The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson

Well, I finished reading the book, finally, and here is what I think:

On a sentence/paragraph level, Larsson is a clear, successful writer. He even occasionally achieves something like charm. The structure of the book is segmented, which is acceptable, and not too jarring. At least, the changes in perspective are not more jarring than they are intended to be. It reads easily, like a tv drama.

Very like a tv drama.

Larsson has created several characters of moderate likability, and many with considerable unlikability. I would not say that the reader gets to know any character well, but one recognizes who it is one is meant to pull for, and it isn't difficult to persuade one's self to do.

However, on the whole, I'd say my reading experience was neutral, leaning toward unpleasant. It has several very rough moments, which I can handle, but that didn't seem entirely central to the story for plot development, character development...or any reason, really. It struck me as a chance to up the rating from PG13 to R, if you will. In fact, the villains of the story had a real "Bigger! Badder!" kind of feel to them. They were definitely designed for shock value, and their repulsive qualities pile higher and higher....

But is that necessary?

I find that if you author is really that good, even criminals of the ordinary variety can be intimidating or fearsome or whatever is required of them. And I am a little tired of the trend of making the evil deeds more evil in order to have a more memorable book. Really, it was trite. I was not impressed. The most interesting part of the story was the setting, and that could be considered semi-accidental, when one considers the author's origins.

I haven't any intention of spending energy toward hunting down Larsson's remaining two mysteries. Now I know, and that was all I was really going for, anyway.

At the risk of slight spoilers, please read my recommendation:

Please refrain from reading this book if you are adverse to violent sexual assaults. If you want something ridiculously sensational with many slow spots for economics and foreign politics that is just a quick (although by no means short) read, feel free to indulge.