsson’s work is on a pedestal for a reason and when Lagercrantz sought to spin it his own way, I could not help but be upset. I was tentative in choosing to continue with the series, but held my breath after seeing so many positive reviews. I am glad that I did, for Lagercrantz has done a wonderful job working through threads in the series (namely Salander and Blomkvist), as well as injecting some interesting tangents in this novel, primarily building on Lisbeth’s twin sister Camilla. I will venture not to speak too much about the scientific or experimental aspects of the story, for fear some will scream ‘SPOILER ALERT’, but can say that I was quite curious to learn all about these studies from the past number of decades. The characters in the story are wonderfully crafted and quite unique, tapping into many aspects of the story. Lagercrantz keeps Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist as central, though many of the periphery characters also enrich the larger story. Salander receives some long-awaited aspects to her backstory, including discussion of her curious tattoo, which is finally addressed at length. Speaking of the narrative, it flows nicely, hampered at times with some translation issues that appear to slow the momentum, but there is an overall high quality to the story and its direction rarely wanes. Lagercrantz has some wonderful ideas that he weaves into the narrative and does not let up until the very end, permitting the reader to feel a strong connection to the overall themes the series has to offer. Readers looking for high quality writing need look no further, as Lagercrantz has compiled strong pieces from the Stieg Larsson playbook to deliver a knockout punch.
Kudos, Mr. Lagercrantz, for this powerful piece of writing. You’ve saved yourself in my eyes and I can relax that the following five novels in the series (if the original ten promised by Larsson remains the plan) shall blossom under your guidance.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I will be the first to admit, I was in the minority when it came to people who was displeased with David Lagercrantz taking over the series. I have had bad experiences when authors take the reins from an author who is either deceased or has chosen to fade away. Larsson’s work is on a pedestal for a reason and when Lagercrantz sought to spin it his own way, I could not help but be upset. I was tentative in choosing to continue with the series, but held my breath after seeing so many positive reviews. I am glad that I did, for Lagercrantz has done a wonderful job working through threads in the series (namely Salander and Blomkvist), as well as injecting some interesting tangents in this novel, primarily building on Lisbeth’s twin sister Camilla. I will venture not to speak too much about the scientific or experimental aspects of the story, for fear some will scream ‘SPOILER ALERT’, but can say that I was quite curious to learn all about these studies from the past number of decades. The characters in the story are wonderfully crafted and quite unique, tapping into many aspects of the story. Lagercrantz keeps Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist as central, though many of the periphery characters also enrich the larger story. Salander receives some long-awaited aspects to her backstory, including discussion of her curious tattoo, which is finally addressed at length. Speaking of the narrative, it flows nicely, hampered at times with some translation issues that appear to slow the momentum, but there is an overall high quality to the story and its direction rarely wanes. Lagercrantz has some wonderful ideas that he weaves into the narrative and does not let up until the very end, permitting the reader to feel a strong connection to the overall themes the series has to offer. Readers looking for high quality writing need look no further, as Lagercrantz has compiled strong pieces from the Stieg Larsson playbook to deliver a knockout punch.
Kudos, Mr. Lagercrantz, for this powerful piece of writing. You’ve saved yourself in my eyes and I can relax that the following five novels in the series (if the original ten promised by Larsson remains the plan) shall blossom under your guidance.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
September 23, 2018
Español - English
Si no tienes mucho tiempo para leer, no comiences este libro. Dejarás todo de lado y no harás más nada, solo leer hasta terminarlo. Es cierto que al principio es un poco lento en lo que nos dan los detalles, pero luego va todo a la carrera.
Es desde diferentes puntos de vista lo que enriquece la historia y siempre queda en suspenso y no sabes si leer más rápido o saltarte páginas y saber qué pasa.
En esta oportunidad Lisbeth está presa por defender a un niño autista de su abusador y si la conocemos bien sabremos cómo fue la defensa, no importándole ir a prision. Le da igual dónde esté.
Se da cuenta de lo mal que tratan a la presa de la celda de al lado y se involucra en su defensa. Mientras recibe una visita de su antiguo tutor y amigo Holger Palmgren, quien le dice que recibió unos documentos con nueva información de sus años de infancia y click! todo es más emocionante con cada nueva página leída. Y el final es fantástico!
Lisbeth Salander es un personaje como pocos y me entristece mucho saber que solo nos queda un libro en esta serie.
✨✨✨
If you don't have a lot of time to read, don't start this book. You will leave everything aside and you will not do anything else, just read until finished. It is true that at the beginning it is a little slow while we know the details, but then everything goes the speed of light.
It is from different points of view what enriches the story and always remains in suspense and you do not know if read faster or skip pages and know what happens.
In this opportunity Lisbeth is imprisoned for defending an autistic child from his abuser and if we know her we will know how the defense was, not mind going to prison. She doesn't care where she stays.
She realizes how badly they treat the prisoner in the cell next door and gets involved in her defense. While receiving a visit from his former tutor and friend Holger Palmgren, who tells her that he received some documents with new information from her childhood years and click! everything is more exciting with each new page read. And the ending is fantastic!
Lisbeth Salander is a character like few others and it saddens me to know that we only have one book left in this series.
Si no tienes mucho tiempo para leer, no comiences este libro. Dejarás todo de lado y no harás más nada, solo leer hasta terminarlo. Es cierto que al principio es un poco lento en lo que nos dan los detalles, pero luego va todo a la carrera.
Es desde diferentes puntos de vista lo que enriquece la historia y siempre queda en suspenso y no sabes si leer más rápido o saltarte páginas y saber qué pasa.
