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”
I have just finished The Girl Who Played With Fire. I really enjoyed this book and will try to read the next two more slowly to savour them. I am sorry to know that there are not any more in the series.
I am really interested in hearing the history and politics of Sweden. It is my ancestors country and I had only heard of Sweden as the wonderful place my great grandparents lived. I am shocked that there are so many problems there. Naive, I know.
Isn’t it interesting that the father and brother could not share the estate with his wife. Money is everything to so many. They should be ashamed of themselves.
OK as an American, I really love the fiction and even believed for awhile tha t Stiel Larsson might be a pseudonym and not someone who actually died.
US does not know the history of Nazi in Scandenavia. So his fiction was not his relaxation. It was my education.
- Mary Jane,
A wonderful writerl He cared so much about detail in his stories, much as Tom Clancy does in his novels. It is very interesting that he takes on the trend of law enforcement and media (magazines, newspapers, TV) of assuming someone guilty because of life style, appearance, and public bias. Great character development, but with spare writing style much as Hemingway would have approved. I am so sorry he died so young.
- Carolyn McElrath,
A wonderful writerl He cared so much about detail in his stories, much as Tom Clancy does in his novels. It is very interesting that he takes on the trend of law enforcement and media (magazines, newspapers, TV) of assuming someone guilty because of life style, appearance, and public bias. Great character development, but with spare writing style much as Hemingway would have approved. I am so sorry he died so young.
- Carolyn McElrath,
I just finished the first novel “Girl With The Dragon Tatoo”. Mr. Larsson was an awesome author. The literary world has lost a very, very good story teller. I can’t wait to read the other two novels.
- Dennis Devine, Sunrise Beach, MO,
I live in Los Angeles Ca and I can tell you if Glen Beck does not like Steig Larsson then he is definetly OK! Glen Beck is a nut….
I am now on the third book and I LOVE this series! What a loss that Stieg died so young. Are they sure someone didn’t kill him?
- Susie,
I just finished the first novel “Girl With The Dragon Tatoo”. Mr. Larsson was an awesome author. The literary world has lost a very, very good story teller. I can’t wait to read the other two novels.
- Dennis Devine, Sunrise Beach, MO,
I live in Los Angeles Ca and I can tell you if Glen Beck does not like Steig Larsson then he is definetly OK! Glen Beck is a nut….
I am now on the third book and I LOVE this series! What a loss that Stieg died so young. Are they sure someone didn’t kill him?
- Susie,
I just finished the 2nd novel in the series and immediately started reading the final one. What a compelling story teller Mr. Larsson was. The literary world has suffered a great loss in his untimely death.
- Mike Pekar, Goodyear, Arizona,
No one should even think about writing a 4th novel in this series. It would not be the same. Enjoy what Larsson wrote, being all the more special because that’s all there ever will be.
- Jason Allen,
I just finished reading “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” and am so looking forward to the final two books Mr. Larsson wrote. What a loss to the literary world. He was such a gifted writer. One of the best I’ve ever read. God rest his soul. Such a shame he died so young.
- Vicki in Arizona,
I just discovered this author and his biography and books. Unfortunately, I read “The Girl who played with Fire” before reading his 1st novel, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”. No worries, I reread the first and second again. Awaiting the “Hornets Nest” with bated breath, as I cannot afford the hard copy and must wait for softback. Incredible writing, suspenseful and exciting. I am a voracious reader; this series has me captivated. My husband’s family comes from Sweden; I recognized some of the names of places … but confusing because of the names. That’s why I like to reread!
- Tina, Visalia CA,
Maybe DeeDee came t this website, like me, to see if there had been a fourth book in the works before his death, that some other author would finish/ghost write. Aaron, you were a bit too fast to assume we didn’t know he was dead.
- Anne,
It is a shame. It seems to me that the father and brother were surely aware of the relationship between Mr. Larrson and Ms Gabrielsson. Too bad, they are so self
-absorbed that they refuse to allow Stieg Larrson’s work to be seen and heard by the world. His work is so marvelous!!
