Stieg Larsson

Background

Stiegs grandfather, an inspiring role model

Stieg Larsson was born in Vasterbotten in northern Sweden in 1954. At the time of his birth, his parents were too young and too poor to keep him, so he was raised by his grandparents in a small village in the north of Sweden.


Stieg’s grandfather, Severin Boström, became the male role model for the young Stieg. Severin was strongly anti-fascist (and during the Second World War he was imprisoned in the work camp in Storsien for his anti-Nazi opinions)*. Had he been Danish, he would no doubt have been placed in a German Concentration Camp. The fate of his grandfather deeply affected and shaped Stieg’s character. He wanted to protect equal rights and fight for democracy and freedom of speech in order to prevent history, and what happened to his grand father, from repeating itself.

* Stieg’s father, Erland Larsson, says to stieglarsson.com that nobody in the family can confirm the information about the camp.

Youth, left-wing movement and far travels

When Stieg was nine years old, his grandfather died and he moved to live with his parents and his younger brother. Stieg was given a typewriter for his 12th birthday, and he spent most nights of his youth staying up writing, keeping his family awake with the drumming sound. At 18 years of age he met Eva Gabrielsson at an anti-Vietnam War meeting in Umeå. Eva was to become his life long companion. With some short exceptions, mainly due to the fact that Stieg was sometimes too obsessed with his work, they lived together until Stiegs death the 9th November 2004. After his military service, Stieg travelled in Africa and has been described as “an early backpacker”. He rarely had enough money on his travels, in an interview with Norra Västerbotten in 2006, his father describes how he had to work as a dishwasher and sell his clothes to afford a ticket home from Algeria.

Stieg Larsson was also interested in Science Fiction. Among other things was he the chairman of the Scandinavian science fiction society and published two magazines.

A life under constant threat

During the last 15 years of his life, he and his life companion Eva Gabrielsson lived under constant threat from right-wing violence. When a labor-union leader was murdered in his home by neo-Nazis in 1999, the police discovered photos of and information about the couple in the murderer’s apartment. So it was not without reason that the couple took precautionary measures. They were never seen together outside the house, they moved mirrors in the hall and they always kept the blinds down. Those are just a few examples. Stieg was an expert in the area, and wrote a book of instructions on how journalists should respond to threats for the Swedish Union of Journalists (“Överleva Deadline”, 2000).

Writing as a relaxation

The situation created a contrast between Stieg’s work at Expo and his night-time novel writing. He regarded his writing of detective novels as relaxing. Keeping track of loose ends, characters and made up conspiracies posedno problem since it was, after all, fiction and no one would threaten either Eva or himself because of it.



2,225 comments on “Background”

  • maureen says:

    I was always intrigued by the titles of the 3 books in this series, and one day on a whim bought the first one when I happened to come across it at the store. I proceeded to finish it, and the 2 sequels, in record time, despite being 800 pages long! Once you start I defy you to put them down. I found that being based in Sweden held a different kind of pull, because it was interesting to learn about Sweden and its’ people and culture. Such a shame that he died so young.

    - maureen,


  • admin says:

    Am so upset that Ava his long life partner was denided Stiegs fortune when he suddenly passed away. That would not happen in Australia especially in 21st century She was the one that supported him through thick and thin especially when they had very little money and their lives were in constant danger.

    They were very much in love Shame on his family for been so greedy It is really sad

    What is wrong with the sweedish government. It make you wonder how much the fiction was actually true


    • admin says:

      I know how you feel. I am reading the last book now and trying to make it last. I am on page 508. I even put aside and read a James Patterson book to prolong Stieg’s last book.


  • Ellen Z says:

    Wonderful novels from a wonderful man. Sorry I didn’t learn about him until now, after his death.

    - Ellen Z,


  • Henrik Speigelhalter says:

    Truly an admirable man. It is so sad that he is gone, but his teachings shall live on for all future generations. I’ll personally see to it that it does.

