Author Background-Stieg Larsson
Avid readers of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series mourn his untimely death for so many reasons. His unexpected death from a massive heart attack at the age of 50 cut short the list of compelling novels he could have gone on to write focusing on his incredible main character, Lisbeth Salander. Stieg Larsson, who hailed from Sweden where he was known for his research and personal acceptance of left-wing politics, was labeled as a person who smoked and worked to excess.
In fact, his first publication was a book focusing on, “Right wing Extremism.” Larsson held numerous professional positions throughout his career but he is most known for doing graphic design work and serving as an editor. For more information regarding Stieg Larsson’s background, see this link to this author’s book review for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo or the Stieg Larsson website.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest–Book Introduction
Published initially in Swedish as Luftslottet Som Sprangdes in 2007 and in English in the United Kingdom in 2009, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest was subsequently published in Canada and the US in 2010.
At the beginning of The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, the reader is reminded of what was going on with Lisbeth Salander at the end of The Girl Who Played with Fire. The story begins with Salander trying to regain health and strength to prepare for a protracted court battle for charges of murder. Suffice it to say you will be compelled to read The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest from the very first sentence. What is going to happen to Lisbeth Salander?
Mikael Blomqvist, a journalist and loyal friend to Lisbeth Salander, works behind the scenes to do everything he can to prevent her from being sentenced to prison or a mental institute. Although Salander has lately been refusing to speak to him, Mikael Blomqvist makes it his goal to save Salander from a horrible future. Blomqvist has his work cut out for him as he makes every effort to communicate with her.
An entire cast of scary characters are involved, many from Larsson’s two prior Millennium series novels. They add considerable interest and intrigue to an already-compelling story.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest–The Plot
Deceit surrounds Salander as she avoids admitting to or denying the murders for which she is charged. To complicate matters, police authorities and prosecutors, not to mention her arch-enemy, Zalachenko’s motley crew of misfits, are all working against Salander and Blomqvist to put Salander away for good. Subsequent assault charges are filed against Salander.
Mikael Blomqvist reveals more about his grit, guts, and brains in The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest. He goes to great lengths to try to determine who is following him and how information about himself and Salander is being both revealed and hidden. While working to prove Salander’s innocence on all charges, Blomqvist meets a new love interest who works for the police department.
Speaking of Blomqvist’s love life, another side plot of some interest is Erika Berger’s career issues. Blomqvist’s married, long-term lover, Berger gets into a heap of trouble in her efforts to follow her professional goals. Will Blomqvist and Berger continue their relationship? Regardless, Berger’s life becomes complicated and dangerous in The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.
Blomqvist’s beloved sister, Gianninni, plays an integral role in the story. She’s an attorney, and boy, does Salander need one before this book is over. A court hearing or two are thrown into the mix and add some real thrills to the ride.
So, there it is-Salander successfully avoiding everyone, refusing to reveal the truth to anyone as she does her own “research” with a smuggled Palm PDA while in police custody. Blomqvist is working to prove Salander’s innocence although she doesn’t seem to care. Erika Berger gets herself into a mess or two. And then there are the characters from the underbelly of society and the court scenes to add spice.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest–The Opinion
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest gives Lisbeth Salander fans what they want-more of Lisbeth Salander. Additional history about Lisbeth is revealed. Since the first book in Larsson’s Millennium series, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, readers have had an overwhelming drive to know more about Salander’s past. And since Hornet’s Nest tells us so much more of Lisbeth’s story, we are all pretty pleased. And as hard as we all tried to figure it out, the story is just too wild and chaotic to do so.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest is so exciting in some parts that you just have to have a friend nearby who is reading/has read it, so you can discuss parts of the story and the incredulous plot development. This book provides “edge of your seat” suspense. This writer simply couldn’t stop reading it, especially toward the last quarter of the book.
Stieg Larsson’s character development was in high gear. All the familiar characters readers loved and loved to hate from the prior books in the series were included in The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest. A few fascinating new ones enhanced the story even more. Great characters, an absorbing main plot with interesting side-plots and lots of action are found in The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest. What a read for those who love mysteries, suspense thrillers or just a downright good story.
Rating
Can there be any other rating for The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, except for a 5 out of 5 stars? I think not. Definitely 5 out of 5 stars.
Sources
Larsson, Stieg. (2010). The Girl who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest. New York. Alfred A. Knopf/Random House
Steiglarsson.com. (October 17, 2010 and September 3, 2010). Stieg Larsson: A diverse background. Viewed October 17, 2010 and September 3, 2010