En esta oportunidad Lisbeth está presa por defender a un niño autista de su abusador y si la conocemos bien sabremos cómo fue la defensa, no importándole ir a prision. Le da igual dónde esté.
Se da cuenta de lo mal que tratan a la presa de la celda de al lado y se involucra en su defensa. Mientras recibe una visita de su antiguo tutor y amigo Holger Palmgren, quien le dice que recibió unos documentos con nueva información de sus años de infancia y click! todo es más emocionante con cada nueva página leída. Y el final es fantástico!
Lisbeth Salander es un personaje como pocos y me entristece mucho saber que solo nos queda un libro en esta serie.
✨✨✨
If you don't have a lot of time to read, don't start this book. You will leave everything aside and you will not do anything else, just read until finished. It is true that at the beginning it is a little slow while we know the details, but then everything goes the speed of light.
It is from different points of view what enriches the story and always remains in suspense and you do not know if read faster or skip pages and know what happens.
In this opportunity Lisbeth is imprisoned for defending an autistic child from his abuser and if we know her we will know how the defense was, not mind going to prison. She doesn't care where she stays.
She realizes how badly they treat the prisoner in the cell next door and gets involved in her defense. While receiving a visit from his former tutor and friend Holger Palmgren, who tells her that he received some documents with new information from her childhood years and click! everything is more exciting with each new page read. And the ending is fantastic!
Lisbeth Salander is a character like few others and it saddens me to know that we only have one book left in this series.
August 24, 2018
This is the fifth book in the Millennium Series. I enjoyed this story almost as much as I enjoyed Stieg Larsson’s earlier books starting with “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”. I know there are many who feel that David Lagercrantz does not stand up to Larsson’s writing, but I think it comes close enough. I’m not saying it’s better than the first three, just that it holds up to the series.
The main appeal for me is always the kickass Lisabeth Salander character and Lagercrantz understands that and doesn’t try to move her too much from Larsson’s original motivation and personality. This story begins where the last one left off, with Salander in prison. As I would expect, prison is no problem for Salander and she is able to dole out a bit of justice there before she is released after her sentence ends. She is a complex character and is not infallible in this story which makes her realistic. There were a few small issues I had with her role in the ending, but I don’t want to leave any spoilers.
I enjoyed Lagercrantz’s views on the financial markets and genes verses environment. Those storylines made for some interesting thinking in the middle of the book that was a nice change of pace from the action. The story was complex and although I did guess a few of the twists early on, I was still turning pages with interest all the way to the end.
If I have any complaint about these books, it’s the Mikael Blomkvist character. He’s a magazine editor, investigator extraordinaire, and apparent every women’s sexual dream. I don’t know why that bothers me, I guess it’s that he’s a bit of a James Bond character, but while Salander does all the tricky thinking and the necessary violence, he still get’s the cocktail and the girl in every book. Despite that nagging annoyance, I enjoyed this book. I don’t expect earthshattering revelations in these books, just some good twists, turns and a health dose of Lisabeth Salander outsmarting and overpowering her evil adversaries. And that’s what I got.
The main appeal for me is always the kickass Lisabeth Salander character and Lagercrantz understands that and doesn’t try to move her too much from Larsson’s original motivation and personality. This story begins where the last one left off, with Salander in prison. As I would expect, prison is no problem for Salander and she is able to dole out a bit of justice there before she is released after her sentence ends. She is a complex character and is not infallible in this story which makes her realistic. There were a few small issues I had with her role in the ending, but I don’t want to leave any spoilers.
I enjoyed Lagercrantz’s views on the financial markets and genes verses environment. Those storylines made for some interesting thinking in the middle of the book that was a nice change of pace from the action. The story was complex and although I did guess a few of the twists early on, I was still turning pages with interest all the way to the end.
If I have any complaint about these books, it’s the Mikael Blomkvist character. He’s a magazine editor, investigator extraordinaire, and apparent every women’s sexual dream. I don’t know why that bothers me, I guess it’s that he’s a bit of a James Bond character, but while Salander does all the tricky thinking and the necessary violence, he still get’s the cocktail and the girl in every book. Despite that nagging annoyance, I enjoyed this book. I don’t expect earthshattering revelations in these books, just some good twists, turns and a health dose of Lisabeth Salander outsmarting and overpowering her evil adversaries. And that’s what I got.
August 27, 2018
3.5 stars
This is a tough book to review because even though I liked it for the most part, it just felt slightly off when comparing it to the first four books of the series. Part of the problem for me was there was little Millennium newsroom storyline which I didn't realize until now I actually needed in these books. Couple that and Lisbeth in prison, and everything just felt different in this one. I know other people had a problems with the fourth book but I honestly thought it was a fairly good attempt and I did feel like I had stepped back comfortably into Blomkvist and Salander's world. I don't think the author captured that feeling as well with the fifth book.
In some ways though, this book was better than the fourth. While the action switched back and forth between different characters, it didn't feel as overwhelming and hard to follow as with the last book. Many of the characters will be familiar to readers as they have been featured in other books. The story line was also easier to follow as it didn't get into weird technology and NSA type stuff.
Overall, I did enjoy the book even though I had problems with it. If you liked the previous book, I think this one is a safe bet if you don't go into it with super high expectations. While this one might be the weakest in the series, it still makes for a good thriller.