    - Henrik Speigelhalter,


  • Laura Henderson says:

    The empathy and thrill of the novels I’ve read are so engaging that I consider them unique among my readings. To read about Mr. Larsson’s and his partner’s travails and fortitude only enhances my appreciation. If there is another or more reading to be had about Lisbeth and Mikael and the other characters in the world of the trilogy, I would be very pleased. But not at the cost of something Mr. Larsson may have wanted. I think it’s clear to most minds who would be the best judge of that.

    - Laura Henderson,


  • Bill Winterburn says:

    The entire saga was gripping…the characters were described so clearly that you felt that you had known each for a couple of years – rather than just a few hours…reading long after midnight was the norm…there were times when there was a chill down my spine as I sat alone and read enthralled…also a pronounced feeling of loss when it was finished…but it leaves one with a sense of hope for the future in that a few extraordinary people were able to overcome a stifling and secretive cancer.

    - Bill Winterburn,


  • Steve Bernstein says:

    Simply Amazing writing. Took me some time to get into the 1st book. But I was hooked! No boredom book after book. Just sheer desire to get back to reading more and long into the wee hours of the night. It is an honor to have had a novelist of Larsson’s caliber with us if even only for such a short time.

    - Steve Bernstein,


  • Mike says:

    I just reading the first book and I am going to start the second in the series. It’s a shame he passed away as he would have written many more great books

    - Mike,


  • David says:

    Hoe did Stieg die?

    - David,


    • Annie C, says:

      The 3rd is my favourite !!! Enjoy this gift Steig left us.

      - Rabea Amjad – Pakistan,


  • Ellen Albert says:

    Never heard of him until this week= July3, 2012. But his psychology, bravery and of course a brillant, brilliant writer are always to be remembered! So sad that he died so young!! Aso lack of empathetic and at least supportive family is deplorable!

    - Ellen Albert,


  • Vmendzi@kfar-Hanassi says:

    I couldn’t put the books down I enjoyed them so much.

    Vita in Israel

    - Vmendzi@kfar-Hanassi,


  • L.pug says:

    Wow!!! The best read of my life. Eve I hope you will start writing winners just to show those money hungry larssons up. Bring in the$$$$.

    - L.pug,


  • Kurt von Strommer says:

    Lisbeth for President! She will have to adjust our election requirements a little first-should be no problem.

    - Kurt von Strommer,


  • L.pug says:

    Wow!!! The best read of my life. Eve I hope you will start writing winners just to show those money hungry larssons up. Bring in the$$$$.

    - L.pug,


  • Kurt von Strommer says:

    Lisbeth for President! She will have to adjust our election requirements a little first-should be no problem.

    - Kurt von Strommer,


  • g.gagan says:

    Why did he wait until all three were written before publishing the first one?

    - g.gagan,


  • Name/signature says:

    This man was a BRILLIANT writer! His books are page-turners, just couldn’t stop reading all three. So well researched, and I learned a lot about Sweden that I wouldn’t have known before. Great story teller. If you haven’t read his books, by all meads do so immediately. You will not regret it.


  • Marc Joyce says:

    After all the hype I started reading these books and have not been let down. I finished the second book yesterday and plan to start this third this evening. Extremely well written and always keep you turning the page to see what happens next. A must read

    - Marc Joyce,


  • Caz Mac says:

    I am now into the third book of the Millennium Trilogy: absolutely brilliant in every possible respect. I get so emotionally involved that I can’t put the three books down! It’s such a shame that he never lived to see what a phenomenon his books became. Good luck Eva for the future!

    - Caz Mac,


  • MILLENNIUM READER says:

    I really want that some one has the talent to lead this extraordinary history to a conclusion. I need to know how everything ends.

    - MILLENNIUM READER,


  • Name/signature says:

    3 years ago during my first adventure to Norway i was introduced to the first of the trilogy and i was hooked. I returned to NZ only to find the others were yet to be released in English, but it was worth the wait….Brillliant.


