Finally finished The Millenium trilogy. Thoughts (with spoilers).

[Aldo]

I'm sorry for my initial post. Not sure where my head was at. Let it derail your thread no further.

I still hold out hope that someone (anyone?) wants to discuss the books. But if not, oh well.

And if it wasn't for your post, this thread would have been on page 3 by now. No hard feelings.

 

[Admiral_Young]

I thought the first novel was the best of the three. The second one lags a bit...and the third one was okay with a satisfying ending. I haven't read them since I saw the original Swedish trilogy almost two years ago. As for the point about Lisbeth and Mikeal's relationship...I don't think we're supposed to be pulling for them to be a couple, I too was frustrated that they weren't together much in the second novel, but it fits both their personality profiles that they aren't. I like their relationship the way it is. Mikeal is someone who Lisbeth actually comes to trust and consider a true friend. That is a huge step for her development and character arc. As much as I like the thought of them being together romantically...I don't think that was the author's intention at all when he was writing the book. The original Swedish title for the title is "Men Who Hate Women". I think Mikeal is supposed to represent the one good man in Lisbeth's life who doesn't betrayal or abuse her despite his own character flaws.

 

[marillion]

I loved the books, but I have to admit that some of the "inside baseball" about the Swedish political and economic system dimmed my lights for a bit while I slogged through it.. I'll say, however, that it's important not to skim that stuff, as it helps you understand the underlying story.

I also now drive a Volvo (C30 - SO sweet) and drink Swedish vodka exclusively.. Not at the same time, I should add!!

I too, felt that after the main mystery was wrapped up in the first book, that the ending went on a bit longer than it should have... That said, it held my interest!

 

[MNM]

I'm sorry for my initial post. Not sure where my head was at. Let it derail your thread no further.

I still hold out hope that someone (anyone?) wants to discuss the books. But if not, oh well.

I bought all three a while ago (3 for 2 offer), but after a few chapters of the first I just havent been able to get through it. There is something about the journalist character I dont care for, and the girl seems a little too fantastic for my liking.

A notion I may be disolved of if I read more, but I probably wont.

 

[Ometiklan]

I loved all three books. Lisbeth was a great character. I also liked how the books didn't force Lisbeth and Mikael together, but instead focused on developing Lisbeth's backstory and developing her as a character. It really is all about her learning to trust people, that she can have friends, and to pay people back (with more than just money or sex) for their help in her life. The second and third books are also interesting in that they make up their own two-part story - which I wasn't expecting after the first book.

The only thing I wasn't the biggest fan of was that the secret division of the secret police were depicted as being taken down very easily and being taken in by Mikael's schemes. For having operated in total secrecy for 25+ years, you think they would put up more of a fight; but overall it was secondary to character/background development.

I really hope that one day the Swedes figure out the ownership issues and publish more stories or at least commission someone (preferably an awesome writer who is interested) to write some more stories of Lisbeth.

Oh, also: liked the Swedish movies and the American one and wouldn't mind seeing the rest of the trilogy fished in the US.