This is a tough book to review because even though I liked it for the most part, it just felt slightly off when comparing it to the first four books of the series. Part of the problem for me was there was little Millennium newsroom storyline which I didn't realize until now I actually needed in these books. Couple that and Lisbeth in prison, and everything just felt different in this one. I know other people had a problems with the fourth book but I honestly thought it was a fairly good attempt and I did feel like I had stepped back comfortably into Blomkvist and Salander's world. I don't think the author captured that feeling as well with the fifth book.
In some ways though, this book was better than the fourth. While the action switched back and forth between different characters, it didn't feel as overwhelming and hard to follow as with the last book. Many of the characters will be familiar to readers as they have been featured in other books. The story line was also easier to follow as it didn't get into weird technology and NSA type stuff.
Overall, I did enjoy the book even though I had problems with it. If you liked the previous book, I think this one is a safe bet if you don't go into it with super high expectations. While this one might be the weakest in the series, it still makes for a good thriller.
September 10, 2017
Not even good if you see it as a fan-fic, not connected to great works of Stieg Larsson. I would much rather rate it a 0 but as it is impossible.
Save your money. This story is not about Lisbeth Salander. Sure, it mentions her every now and then, but it's not about her. Read only if you wish to see how David Lagercrantz butcher the characters completely, stips them of their principles and well established quirks. Nothing is good about this book. Nothing. It makes me cry inside to think that he is allowed to write a 3rd installment.
Save your money. This story is not about Lisbeth Salander. Sure, it mentions her every now and then, but it's not about her. Read only if you wish to see how David Lagercrantz butcher the characters completely, stips them of their principles and well established quirks. Nothing is good about this book. Nothing. It makes me cry inside to think that he is allowed to write a 3rd installment.
September 22, 2017
Please read the following review in the context of my overarching belief that Lisbeth Salander is an iconic figure in contemporary fiction.
Lisbeth is in a maximum security prison, serving time for her overly aggressive methods to rescue an autistic child in Lagercrantz's first book. The prison ward is run by a psychotic inmate, who has adopted the name Benito, who is abusing a young Arab women, who has been wrongfully jailed in connection with family honor issues. Lisbeth cannot abide injustice: either the inmates running the prison nor the abuse of this gentle soul so she uses all of her resources to help Faria Kazi.
Meanwhile, some old files are given to Lisbeth's former guardian, Holger Palmgren, about the people who experimented on Lisbeth when she was a child, starting investigative reporter Mikael Blomkvist on a twisted trail to find those responsible for her situation as well as others, including the son of a major financial power figure in Sweden. Upon her release from prison, Lisbeth seeks to punish them, and finds herself in deep trouble.
It's still not Stieg Larsson, but who is? I look forward to Book #6 anyway.
Lisbeth is in a maximum security prison, serving time for her overly aggressive methods to rescue an autistic child in Lagercrantz's first book. The prison ward is run by a psychotic inmate, who has adopted the name Benito, who is abusing a young Arab women, who has been wrongfully jailed in connection with family honor issues. Lisbeth cannot abide injustice: either the inmates running the prison nor the abuse of this gentle soul so she uses all of her resources to help Faria Kazi.
Meanwhile, some old files are given to Lisbeth's former guardian, Holger Palmgren, about the people who experimented on Lisbeth when she was a child, starting investigative reporter Mikael Blomkvist on a twisted trail to find those responsible for her situation as well as others, including the son of a major financial power figure in Sweden. Upon her release from prison, Lisbeth seeks to punish them, and finds herself in deep trouble.
It's still not Stieg Larsson, but who is? I look forward to Book #6 anyway.
November 5, 2017
A totally superfluous addition to the "Millenium" universe. I should have known better than to read this. It's a travesty how the legacy of Stieg Larsson is being used. It's a wonder he doesn't turn in his grave and rise from the dead to haunt the culprits.
I finished though, and I don't know what that says about me. Probably less than having bought this in the first place. The beginning is enticing enough for me to be drawn in, and the plot is interesting enough. However, the language - the original Swedish - grates my nerves. It's ten years since I read the original trilogy, but Larsson definitely expressed himself more elegantly than this.
Lisbeth Salander is in prison because of a minor incident with the law. While in prison she makes a powerful enemy with the gangster Benito. For some reason I forget, she puts the journalist Michael Blomqvist on the trail of a Leo Mannerheim. Leo and Lisbeth where both part of a controversial and secret twin study.
I just know there will be more. Lisbeth is a cash cow. She would not be pleased if she knew how she was being used. I just hope I have the sense to stay away. Lisbeth Salander is one of the greatest literary heroines to ever grace the page and I do not approve of what Lagercrantz does to her.
I finished though, and I don't know what that says about me. Probably less than having bought this in the first place. The beginning is enticing enough for me to be drawn in, and the plot is interesting enough. However, the language - the original Swedish - grates my nerves. It's ten years since I read the original trilogy, but Larsson definitely expressed himself more elegantly than this.
Lisbeth Salander is in prison because of a minor incident with the law. While in prison she makes a powerful enemy with the gangster Benito. For some reason I forget, she puts the journalist Michael Blomqvist on the trail of a Leo Mannerheim. Leo and Lisbeth where both part of a controversial and secret twin study.
I just know there will be more. Lisbeth is a cash cow. She would not be pleased if she knew how she was being used. I just hope I have the sense to stay away. Lisbeth Salander is one of the greatest literary heroines to ever grace the page and I do not approve of what Lagercrantz does to her.
September 12, 2020
Fans of the 'Millenium Series' know that Stieg Larsson, the original author, passed away after writing the third book. Subsequent stories have been written by David Lagercrantz, who hits his stride with this book (IMO).