  • William A King. says:

    The trilogy was so detailed that I wondered how he had become deceased at such an early age. Even wondering if he had met with some premeditated event. While sad about his demise, I am releived that it was natural causes and not like one of his characters.

    - William A King.,


    • Name/signature, says:

      I was concerned about the same thing and why I have looked at his biography… what natural causes?

      - Name/signature,


    • Name/signature, says:

      If he was born in ’54 and died in ’99, he would have been 45 yrs. old! Very sad!These are FANTASTIC!!! I have watched the Swedish version of the movie, of the first book, and can’t wait for the American version!VERY exciting!!

      - mia,


  • M. Dianne Barnes says:

    I’m in the middle of reading the last book and have enjoyed reading all of them. It is unfortunate that the author is not still alive as friends of mine& I have discussed there is a possibility that there could have been 3 or 4 more books to go along with this trilogy.

    - M. Dianne Barnes,


    • Name/signature, says:

      heart attack..

      - Name/signature,


    • aubrey, says:

      actually they have found 3/4 of a fourth book and manuscripts for both a fifth and sixth book.

      - aubrey,


  • stevetaracido@gmail.com says:

    On page , 623 , of “Tattoo” , Stieg Larsson , mention’s ” Kreuger Crash Of 1932 ” ; this is a true

    story of Ivar Kreuger , the “Match King” , who shocked the Swedish and International world of finance with his Bond Scams & Fraud ; perhaps , this true story , which was stranger than fiction , would have been his next book…

    - stevetaracido@gmail.com,


  • Name/signature says:

    is it true that Eva did not receive any of the royalties of Stieg Larsson’s books?


  • Chuck Blardone says:

    What was Lizbeth’s motorbike’s Swedish license plate number?

    - Chuck Blardone,


  • teka says:

    I think Eva has that 4th copyright.

    - teka,


  • Karen says:

    What a shame that such a gifted man was taken at such a young age. He was truly a genius. I hope Eva can manage to get the rest of the books out – they were riveting to the point of not wanting to finish the third book, knowing that could well be the end of the series.

    - Karen,


  • craig holmes says:

    truly an enjoyable read.as karen says a real shame to lose such a gifted story-teller. most of what we find in north america is such tripe that i was shocked to learn that an author i enjoy so much left us early(i dont get out much).hope eva puts out that other book.

    - craig holmes,


  • Pete cole says:

    Just finished reading the trilogy and now feel bereaved that there is no more. Who will take up the reins now?

    - Pete cole,


  • Antje B. says:

    Wow I was totally mesmerised , what an excellent trilogy. Started with the films now I am reading the books. A shame the genius behind the story is no longer with us. Bless Stieg, you have written history.

    - Antje B.,


  • Micki Simonson says:

    I saw the Swedish movie, the American movie and I really hope that another movie is in the making of “The Girl Who Played With Fire” but it sounds like Roonie Mara is not going to make another film. Too bad, she was awesome in the part if Lizbeth Salander. I have read all three books of the Trilogy, three times! I am such a fan. I felt the same way about “Gone With The Wing” too.

    - Micki Simonson,


  • Dr. V. says:

    The novels and the Swedish trilogy are brilliant! Americans need to appreciate the art of fimmaking in other countries. There are many crime novelists from Scandinavia who are sperb story crafters as well. I also love the Danish TV crime series that deal with global issues and take place in multiple countries (Netflix). Most are much more interesting than Law and Order, etc.

    - Dr. V.,


  • L. Morley says:

    I thought the books were special. I have read them over again and again I can,t get enough of them

    - L. Morley,


    • GARRET, says:

      In Sweden, being a communist is like being a Democrat in the US – it has little or nothing to do with Marxist statism but rather the seeking of greater democracy and economic justice. Since Sweden, for the most part, is deeply egalitarian, communism has little impact. The structures of their nation already emphasize justice for all people. From what I can read here, Larsson was more a social democrat as we’d think of it than someone who slavered to welcome back Stalin. His writings are deeply anti

      -authoritarian which reveals how distasteful the USSR and any form of statism would be. In other words, keep not caring what his philosophy is – his work reveals his values: egalitarianism, justice, honor, and truth.

