The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

ISBN: 978-0-307-26975-1
Alfred A. Knopf, NY 2009
translated from the Swedish by Reg Keeland

Plot Summary

Journalist Mikael Blomkvist has been hired by family patriarch Henrik Vanger to investigate the disappearance of his favorite niece, Harriet, almost 40 years before. Mikael enlists the help of Lisbeth Salander, a troubled computer hacker genius who is only 24, tattooed and pierced and the title character of the book. Together they find out many family secrets and corruption in top Swedish and international companies.

Critical Evaluation

This is a smart, suspenseful book with lots of twists and turns. I can't wait to read the 2nd and 3rd books in the trilogy. I think that older teens would find this book captivating, mostly because of the character of Lisbeth Salander who is tough as nails because of her past as a foster child. The complexity of the novel, the violence and unusual place names would make it too difficult for teens younger than about 16.

Reader's Annotation

Journalist Mikael Blomkvist doesn't want to investigate the disappearance of 16-year-old Harriet Vanger. He takes the case to appease an old man and because he needs to stay away from his beloved Millennium magazine until the scandal of a libel suit blows over.

Author Info

I was saddened to learn that Swedish author Stieg Larsson died suddenly of a heart attack shortly after delivering the manuscripts of his trilogy, which have become blockbuster bestsellers throughout Europe and now the US. He was the editor in chief of Expo magazine and a leading expert on right-wing extremist and Nazi organizations.

Genre

adult cross-over mystery suspense novel

Curriculum Ties - probably none

Booktalking Ideas

1. Mikael Blomkvist first visits Henrik Vanger to find out why he wants to hire him.

2. Mikael Blomkvist confronts Lisbeth Salander at her apt.

Reading/Interest Level

high school (16+) through adult for both

Challenge Issues and Defense

violence, bisexuality, sexual abuse, language, computer hacking

all make this book inappropriate for younger teens; it is an adult book and should be read by
mature teens (16+ ) only

Why I Included This Book

The title sounded intriguing, it's on bestseller lists and has a favorable buzz.
Rave reviews from the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune and others.
Included as an adult crossover novel.