********
As this fifth book in the 'Millenium Series' opens, Lisbeth Salander is in Flodberga Prison - sentenced to two months for refusing to cooperate with the (compromised) police while protecting an endangered autistic boy (in book four). Salander is indifferent to her surroundings, though, because she has her math books in her cell, and spends her time working on quantum physics equations. Moreover, jailhouse food is better than the the junk she usually eats.
One thing does bother Salander though. Her maximum security cell block is under the thumb of a sadistic prisoner named Benito (formerly Beatrice) Anderson, who frightens almost everyone - including fellow prisoners, guards, and even the warden.
Salander isn't intimidated by Benito, but the swastika-tattooed thug is abusing a beautiful Bangladeshi inmate named Faria Kazi.
Salander isn't about to let this pass, and takes matters into her own hands - making a mortal enemy of Benito.
Meanwhile, Salander's former guardian - elderly, infirm Holger Palmgren - comes into possession of confidential documents that detail cruel experiments Salander was subjected to as a child.
With great difficulty, Palmgren makes his way to Flodberga Prison, to inform Salander about these new discoveries.
Afterwards, Salander 'persuades' (blackmails) the warden into letting her use his computer to look into these decades-old events. Salander also asks her friend, journalist Mikael Blomkvist, to gather information about a man called Leo Mannheimer.
When he's back home, Palmgren continues to pore over the secret papers, and sees the name of someone he's met - Professor Martin Steinberg. When Palmgren calls Steinberg and alludes to the clandestine experiments, the professor freaks out.
Steinberg calls his fellow perpetrator, Dr. Rakel Greitz, who's now an old woman suffering from cancer. Greitz isn't about to let her reputation be sullied, and will do ANYTHING to prevent this. Greitz is one of the worst villains in the book....and that's all I'll say about her.
As the story unfolds, Salander is released from prison, continues to look into her past, and plans her revenge. (This is one chick you don't want to get on the wrong side of!!)
For his part, Blomkvist gathers information about Leo Mannheimer and shares his findings with Salander. The journalist also plans an exposé for Millenium Magazine.....about the child experiments. As usual, Blomkvist also romances an attractive woman. LOL
A sub-plot in the novel tells the story of the Bangladeshi prisoner, Faria Kazi, who's in jail for killing her brother. Before going to prison, Faria was severely oppressed by her strict Muslim family, who planned to marry her off to a rich old fart in the home country.
When Faria fell in love with a handsome Bangladeshi boy in Sweden, her family wasn't having it....and all hell broke loose. Salander is sympathetic to Faria, and arranges for Blomkvist's sister - lawyer Annika Giannini - to represent the Muslim woman.....with an eye to springing her out of jail.
The book's intricate plot is well-constructed and compelling, and I enjoyed catching up with Salander and Blomkvist. The major villains in the story are suitably evil (if a little cartoonish), and I hoped they'd get their comeuppance. The story's secondary characters - including selfish liars, violent thugs, cold-hearted experimenters, self-serving murderers, and attractive ladies - also add interest to the novel.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
September 11, 2017
Estátua na Igreja Storkyrkan em Estocolmo - Suécia.
"São Jorge, o cavaleiro, está montado no seu cavalo e tem a espada erguida. Um dragão moribundo jaz debaixo do cavaleiro. Uma mulher em vestes burgúndias encontra-se ao seu lado."
Duas "versões" ou duas "visões" para ”O Homem Que Perseguia a Sua Sombra”
1 - Review de João Carlos Pereira - 2*
Contêm alguns spoliers
”O Homem Que Perseguia a Sua Sombra” é o quinto volume da série Millenniun, o segundo escrito pelo escritor sueco David Lagercrantz (n. 1962), encarregado pelos herdeiros legais de Stieg Larsson (1954 – 2004) – o seu pai e o seu irmão – de continuar com a publicação das histórias emocionantes que têm como principais protagonistas – Lisbeth Salander e o jornalista Mikael Blomkvist.
O início de ”O Homem Que Perseguia a Sua Sombra” é verdadeiramente prometedor – Lisbeth Salander está a cumprir pena de prisão em Flodberga, o único estabelecimento prisional feminino na Suécia de segurança máxima. ”Fora condenada a dois meses de prisão por privação de liberdade ilegal e apropriação ilícita de bens pelo seu envolvimento no drama que se seguira ao assassínio do professor Frans Balder.” - ver ”A Rapariga Apanhada na Teia de Aranha”.
Estranhamos a apatia e o silêncio de Lisbeth Salander – mas o facto de presenciar uma jovem rapariga, Faria Kazi, originária do Bangladesh, a ser sistematicamente violentada por uma outra detida, uma líder de um gangue prisional, Benito – de verdadeiro nome, Beatrice Andersson -, faz com que a sua calma e predisposição para o estudo e cálculos de mecânica quântica e da teoria da relatividade se altere radicalmente – acrescida da passividade e inércia do chefe de serviço e dos guardas prisionais perante as agressões. Facilmente antevemos o desfecho para este episódio prisional.
A visita inesperada do seu ex-tutor, o advogado, agora gravemente doente e incapacitado, Holmer Palmgren, que lhe revela documentos antigos sobre o seu passado – faz com que Lisbeth fique a cismar na informação. Posteriormente, com alguma investigação “ilegal” Lisbeth Salander encarrega o seu fiel amigo Mikael Blomkvist de pesquisar e averiguar um nome – Leo Mannheimer.