      - Emily Scopes,


    • colton garrett, says:

      use library books. you can also sometimes buy used library books, which helps the library. write to Swedish govt. officials. they’re online. blog about this on your site, other sites. all writers reveal the characters in their own lives…Larsson was no exception. think about all the nasty vile “father/brother” figures in his novels & all the lovely women….including Liz. ;}

      - camille,


    • garrett gillfish bob, says:

      Hopefully she will write a memoir. Make sure to buy and confirm her importance in Stieg’s work.

      - Nmiller,


    • gerrett, says:

      Amen sister! Glen Beck is just a maggot in the cesspool of George Bush/Dick Cheney…he is but a mere speck of fecal matter.

      - Gordie,


    • admin says:

      Glenn Beck is a loud mouth lout. He thinks he know everything! I can’t watch him

      - he believes that if he says it loud enough it will be the gospel.

      - Carol,


  • Dawdling Daisy says:

    Never read anything from this genre before but WOW!!! Can’t get enough of these fabulous books. Such detail, what research and in-depth knowledge, what page-turning fiction! I have felt compelled to find out more about this amazing writer. What a shame about his early death. My deepest sympathies to his life partner. About to start No 3….. go to go!!!

    - Dawdling Daisy,


  • admin says:


  • pamela says:

    I was so sadden when I read that Larsson had died. He had such a gift. Lisbeth is such a complicated character. His characters became real to me. I worried about what would become of Lisbeth. I have not been so moved by a character since, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

    I am so sorry Eva. Greed is a terrible thing. His heart would be broken all over again if he knew how his family is treating her. Of course, I would love to read the fourth book but that is all she has left of him. I hope she will stand her ground.

    - pamela,


    • Rory, says:

      yes, amazing reads. I’m almost done with …Hornets Nest. all I can say isWow!I Cr 13:8a

      - johnnycee,


  • Patty j says:

    Here I am 80 years old and fallen in love! What a wonderful human being Stieg must have been….

    - Patty j,


  • Chari says:

    I’ve only just discovered Stieg’s books and did not know until now what his politics were. Eva, I am sorry for your loss of Stieg and your struggles with his family while you grieve.

    - Chari,


    • Dolores Sargeant, says:

      I agree with your comments Pamela and it is sad that such a good author has passed away and so tragically too. But I am now intrigued as to who has actually written the books as he did not seem to have that talent, perhaps he would have the plots and someone else was actually writing, possibly Eva with some more outside help? It doesn’t matter in the end as the books are superb and am sure that not all of it is fiction, such things do happen and am sure have happened, but just not with the same results or outcomes. The research for it must be fantastic and one would need a character like Salander’s to do it, so maybe she does exist too in some form. Truly amazing books and I hope the legal battles over the 4th book are overcome somehow and Eva gets her deserved share of the proceeds somehow. What a shame their laws are not the same as in N.America or elsewhere where a couple living together are considered equal to being a married couple. But that is life and it makes it interesting for others who are not going through it. I do feel for her though and as someone said, hope Justice will Prevail! Amen.

      - Rory,


  • jenn says:

    Fui tocada profundamente por su escritura. Lisbeth Salender es mi heroína y personaje favorito de todos los tiempos.

    - jenn,


  • Paco says:

    Sentí un inmenso vacío al saber que Larsson murió con la idea de dejar mas que 3 libros. La trilogía es espectacular, no me canse de leerla mas de 3 veces.

    - Paco,


  • admin says:

    Am just starting the third novel of his Lisbeth Salander series, brilliant! Too bad to loose such s talent and activest.


    • Katyhleen, says:

      Ditto!

