A surprise ending

I know that the majority of us are finished or are finishing the book currently. I wanted to make a post to discuss the ending. Were you surprised by who was the killer? Did any details lead you to suspect them? I'd use more details but I know some people aren't quite finished and don't want to spoil anything so I'll save it for the comments section.

This is what Lisabeth looks like.

Yay or nay?

Profiling a Killer

So now the we have many more details on the killer and his victims, I thought it would be a good idea to come up with a profile of him. He has a hatred for women, seeing as he ha tortured, raped, and killed almost 10. He hates Jews, all the women have been Jewish. He's sadistic; he has burned his victims cut them, put one's head in a fire while she was alive, and many more disturbing acts. Also, the killer has some interest in the bible, at least enough to set up his murders like they were commanded by the bible. Right away one person comes to mind that fits this profile. Harold because he's a nazi and hates women to a certain degree (he calls his daughter a whore). BUT he most likely is not the killer and just an angry old nazi. Any other ideas, or additions to the profile?

Also a quick side note. I see the connection to the original title now, Men Who Hate Women. The book focuses so much on rape, assault, and murder of women. From Lisbeth's rape to the sadistic murders that paint the picture of, in the words of Salander, "A common or garden bastard who hates women" (418).

Speeding up the process

When does the movie come out? And will we be done by then?

Blomkvist: The Player

I wanted to talk a little about the relationships that Blomkvist has sprouted so far. Sex is a prominent component of TGWTDT, and however awkward it may be to discuss it, I felt it only natural to evaluate the sex life and romantic interests of Blomkvist. Firstly, I would like to propose a question: To what degree do you think that Blomkvist cares abouts the women he sleeps with? I think we can agree that Blomkvist is certainly a lady's man, but his connections with women are fascinating. Berger's status as a bestfriend-with-benefits, for example, provides a little insight into Blomkvist as a lover. While he seems to be fairly obsessed with her during his first few weeks with Vanger, he is quick to find solace in the voluptuous breasts of Cecilia Vanger. He never ceases to call Berger but then is disappointed when Cecilia turns him away after prison. Do you all think he is a pig that just tries to hook up? Or do you think there is something deeper and he should run off with Mitt Romney to start a polygamist cult? Let's evaluate together!

Chapter 16 - 18

Firstly, I'd like to mention that I really like how the book is set up. The last three chapters were more focused on Salander, but these chapters were more focused on Blomkvist.

Chapter 16: Does anyone think that Cecilia killed/is linked to Harriet's death? On pages 305 and 306, the description of the women in the picture is so exact, even including the height (5'7''). I think it might be here because it lead me to think, why does she lust for him so much? And I tried to go to Google Translate to translate the Swedish words at the end of the chapter, and I closest I got to something that makes sense is "R yes you k Rifa rich" from "R jo ni k rifa rik" ( 310).

Chapter 17: It was said before that  Harriet became really shy right before she died. Maybe there is something written in her bible that explains it? 

Chapter 18: Lisabeth should just take the job!  I feel like the mystery would just come together with her because she just knows how to get things done. But I feel like she's scared that her "abilities" are slowing shrinking because she won't let go of how Blomkvist found out that she was the hacker; she asks at least three times.

Chapters 13-15

So much happened in these chapters that I dont even think I could write it all. I guess I'll just focus on Salander for this post, and maybe someone else can write a post about Blomkvist and the mystery?
Salander really starts to come together as a character during these chapters as she plans her revenge on Bjurman. We learn that she doesn't make drastic decisions, but instead looks at all the small details. She also appears to be very dedicated, even turning down Dragan when he calls (243). As for the rape scene that comes after all of this planning, well it was disturbing. The way that she is able to analyze his behavior and take back control of the situation is amazing, however. She is clearly not mentally handicap in any way. Instead she comes off as a strong, independent grown woman. She thought out every detail of what she was going to do and although her way of handling the situation was a bit twisted it did seem necessary for dealing with such a sick human being.
On another note, I feel like Bjurman is not going to back down so easily because even in his fear he was having angry thoughts (261). I just feel like we haven't heard the last of him. Does anyone agree?

Maps of Hedeby

Hey guys!
This is just a helpful reference I found online. It's a map of the island and shows the houses of the characters. I thought it would help give a better understanding of Hedeby as we read.

This is the link:
http://www.stieglarsson.com/maps-of-hedeby

Chapters 10 - 12

While reading these chapters, I got more and more suspicious about Berger. What's up with her? I don't know if she's good or not.

In Chapter 10: I just got weirded out with Bjurman. His meetings with Salander are so inappropriate to her, but I know that he's only doing it so that he can have sex with her or something.

In Chapter 11: I think that the date book should've gave the next "task" for Blomkvist. I think he should visit all the people mentioned. I don't understand his relationship with Cecilia.

In Chapter 12: I'm pretty excited to see how Salander is going to get back at Bjurman. Her "bad ass-ness" is about to come out! Anyone know why she got the tattoo of a dragon or it is just there because she likes it?
I think that she might try and hurt him really bad when he does not expect it, like hide in his office or something.

Suggestion: Old Movie New Movie Comparison!

Okay so I've heard that there is another movie out there that's not the new Daniel Craig one. I say before we all head down to the Cinema we should take a peek at that one and sort of compare them. Get some pizza chill out and enjoy some Swedish art at its finest. This post kinda doesn't have to do with the book but I just wanted to get it out there.

Chapters 6-9 (EMMA I FOUND IT! It was saved as draft for some reason?)

I decided to make a new post to better fit the new schedule!

Oh my god. Who else is excited to go watch this?!?!?!

Chapters 6-9

These chapters give a background of the Vanger family, and really showed how screwed up they are. It is easy to see why Henrik hates his family. His brothers were all fascists. Harold, though, was also a dedicated Nazi who supported Hitler's idea of an Aryan race, and ended up hating Henrik's Jewish wife. The family now seems despicable and capable of the crime Blomkvist is investigating.

I like Larsson's writing style. He includes details, but doesn't go overboard like some other books we have read. The details are relevant and build the characters so they have a complete background story, and seem very life-like. I also enjoy his humor that's woven into the story. Such as the obscene e-mail Blomkvist received that he filed under "Intelligent Criticism."

For anyone that is lost, page 188-190 has the main details of Henrik's family along with a chart of the people that Mikael thinks are important. An index card with characters and some notes on it has helped me stay organized as well and I recommend it.

For these chapters, any speculations on suspects so far? To me, Harold seems the most likely since he was an insane Nazi physician and hates Henrik.

Schedule Changes

So I changed the reading schedule so it would fit the requirements of reading 50 pages every time we have class. If there's a problem or a mistake of any kind, feel free to comment so we can sort it out. Grazi! :)

Chapter 6 -7

I'm making a small post about chapters 6 and 7. I didn't get to read that much because I have a Pre-Calc test and a vocab quiz that I have to study for, but these are my responses to chapters 6 and 7.


Chapter 6: The chapter started off so intense. I mean, a family member killing Harriet?! But what is up with the flowers? Is there like a special meaning about them? Flowers are also mentioned in the Prologue (being classified, ie. Leptospermum (Myrtaceae) rubinette.) 

Chapter 7: Fairly short, but included one of my favorite quotes from the book. People always have secrets. it's just a matter of finding out what they are (126). (I'm pretty sure Emma likes this quote too.) 

Wonder what's going to happen next! 

Chapters 1-5

First reactions? Favorite characters? Predictions? Yay or nay?


Post anything that is on your mind about the first section of the book :)