E tudo se altera…
Desta vez detestei o desenvolvimento atabalhoado e desconexo do enredo – a narrativa com várias subtramas – evolui de uma forma confusa, misturando inexplicavelmente um estudo científico sobre gémeos com uma componente de suspense concebida entre o passado e o presente, mas diga-se pouco verossímil; que mistura alta finança, islamismo, crimes incoerentes, hackers e, por fim, a constatação da ineficiência do sistema prisional e do sistema judicial sueco.
Em ”O Homem Que Perseguia a Sua Sombra” há um esgotamento literário do estilo e do conteúdo, excessivamente repetitivo, com os impulsos de glorificação da violência e da vingança a já começarem a aborrecer e a enfastiar. A série Millenniun precisa urgentemente de se reinventar – se não o franchising vai definhar.
Concluindo: até o título é confuso; mas pelo menos um mistério foi resolvido – o da origem da tatuagem do dragão nas costas da Lisbeth Salander e aprendi que há pessoas que sofrem de hiperacusia.
Definitivamente muito pouco para quase quatrocentas páginas.
2 - Review de João Baptista Pereira - 4*
Contêm alguns spoliers
”O Homem Que Perseguia a Sua Sombra” é o quinto volume da série Millenniun, o segundo escrito pelo escritor sueco David Lagercrantz (n. 1962), encarregado pelos herdeiros legais de Stieg Larsson (1954 – 2004) – o seu pai e o seu irmão – de continuar com a publicação das histórias emocionantes que têm como principais protagonistas – Lisbeth Salander e o jornalista Mikael Blomkvist.
O início de ”O Homem Que Perseguia a Sua Sombra” é genuinamente promissor – encontramos uma Lisbeth Salander apática e em silêncio em Flodberga, o único estabelecimento prisional sueco de alta segurança para mulheres. A nossa heroína está a cumprir uma pena de prisão. ”Fora condenada a dois meses de prisão por privação de liberdade ilegal e apropriação ilícita de bens pelo seu envolvimento no drama que se seguira ao assassínio do professor Frans Balder.” - ver ”A Rapariga Apanhada na Teia de Aranha”.
O facto de observar uma jovem rapariga, Faria Kazi, originária do Bangladesh, a ser metodicamente violentada, numa espécie de ritual, por uma líder de um gangue prisional, Benito (em homenagem ao líder fascista italiano, mas de seu verdadeiro nome, Beatrice Andersson); e da indiferença do chefe dos guardas e dos próprios guardas prisionais, coniventes com as agressões, faz com que Lisbeth Salander intervenha à sua maneira – com um soco violentíssimo na laringe, mais duas cotoveladas no maxilar de Benito – esta entrou literalmente em queda livre, maltratada e inconsciente no chão da cela de Faria Kazi.
Numa visita insistente de Holmer Palmgren, advogado e ex-tutor de Lisbeth Salander, inapto fisicamente devido a um AVC, este apresenta-lhe documentos antigos entregues por uma ex-secretária que trabalhara no hospital pedopsiquiátrico onde ela estivera internada em criança; fazendo com que fique a remoer nessa informação.
Na habitual visita de sextas-feiras que o devotado amigo Mikael Blomkvist lhe fazia Lisbeth Salander refere para que este pesquise um nome: Leo Mannheimer, um rapaz de trinta e seis anos de idade.
E a aventura começa…
David Lagercrantz decide avançar com um enredo que tenta esclarecer e desvendar alguns factos e acontecimentos que permaneciam indecifráveis no passado traumático de Lisbeth Salander. Ela fora participante – involuntária – de um projecto científico sobre gémeos, conhecido como Registo para Estudos Genéticos e Ambientais, com vários professores e doutores envolvidos, de várias áreas do conhecimento; quase todos pouco escrupulosos, sem ética ou princípios morais.
Em ”A Rapariga Apanhada na Teia de Aranha” existe uma interessante componente científica, que é apresentada ao leitor, apesar da sua complexidade, de forma linear e facilmente entendível; a forma como a questão premente das relações familiares entre homens e mulheres que professam a religião islâmica, numa vertente radical, nomeadamente, na vivência opressiva sobre as mulheres, é rigorosa e insuspeita; as dúvidas e interrogações que algumas personagens relatam sobre a ineficiência e a incompetência do sistema prisional, do sistema judicial e do sistema da investigação criminal e policial sueca é plausível e é admissível.
Na vertente literária do policial ou do thriller ”A Rapariga Apanhada na Teia de Aranha” o suspense mantêm-se, não há reviravoltas inesperadas ou incoerentes na narrativa, há muitos enigmas que são definitivamente resolvidos; a componente emocional entre as diversas personagens mantêm-se; as personagens malditas e ruins permanecem inalteráveis ao longo dos tempos, para eles não há redenção.
Ao contrário dos livros anteriores da série Millenniun, ”O Homem Que Perseguia a Sua Sombra”, envolve, eventualmente, uma subtrama mais definida e mais ordenada – não há pontas soltas ou questões determinantes que permaneçam em aberto. Nesse sentido, ”O Homem Que Perseguia a Sua Sombra”, pode ser definitivamente um novo recomeço para a série e Lisbeth Salander permanece indiscutivelmente como uma das personagens mais icónicas da literatura mundial.
NOTA: Fiquei com vontade de voltar a fazer o Millenniun Tour - "You start the 2 hour tour on the island of Södermalm, at Bellmansgatan 1, the home of the main character, Mikael Blomqvist and you walk your way through key locations in the books; bars, cafés, and of course, past Lisbeth Salander’s apartment."
Em O Homem que Perseguia a Sua Sombra" há novos locais a visitar - na deslumbrante e lindíssima cidade de Estocolmo, Suécia.