      - Dolores Sargeant,


  • KayMc says:

    Such a great loss. I’m reading The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest and loving it. I want it to last forever but get to the ending, too! His description of the different towns and cities in Sweden is fascinating and so precise — the names of the cafes and foodstuffs add another layer of interest in an amazing trilogy. Character development is phenomenal. I’ll be sad when I’m done but at least I’ll get some sleep then. For now, I’m losing plenty of that.

    - KayMc,


  • lynn says:

    excellent enjoyed it very much

    - lynn,


  • Jack says:

    The chaotic feel of the books was so well reflected in his real life! Incredible author

    - Jack,


  • jls19456@gmail.com says:

    the girl with the dragon tattoo. i listen to it with ear phones, i have been listening to books for 10 years as my eyesight is not as it should be. It is the only book i listened to without interruption. I just could not put it down until i finished. never have i done that before or since. needless to say i immediately purchased the next 2 audio books. such a loss. to go so young.

    - jls19456@gmail.com,


  • Anne Ardell says:

    I am saddened by the untimely death of such a brilliant author. Outside of the literary comments I would like to touch on the personal and hope and pray that his father and brother would do the right thing and share the inheritance with Stieg’s life long partner Eva. Stieg’s loved her and would want you to do the right thing. If you do not this financial gain will bring you continuous problems. It has been 10 years since his death and I might be out of line not knowing that you have already done the right thing. Written with love and blessings.

    - Anne Ardell,


  • Reme Hcnyl says:

    After some (unecessary,but necessary at the same time!) deliberation, decided to read a wee bit more…when you gasp,sigh and talk to yourself out loud about what you just read, then, yea, you can finally go to bed, knowing you can get some sleep before the next instalment. Can’t wait till tomorrow!

    - Reme Hcnyl,


  • admin says:

    30.10.2014

    Hi I’m on the’ Hornets Nest I find the build up of his story telling quite different from anything I’ve read before. I loved finishing ‘Played with Fire’ and starting

    Hornets Nest it was like turning to the next chapter. Being from N. Ireland I tended to find the names of locations and people a bit distracting but after the 1st book decided to stop trying to pronounce them! Loved the books – only recently found out that he had died – have’nt yet found any details – so young so talented – Noeleen Hughes


  • Trishaws Williams, NZ says:

    Have thoroughly enjoyed all 3 books. I didn’t want to finish them but couldn’t put them down. Such a shame we have lost an author of his ability. I did get confused with the Swedish names but that comes from being an English speaker. Thank you Stieg for such great books.

    - Trishaws Williams, NZ,


  • Bartosz says:

    Enchanted with the trilogy. I love the feminism and critique of a modern state (of so admired abroad Swedish state, in particular) beaming from the story line. Just about to start the 3rd book, another sleepless night. Thanks Stieg.

    - Bartosz,


  • N. Bryan says:

    I saw both versions of “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” and decided to read the book. Finished that and I’m halfway through “The Girl Who Played with Fire”. Like others who have shared posts, I am riveted by these stories. They are SO different from most of the mysteries that make the best sellers list these days and I love Lisbeth Salander because she is such a unique and unconventional heroine. It is a shame Mr. Larsson’s career was cut short by his untimely death, which makes these novels even more precious.

    - N. Bryan,


  • J. Martens says:

    I have only seen the American remake of The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo which I thought was absolutely spectacular.

    I am glad to hear that a trilogy was written about the characters from the original book. I will have more suspenseful writing to look forward to now.

    It is ashamed that the world has lost Steig Larrson as a major writer for the 21st century.

    - J. Martens,


    • Chris Williams, says:

      Try to see the Swedish movies, they were spectacular.

      - Chris Williams,


    • Margaret Gust, says:

      I do not believe the Americans will try to remake..would be a calamity, a disaster and an insult . The film was magnificent, and my friend and I were so engrossed we did not realize we were reading by

      -lines. Cedit story line and cast

      -subperb together. I will always remember.

      - Lucy Ann Bacchus,


  • J. Martens says:

    I have only seen the American remake of The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo which I thought was absolutely spectacular.

    I am glad to hear that a trilogy was written about the characters from the original book. I will have more suspenseful writing to look forward to now.