- Carolyn in Woodbury, MN,
just finished reading the third book..absolutley brilliant..what a tragedy,,what an intersesting man
- j buttree,
Steig Larsson’s books are a fantastic read, they are so complex yet so beautifully woven together. They have you on the edge of your seat with every page turn. I cannot help but devour the books and yet do not want them to finish. How sad that we only get three books, but they will remain on the bookshelf and no doube be re-read in the future.
- Barbara,
What a shame to loose such a talent at a young age.
I think his family is shameful for taking what is rightfully Eva’s….father and brother are greedy.
- Sallie Meir,
I, too am reading the third novel, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest. What an extraordinary man, Stieg Larsson was. His methods of twisting & turning a plot is indeed brillant!! Almost don’t want the story to end. Cheers–that he gave the world so much in his short life!!!
- Katyhleen,
I just finished the 2nd novel in the series and immediately started reading the final one. What a compelling story teller Mr. Larsson was. The literary world has suffered a great loss in his untimely death.
- Mike Pekar, Goodyear, Arizona,
No one should even think about writing a 4th novel in this series. It would not be the same. Enjoy what Larsson wrote, being all the more special because that’s all there ever will be.
- Jason Allen,
I just finished reading “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” and am so looking forward to the final two books Mr. Larsson wrote. What a loss to the literary world. He was such a gifted writer. One of the best I’ve ever read. God rest his soul. Such a shame he died so young.
- Vicki in Arizona, 27 June 2010
I just discovered this author and his biography and books. Unfortunately, I read “The Girl who played with Fire” before reading his 1st novel, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”. No worries, I reread the first and second again. Awaiting the “Hornets Nest” with bated breath, as I cannot afford the hard copy and must wait for softback. Incredible writing, suspenseful and exciting. I am a voracious reader; this series has me captivated. My husband’s family comes from Sweden; I recognized some of the names of places … but confusing because of the names. That’s why I like to reread!
- Tina, Visalia CA,
Maybe DeeDee came t this website, like me, to see if there had been a fourth book in the works before his death, that some other author would finish/ghost write. Aaron, you were a bit too fast to assume we didn’t know he was dead.
- Anne,
It is a shame. It seems to me that the father and brother were surely aware of the relationship between Mr. Larrson and Ms Gabrielsson. Too bad, they are so self
-absorbed that they refuse to allow Stieg Larrson’s work to be seen and heard by the world. His work is so marvelous!!
- Carolyn in Woodbury, MN,
just finished reading the third book..absolutley brilliant..what a tragedy,,what an intersesting man
- j buttree,
Steig Larsson’s books are a fantastic read, they are so complex yet so beautifully woven together. They have you on the edge of your seat with every page turn. I cannot help but devour the books and yet do not want them to finish. How sad that we only get three books, but they will remain on the bookshelf and no doube be re-read in the future.
- Barbara,
What a shame to loose such a talent at a young age.
I think his family is shameful for taking what is rightfully Eva’s….father and brother are greedy.
- Sallie Meir,
I, too am reading the third novel, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest. What an extraordinary man, Stieg Larsson was. His methods of twisting & turning a plot is indeed brillant!! Almost don’t want the story to end. Cheers–that he gave the world so much in his short life!!!
- Katyhleen,
I have enormously enjoyed the 3 novels about Lizbeth Stalanger. What a wonderfullly strong women. We wish that Stieg Larsson was still living and writing more about her undoubtedly interesting life. I hope she lives on today
- Diane Bronsted,
Why don’t you do what i do – go straight to your local library and borrow it?
- Fiona, Dorset UK,
I have enormously enjoyed the 3 novels about Lizbeth Stalanger. What a wonderfullly strong women. We wish that Stieg Larsson was still living and writing more about her undoubtedly interesting life. I hope she lives on today
- Diane Bronsted,
Why don’t you do what i do – go straight to your local library and borrow it?