September 18, 2017
Insufficient words to properly express how truly bad this book is. The writing is infantile, at first I attributed it to the translation but that's not the case. The story line is impossible to follow and I have to finally let one of my favorite literary characters go. Goodbye to Lisbeth Salander and I mourn Stieg Larsson again. Read 80 pages, DNF.
November 1, 2017
What a disappointing end to one of my favorite series! It was a mess...too long, too much unnecessary detail and an unsatisfying ending.
April 22, 2020
I had stopped with the first 3 books in the series, but got to book #4 recently and now #5. It is a series I like and am sad that #6 will probably be the last David Lagercrantz will write. I know that many feel that David Lagercrantz’s style has deviated considerably from that of Stieg Larsson. I have the view though that he has retained the essence of the characters, and that itself is not easy to do.
The story centers around Lisbeth Salander, and starts with her being in prison after saving a child (the story in book #4) but employing not entirely legal means for it. In prison, she encounters a bully - Benito who specially takes pleasure in harassing Faria Kazi, an immigrant from Bangladesh. Faria is unable to get together with the person she loves, and is in prison for murder. This track of the story has fundamentalism, abuse and finally crimes. Lisbeth sees no option but to intervene.
There is another thread to the story about an entity named the Registry which studies the impact of nature vs nurture focusing on twins. There are secrets there which people involved want to remain hidden. Mikael Blomkvist researches this and is especially intrigued by Leo who is a prominent businessman. The Registry has also in the past been involved with Lisbeth and her twin Camilla. Lisbeth and Mikael Blomkvist try to find out more, and very soon Lisbeth’s former guardian, Holger Palmgren is murdered. As Lisbeth leaves prison, she has two gangs (who come together to take her on) gunning for her.
I found the story to be good and well-paced, as we would expect of this series. There are aspects of it which do not flow entirely naturally in the later part of the book though.
An easy read which I loved, being a fan of the series – especially Lisbeth Salander’s character.
The story centers around Lisbeth Salander, and starts with her being in prison after saving a child (the story in book #4) but employing not entirely legal means for it. In prison, she encounters a bully - Benito who specially takes pleasure in harassing Faria Kazi, an immigrant from Bangladesh. Faria is unable to get together with the person she loves, and is in prison for murder. This track of the story has fundamentalism, abuse and finally crimes. Lisbeth sees no option but to intervene.
There is another thread to the story about an entity named the Registry which studies the impact of nature vs nurture focusing on twins. There are secrets there which people involved want to remain hidden. Mikael Blomkvist researches this and is especially intrigued by Leo who is a prominent businessman. The Registry has also in the past been involved with Lisbeth and her twin Camilla. Lisbeth and Mikael Blomkvist try to find out more, and very soon Lisbeth’s former guardian, Holger Palmgren is murdered. As Lisbeth leaves prison, she has two gangs (who come together to take her on) gunning for her.
I found the story to be good and well-paced, as we would expect of this series. There are aspects of it which do not flow entirely naturally in the later part of the book though.
An easy read which I loved, being a fan of the series – especially Lisbeth Salander’s character.
March 9, 2018
David Lagercrantz continues the Millennium series and does a fine job. The character of Lisbeth Salander continues to be the bad ass girl I crave to read more about.
Lisbeth finds herself in prison and while there she continues to create trouble for herself, but for all the right reasons. I don't know what this says about me, but I like the prison scenes. On a slightly different track, Leo's past unfolds and it is good! When Lisbeth is released she learns a few truths and this girl doesn't get mad...she gets even. Another great read as Lagercrantz takes over.
Lisbeth finds herself in prison and while there she continues to create trouble for herself, but for all the right reasons. I don't know what this says about me, but I like the prison scenes. On a slightly different track, Leo's past unfolds and it is good! When Lisbeth is released she learns a few truths and this girl doesn't get mad...she gets even. Another great read as Lagercrantz takes over.
September 21, 2017
So I touch upon the fact that I hate David Lagercrantz as the person who continued this series down below, but I will actually review the book here.
I found this, as a book, holds up really well. I enjoyed the plot and I liked the characters. I do not think this book holds up in the series at all. I really enjoyed the mystery, I liked the government conspiracy aspect, along with the side characters involved in the mystery, but I didn't like how this continued the series. I didn't like where Lisbeth started the book and I don't think it fit in with the rest of the book at all.
I don't have much else to say, so I leave you with the reason I think Lagercrantz is running this series into the ground.
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I hated the third book. I absolutely hated it. I think Blomkvist was one of the worst characters and his character development fell apart. I hated his romantic relationship and how the relationship between Salander and Blomkvist progressed. I just overall didn't like the conclusion to the characters story. So when David Lagercrantz came and gave me a story that fixed all the relationship and character aspects, as well as gave me an interesting plot, I was in. But this book has made me see a lot that makes me realize that Lagercrantz is actually ruining what this series is about.
This series is first and foremost about Blomkvist, the journalist, finding stories for his newspaper. There is absolutely none of that in these 2 continuation novels. The newspaper is rarely mentioned and it's always in passing, the characters from the newspapers, such as Berger, aren't even in the story. It's clear that Lagercrantz did not like Blomkvist's relationship with Berger and chose to remove it. He has removed the heart of the story, the thing that made the mysteries so important, and turned this into a political government mystery. Blomkvist has been on 10 out of the 225 pages I've read so far, he is slowly getting left behind and that infuriates me. (edit: he was the focus of the last 120 pages or so, but still) It's clear he wants to take Salander into the future of the series and leave Blomkvist behind. But it makes me mad that the way it's going he's just going to keep writing and never stop.
