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Journal Entry 1 by livrecache from Hobart, Tasmania Australia on Wednesday, October 14, 2009
 The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest, with Salander fighting for her life in intensive care[For about half the book!], her father lying a few doors along the corridor as a result of wounds inflicted on him by Salander herself. Throughout the novel, the covert workings of the Swedish secret service are laid bare, as are the cut-throat realities of the world of newspapers and the immorality of some in authority. The theme of how words can be a force for justice permeates the narrative; and the story of Millennium, for which Larsson's other protagonist, campaigning journalist Mikael Blomkvist, works, continues to develop.
Larsson has produced a novel that is complex, satisfying, clever, moral. At its heart is the question of whether or not the forces trying to destroy Salander, in order to protect themselves, will triumph; whether the strained relationship between Blomkvist and Salander can be repaired; and whether or not the defence lawyer chosen to represent her – Blomkvist's sister, Gianni - will be able to produce a case.
Throughout, there is a sense of comeuppance, as well as a more subtle undercurrent examining how society chooses to treat those it does not understand; how madness is defined, and how easy it is to look the other way. The clever twists and turns mean that it is far from a foregone conclusion that Salander will even make it to the courtroom.
Women appear on these pages as equal players – police officers, advocates, journalists – rather than just glamorous sidekicks or victims, as in so many thrillers. Best of all, the awkward, difficult Lisbeth Salander, who frustrates sometimes by her refusal to accept help from those who are on her side, slowly walks out of her shadows and into the light.
Some 50 pages before the end, Blomkvist sums up the nature of Salander's experience: "When it comes down to it, this story is not primarily about spies and secret government agencies; it's about violence against women, and the men who enable it." It is this moral purpose, if you like, that sets Larsson's trilogy apart from most thrillers. There is no pornographic violence to pep up a dull chapter, no mindless technology, just everything woven together with purpose and, despite the high body count, in a plausible narrative. It does have some flat spots though, but these are necessary to provide the background for the intricate plot.
One more thing I have to point out is contained in the 'Shout' on the back cover. Read it and laugh/weep. There is a place for editors!
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The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest
