Having read the first book, and seen the Swedish film, I can say that yes, the book is equally disturbing. Although - at least you have the business fraud story-line, which Blomkvist was in prison for and Lisbeth rescues his reputation from at the end - that story, I actually liked even if it was fairly dry and read like an IKEA catalogue. That story, and the strong character of Erika are to a degree excised from the Swedish film version - a huge weakness. That version unfortunately focuses almost completely on the rape/serial killer storyline. Not sure if the Fincher version is similar in that manner or not?
The next two books in Larrson's series are in some respects worse...in those we focus on how Lisbeth became Lisbeth. I couldn't get through Girl Who Played With Fire...the explanation of why Lisbeth gets breasts implants...is beyond disturbing. And I was told enough of the plot of the books...to realize they were not for me. (Lisbeth was sexually molested and beaten by her father, who beat her mother. Until Lisbeth set him on Fire.)
What I liked about the books oddly was the business story line and how Lisbeth researches and resolves it. The serial killer/rape/victimization/revenge fantasy story - was cringe-inducing.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2012-01-14 03:23 am (UTC)Having read the first book, and seen the Swedish film, I can say that yes, the book is equally disturbing. Although - at least you have the business fraud story-line, which Blomkvist was in prison for and Lisbeth rescues his reputation from at the end - that story, I actually liked even if it was fairly dry and read like an IKEA catalogue. That story, and the strong character of Erika are to a degree excised from the Swedish film version - a huge weakness. That version unfortunately focuses almost completely on the rape/serial killer storyline. Not sure if the Fincher version is similar in that manner or not?
The next two books in Larrson's series are in some respects worse...in those we focus on how Lisbeth became Lisbeth. I couldn't get through Girl Who Played With Fire...the explanation of why Lisbeth gets breasts implants...is beyond disturbing. And I was told enough of the plot of the books...to realize they were not for me. (Lisbeth was sexually molested and beaten by her father, who beat her mother. Until Lisbeth set him on Fire.)
What I liked about the books oddly was the business story line and how Lisbeth researches and resolves it. The serial killer/rape/victimization/revenge fantasy story - was cringe-inducing.