I think Lagercrantz was absolutely the worst decision and worst possible person to continue this story and I am so disappointed.
I found this, as a book, holds up really well. I enjoyed the plot and I liked the characters. I do not think this book holds up in the series at all. I really enjoyed the mystery, I liked the government conspiracy aspect, along with the side characters involved in the mystery, but I didn't like how this continued the series. I didn't like where Lisbeth started the book and I don't think it fit in with the rest of the book at all.
I don't have much else to say, so I leave you with the reason I think Lagercrantz is running this series into the ground.
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I hated the third book. I absolutely hated it. I think Blomkvist was one of the worst characters and his character development fell apart. I hated his romantic relationship and how the relationship between Salander and Blomkvist progressed. I just overall didn't like the conclusion to the characters story. So when David Lagercrantz came and gave me a story that fixed all the relationship and character aspects, as well as gave me an interesting plot, I was in. But this book has made me see a lot that makes me realize that Lagercrantz is actually ruining what this series is about.
This series is first and foremost about Blomkvist, the journalist, finding stories for his newspaper. There is absolutely none of that in these 2 continuation novels. The newspaper is rarely mentioned and it's always in passing, the characters from the newspapers, such as Berger, aren't even in the story. It's clear that Lagercrantz did not like Blomkvist's relationship with Berger and chose to remove it. He has removed the heart of the story, the thing that made the mysteries so important, and turned this into a political government mystery. Blomkvist has been on 10 out of the 225 pages I've read so far, he is slowly getting left behind and that infuriates me. (edit: he was the focus of the last 120 pages or so, but still) It's clear he wants to take Salander into the future of the series and leave Blomkvist behind. But it makes me mad that the way it's going he's just going to keep writing and never stop.
I think Lagercrantz was absolutely the worst decision and worst possible person to continue this story and I am so disappointed.
September 24, 2017
Around 3*s.
IMO, Simon Vance is an exceptional narrator, and as soon as I heard his familiar voice- I was-"Ooh, I'm going to love this." I didn't. I did enjoy the parts where "the beyond kickass" Lisbeth was on the scene, and wish there were many, many more of them. There were several twisted plotlines, but few surprises.
I recently told someone that when "I cook-it looks real, but tastes like someone washed it." This book gave me that same feeling. Plus, the book felt like it "sorta stretched out in the wash" too. It was not my intention to be disrespectful, it was just the analogy that kept coming to mind.
IMO, Simon Vance is an exceptional narrator, and as soon as I heard his familiar voice- I was-"Ooh, I'm going to love this." I didn't. I did enjoy the parts where "the beyond kickass" Lisbeth was on the scene, and wish there were many, many more of them. There were several twisted plotlines, but few surprises.
I recently told someone that when "I cook-it looks real, but tastes like someone washed it." This book gave me that same feeling. Plus, the book felt like it "sorta stretched out in the wash" too. It was not my intention to be disrespectful, it was just the analogy that kept coming to mind.
September 12, 2017
Lisbeth Salander is my favourite character in contemporary literature. Not one of… but the very favourite! She’s as intelligent and self-contained as she is a no-tolerance-to-bullying & crime-fighting badass, a multi-layered strong-willed yet vulnerable character, with a gripping past, helped by equally intriguing characters. I will read any Millenium book David Lagercrantz will put out there, because however much fun rereading the trilogy is, I would like to know what she’s been up to and up against since.
“The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye” takes us further into Listeth’s past and the history behind her famous dragon tattoo but also shows us the consequences of all the crazy actions she undertook to protect the amazing autistic boy, August, in the previous novel. It’s practically a story about the “search for origins” and you get the feeling that while looking into her own troubled past Lisbeth is no longer “the girl” we met in Stieg Larsson’s first book. But a lot has happened to her, and that perhaps changed her a lot more than she realizes.
This was even better than “The Girl in the Spider's Web,” although I also gave that one 5*. I couldn’t help it! The progress of the second half of the book reminded me of the enthralling atmosphere created in Larsson’s own voice. It was good. Really good. There are some loose ends, especially those regarding Camilla, Lisbeth’s evil twin. So I’ll be waiting patiently for a continuation…
“Lies as a way of creating chaos and confusion. Lies as an alternative to violence.”
“[Palmgren] belonged to a generation that had no understanding of tattooing as an art form. Why embellish yourself with something that never goes away, when we constantly change and evolve?”
“The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye” takes us further into Listeth’s past and the history behind her famous dragon tattoo but also shows us the consequences of all the crazy actions she undertook to protect the amazing autistic boy, August, in the previous novel. It’s practically a story about the “search for origins” and you get the feeling that while looking into her own troubled past Lisbeth is no longer “the girl” we met in Stieg Larsson’s first book. But a lot has happened to her, and that perhaps changed her a lot more than she realizes.
This was even better than “The Girl in the Spider's Web,” although I also gave that one 5*. I couldn’t help it! The progress of the second half of the book reminded me of the enthralling atmosphere created in Larsson’s own voice. It was good. Really good. There are some loose ends, especially those regarding Camilla, Lisbeth’s evil twin. So I’ll be waiting patiently for a continuation…
“Lies as a way of creating chaos and confusion. Lies as an alternative to violence.”
“[Palmgren] belonged to a generation that had no understanding of tattooing as an art form. Why embellish yourself with something that never goes away, when we constantly change and evolve?”
November 5, 2020
"The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye" is the second book in the second Millennium trilogy, the one written by Lagercrantz instead of Larsson.
