Monday, October 20

Literary Libations: Thirsty Throwback

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Are you ready for a blast from the past? I've had a busy, busy weekend. Not that I've been going anywhere, but I've taken on some freelance work which took up some extra time this weekend (it's good stuff, and I'll share what I've been working on once it's completed). In the meantime I didn't have the chance make or create a new savory drink, so I'm going to send you over to this post from last year at this time! I'm guessing you won't remember this post as it was before I had any followers and I'm pretty sure no one was reading my itsy-bitsy blog at that time. SO, go have some fun at Pumpkin Patch and try to remember that my photography skills have improved in the last year...

Today I am finishing up my report on The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. I just want to start out by saying that I loved this book, it was intriguing and mysterious, the characters felt absolutely tangible, and at points I think my hair stood on end. That said, this book needs serious trigger warnings. There are many points that deal with sexual abuse. All of it is portrayed in the worst light it could possibly be portrayed in, the perpetrators considered the lowest of the low and not worth saving. If you are extremely sensitive to such issues or are overly affected by what you read, I would suggest stopping here, please find some other, happier book. If, however, you are willing to plunge forward and delve into the dark inner sanctum of Larsson's work, read on.

I've covered a bit of the story already, but now that I know the direction the book actually takes I'm going to start from the beginning. Blomkvist is somewhat famous reporter in Sweden. Is is co-owner of the magazine Millennium and has just been convicted of libeling against a very prominent businessman. Blomkvist has presumably been set-up and is unable to defend himself, he therefore faces a three month prison sentence. Seemingly ready to slip into a depressive state, Blomkvist wants to cut himself off from the world and a job opportunity presents itself at just the right time. The beginning of the book is a bit slow, picking up as you go until it seems to snowball in the middle, gathering momentum with the turn of each page.

Henrik Vanger, the rich, ex-CEO of the Vanger Corporation hires Blomkvist to try and solve a mystery, the problem is the trail has been cold for nearly 40 years. Vanger's niece, Harriet, disappeared at the age of 16. The most intriguing part of this, however, is that she disappeared off of an island to which there was no exit. Henrik, the head of the Vanger clan, lives on Hedeby island. There is only one entrance and exit, a long bridge connecting them to the mainland. Much of the extended family has come over for a family business meeting when a tanker truck jack knifes on the bridge, effectively cutting the island off from the rest of the world for 24 hours. At this point Harriet is still on the island. She seems agitated and worried about something, she tries to approach Henrik for advice, but he is too busy to be bothered. Some time over the next several hours she disappears for good. No one claims to have seen her or know where she is. The island is searched, but no sign of poor Harriet is found. Henrik spends the next 36 year pursuing every possibility for her disappearance, but has found no evidence. The Vanger clan is a truly unlikeable bunch and Henrik is convinced that a family member must have murdered Harriet and somehow removed the body. Starting from age 8, Harriet used to give Henrik a pressed flower for his birthday every year. Since her disappearance he has received an anonymous pressed flower on his birthday every single year, Henrik is convinced that Harriet's murderer must still be alive and taunting him.

At this point The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo really hits it's stride. Blomkvist brings in Lisbeth (the girl referred to in the title) to help him with his investigation. She is a professional private detective, working for Milton Security, and an invaluable asset. Lisbeth is my favorite character in the book and also the character with the most baggage. She is consistently surprising and yet invariable in her actions and personality. As clues are uncovered, the past of the Vanger Clan proves to be even darker than imagined. If you want to read a truly thrilling tale, I would highly recommend Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy. I've moved on to the second book in the series and am already enthralled. If you've read this book before let me know what your final impressions were below!

16 comments:

  1. You know I went to check out that drink it looks so tasty.

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  2. I've heard a lot about this book, but I didn't read yet! Have an amazing start of week! =D

    NEW POST on http://whattostyle.blogspot.com/

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    xoxo,
    Jess

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  3. [ Smiles ] It is nice to know that you have great taste in literature.

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  4. Glad you liked the book! I def need to read it now!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com

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  5. Thats a must read.great post dear
    Have a great week

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  6. That apple cider float looks so good! You guys looked too cute at the pumpkin patch Laura! That's always fun! You did GREAT as a blogger just starting out. You should've seen my pictures. LOL
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  7. I love that you loved this novel I did too. Are you planning on reading the next books in the series?
    Beautetude

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  8. I have not read the book, only watched the movie... It is so hard for me..The cider looks really nice!
    xx
    cvetybaby.com
    Bloglovin
    Instagram

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  9. great post. I actually have read that book and it was interesting. Do not forget to enter the Jeremy Tarian sunglasses giveaway.

    Eye See Euphoria : http://eyeseeeuphoria.com/post/paparazzi-saturdays-one-lovely-blog-award-and-giveaway-oh-my

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  10. I really want to read the Girl with Dragon Tattoo (and the series). My friend read it and loved it, too!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  11. I'm really glad that you enjoyed the book. I personally prefer the next 2 books but the whole series are just great reading. I am tempted to make that drink but hubby dearest is not a fan of apple cider. Well, I guess it'll be more for me ;-)

    Reflection of Sanity

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  12. Love this book! Great recommendation!

    - Sarah :)
    www.thecrownbijoux.blogspot.com

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  13. I haven't read Girl with Dragon Tattoo yet, but I heard that it's amazing book. And I have to admit that I saw film which was based on this book and I enjoyed it very much!

    http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/

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  14. I want to try it!
    have a nice day
    kss
    new post: http://tupersonalshopperviajero.blogspot.com.es/2014/10/dr-martens-at-la-isla-minima.html

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  15. I need to read that book !!!
    xoxo

    www.sorananistor.com

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