The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson started out as a slow read, but has proven itself to be an interesting and complex mystery. I think that any book that has gained such a terrific reputation is bound to only skim the reader’s expectations. Extremely confused, initially, I wondered why my classmates and family were enjoying a book about financial and legal scandals. Once I got past that part, I started to really enjoy the book. I think the novel is so popular because it appeals to an audience not necessarily within the aimed demographic, like me. However, my eyes still do glaze over when dollar signs (or rather, Kronor signs) reappear.
My favorite character in the book is, of course, Lisbeth Salander. She intrigues the reader with mysteries she presents about herself, as she solves those of others. This causes the reader to question her past, rather than take interest in that of her cases. Salander is the outcast of the book, which makes her so relatable. I think this contributes to the books wide appeal. Everyone—from teenage girls, to my parents to my grandparents—can connect to being an outsider. She embraces this trait not as a flaw, but as something she just is. I look forward to finishing the book, hopefully learning more about Salander in addition to the Harriet case.