I liked a lot the Larsson trilogy and so I started the Lagercrantz trilogy with a little fear. Fear of being disappointed, because certain masterpieces are difficult to replicate. After reading the first one (The Girl in the Spider's Web) my conclusion was that Lagercrantz's style was quite different from Larsson's (which was much darker and more suitable for the story) but that it was great to find again Lisbeth and Mikael. Even after reading this second book, my conclusion is this: it's nice to find Lisbeth and Mikael again, but the plot of Lagercrantz's books has nothing to do with the atmospheres that Larsson knew how to create. The gloom and rawness of certain scenes of the first trilogy are not even remotely found in the books of the second trilogy: they are stories quite well written, but that could apply to other protagonists without anyone noticing. In other words, Lisbeth and Mikael, are no longer those of the first trilogy, they could have other names and the result would be the same. On a psychological level, the two protagonists are not the same as in the first three books, they seem like other people. It's a shame, because Larsson had really built them well and losing them is so sad. The plot is interesting, but it certainly does not have the depth and complexity of the books of the first trilogy, and everything goes away too linearly, so that you already know how it will end. And this is certainly not a good sign for a thriller. However, I will read also the third book (The Girl Who Lived Twice) so as to get a complete idea, and I really hope to find the old Lisbeth and Mikael.
I liked a lot the Larsson trilogy and so I started the Lagercrantz trilogy with a little fear. Fear of being disappointed, because certain masterpieces are difficult to replicate. After reading the first one (The Girl in the Spider's Web) my conclusion was that Lagercrantz's style was quite different from Larsson's (which was much darker and more suitable for the story) but that it was great to find again Lisbeth and Mikael. Even after reading this second book, my conclusion is this: it's nice to find Lisbeth and Mikael again, but the plot of Lagercrantz's books has nothing to do with the atmospheres that Larsson knew how to create. The gloom and rawness of certain scenes of the first trilogy are not even remotely found in the books of the second trilogy: they are stories quite well written, but that could apply to other protagonists without anyone noticing. In other words, Lisbeth and Mikael, are no longer those of the first trilogy, they could have other names and the result would be the same. On a psychological level, the two protagonists are not the same as in the first three books, they seem like other people. It's a shame, because Larsson had really built them well and losing them is so sad. The plot is interesting, but it certainly does not have the depth and complexity of the books of the first trilogy, and everything goes away too linearly, so that you already know how it will end. And this is certainly not a good sign for a thriller. However, I will read also the third book (The Girl Who Lived Twice) so as to get a complete idea, and I really hope to find the old Lisbeth and Mikael.
December 10, 2017
An excellent continuation of the series. Part of chapter 24 feels tacked-on, like Revelations in the Bible--not a fit with the rest. Blomkvist feels a bit insufferable and smug; Lisbeth is well-written and brave, as always. Also, there's a bit too much research download. I understand the impulse.
May 6, 2022
Lisbeth Salander, our renegade hacker, has been sentenced to prison.
Not that Salander minds much; one place is as good as another, and there's plenty of time now to study her physics. More than enough were it not for the young girl from Bangladesh whose daily beatings in the next cell are proving a true interference to her peace of mind. Something will have to be done about that...and also this visit from old Palmgren with those suspicions of his about her childhood. Blomkvist might investigate, if she could make it worth his journalistic while. Which she will. And how.
This is Lagercrantz's second sequel to Stieg Larsson's popular Millennium trilogy and it is, in a word, serviceable. While he certainly excels at pacing, and drives this story forward as relentlessly as he did the last, I had hoped he would eventually come to immerse himself in Larsson's millennial universe. I had hoped he would see the merit in inhabiting the minds of these characters - investing in their goals, their flaws, their many strengths - so that he might strain them to good purpose. A tale told in installments must have characters who evolve. Instead, our author appears content to lift personal conflict (as if it were a set piece) directly from the original work and drop it down into scenes that differ only in location and villains involved. The emotional stakes remain the same, as do the reactions to them, leaving everyone on the page mired in a torment of true Sisyphean dimension.
We're in the shallow end of the pool here, and that's a shame.
Not that Salander minds much; one place is as good as another, and there's plenty of time now to study her physics. More than enough were it not for the young girl from Bangladesh whose daily beatings in the next cell are proving a true interference to her peace of mind. Something will have to be done about that...and also this visit from old Palmgren with those suspicions of his about her childhood. Blomkvist might investigate, if she could make it worth his journalistic while. Which she will. And how.
This is Lagercrantz's second sequel to Stieg Larsson's popular Millennium trilogy and it is, in a word, serviceable. While he certainly excels at pacing, and drives this story forward as relentlessly as he did the last, I had hoped he would eventually come to immerse himself in Larsson's millennial universe. I had hoped he would see the merit in inhabiting the minds of these characters - investing in their goals, their flaws, their many strengths - so that he might strain them to good purpose. A tale told in installments must have characters who evolve. Instead, our author appears content to lift personal conflict (as if it were a set piece) directly from the original work and drop it down into scenes that differ only in location and villains involved. The emotional stakes remain the same, as do the reactions to them, leaving everyone on the page mired in a torment of true Sisyphean dimension.
We're in the shallow end of the pool here, and that's a shame.
September 20, 2017
A história é muito mais interessante do que a do livro anterior pós-Larsson. O enredo pega em inúmeras lacunas que ficaram por preencher após a morte do autor e leva a história para uma sem fim de novas possibilidades. Adorei e recomendo, especialmente para quem ficou desiludido com o 4o volume (como eu fiquei na altura).
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