    It is ashamed that the world has lost Steig Larrson as a major writer for the 21st century.

    - J. Martens,


    • Margaret Gust, says:

      Well said!


    • Chris Williams, says:

      Alina. Stieg was not related with the artist Carl L. (Father of Stieg)

      - Erland Larsson,


  • J. Martens says:

    I have only seen the American remake of The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo which I thought was absolutely spectacular.

    I am glad to hear that a trilogy was written about the characters from the original book. I will have more suspenseful writing to look forward to now.

    It is ashamed that the world has lost Steig Larrson as a major writer for the 21st century.

    - J. Martens,


    • Margaret Gust, says:

      I do not believe the Americans will try to remake..would be a calamity, a disaster and an insult . The film was magnificent, and my friend and I were so engrossed we did not realize we were reading by

      -lines. Cedit story line and cast

      -subperb together. I will always remember.

      - Lucy Ann Bacchus,


    • Chris Williams, says:

      I heard he had a fourth book in his computer which his girlfiend has in her possession. The rest of his estate went to his parents since he was not married to his girlfriend. The question is will his parents try to get custody of the computer!

      - Karen P. Kinnison,


  • J. Martens says:

    I have only seen the American remake of The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo which I thought was absolutely spectacular.

    I am glad to hear that a trilogy was written about the characters from the original book. I will have more suspenseful writing to look forward to now.

    It is ashamed that the world has lost Steig Larrson as a major writer for the 21st century.

    - J. Martens,


    • Margaret Gust, says:

      Well said!


    • Chris Williams, says:

      Alina. Stieg was not related with the artist Carl L. (Father of Stieg)

      - Erland Larsson,


  • J. Martens says:

    I have only seen the American remake of The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo which I thought was absolutely spectacular.

    I am glad to hear that a trilogy was written about the characters from the original book. I will have more suspenseful writing to look forward to now.

    It is ashamed that the world has lost Stein Larrson as a major writer for the 21st century.

    - J. Martens,


  • Donald Harrison says:

    We also should not forget to appreciate Reg Keeland who made the English translation interesting and gripping with the literature and wording.

    - Donald Harrison,


  • nathan scott says:

    I want to say I love the books and the videos that I have seen in the states.

    - nathan scott,


  • Cass Yalden says:

    One book down 2 to go (and a fourth I believe later this year- yay!). This book took a little while for me to get into but I’m now hooked!

    - Cass Yalden,


  • George Tzindaro says:

    Is a copy of the book on security precautions available? I would like to see it. If you know where I could find a copy, please send me an e-mail at tzindaro@yahoo.com

    Thank you.

    - George Tzindaro,


  • Sherrie Norman says:

    I saw both the American and the Swedish version’s of the books. I decided to read the books, but I didn’t hold much hope for them being any good. Almost always, once you watch the movie/movies, the books ( if you haven’t read them 1st) aren’t much good. I am so glad to say, that to me, both versions of the movies were good, but I personally think that the Swedish version was better than the American version. Both together made for a most interesting watch. The book?? Well I thought, and so did my Husband, that all 3 books were WONDERFUL!!! I was really surprised that the books to me were so good. I have read and watched the movies over again over again. I wish Stieg Larsson had not passed away. She was a super Author. This new book coming out by someone completely different, worries me. I really hope he can keep to what Stieg Larsson started with. I also have to wonder, (sure he died after turning in all three books) if Stieg Larsson meant for them to be the beginning and the end of the story. I guess time will tell. Yes I have pre-ordered the new book!!! I’ve got to at least try it out. Lol.

    - Sherrie Norman,


  • islandfox says:

    I have read all four books and seen both american version and swedish versions of the movies that were made. Actually all four books are EXCELLENT – I’m thrilled that a fourth book was written and look forward to more…..I can see where the characters can keep going! I actually “read and listen” to the books and the reader is Simon Vance – an excellent ‘reader.’ I recommend listening to him read!

    - islandfox,


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