- Fiona, Dorset UK,
It is a shame that Stieg Larsson died. His books were so compelling and so interesting that in a week and a half I read both the second and thrid novels. It appeared that more were to be followed and I am quite sad that I will not get to follow Lisbeth’s story.
- Justin Fields / Hurricane, UT,
It is a shame that Stieg Larsson died. His books were so compelling and so interesting that in a week and a half I read both the second and thrid novels. It appeared that more were to be followed and I am quite sad that I will not get to follow Lisbeth’s story.
- Justin Fields / Hurricane, UT,
How did Steig die? Was he ill?
- Sandra Rubinstein,
Where did you get the movie? Just finished reading book 2 and ordered book 3….amazing characterizations. Just started a book club in Texas, USA to do all three books…so sad to discover this gifted author has died.
- Beth Carter, Dalhart, Texas, USA,
Loved reading these books so much! Sucked me in right from the start, very well written. I just wish there were more!
- R. Stuart, Western Australia,
What a great author. The three books are unique and not put downable. Lisbeth is my favourite female. I also saw the movie of book one. It is well done and does justice to the book.
- Peter Jorgensen – Brisbane,
Well, that’s a good idea to borrow from the library but in my town, there are > 350 holds on ‘…Hornets’ Nest’ with only 25 copies. I figure it would be next year before I got a copy. CAN’T WAIT that long!
- Bob, ABQ, NM,
diane
- recent articles have expressed the possibility that a 4th book exists in an unfinished condition in the hands of Eva, Steig’s long timecompanion. we can only hope. perhaps when all three books have gone through the entire publishing cycle and the 3 films based on the books have been seen in theatres, and been pumped out on DVD’s and then sold to cable TV…perhaps we may see the last book of the series.i sure hope so….!!!
- dana reed/ boston usa,
What a loss. A truly gifted Writer.
- Rob Starkenburg,
How did Steig die? Was he ill?
- Sandra Rubinstein,
Where did you get the movie? Just finished reading book 2 and ordered book 3….amazing characterizations. Just started a book club in Texas, USA to do all three books…so sad to discover this gifted author has died.
- Beth Carter, Dalhart, Texas, USA,
Loved reading these books so much! Sucked me in right from the start, very well written. I just wish there were more!
- R. Stuart, Western Australia,
What a great author. The three books are unique and not put downable. Lisbeth is my favourite female. I also saw the movie of book one. It is well done and does justice to the book.
- Peter Jorgensen – Brisbane,
Well, that’s a good idea to borrow from the library but in my town, there are > 350 holds on ‘…Hornets’ Nest’ with only 25 copies. I figure it would be next year before I got a copy. CAN’T WAIT that long!
- Bob, ABQ, NM,
diane
- recent articles have expressed the possibility that a 4th book exists in an unfinished condition in the hands of Eva, Steig’s long timecompanion. we can only hope. perhaps when all three books have gone through the entire publishing cycle and the 3 films based on the books have been seen in theatres, and been pumped out on DVD’s and then sold to cable TV…perhaps we may see the last book of the series.i sure hope so….!!!
- dana reed/ boston usa,
What a loss. A truly gifted Writer.
- Rob Starkenburg,
Great trilogy!!! I saw the firt movie! really great!
I just discover the writer and he is dead….
- Flávia,
great trilogy of books–fantastic author
saw the first movie recently and llok forward
to the next two.
hope that Eva will bring to light the 4th book
that Stieg Larsson left unfinished…
- dana reed/ boston usa,
Great trilogy!!! I saw the firt movie! really great!
I just discover the writer and he is dead….
- Flávia,
great trilogy of books–fantastic author
saw the first movie recently and llok forward
to the next two.
hope that Eva will bring to light the 4th book
that Stieg Larsson left unfinished…
- dana reed/ boston usa,
I just love his writing … so full of intrigue and suspense … each novel a page-turner. It is so sad that he is not to realize the extent of his literary success. So sad! I would imagine that anything he’d write would be a best-seller. AND his subject matter has prompted me to go further and find out more about him and his causes. For I feel, as most writers would, that a lot of his so-called fiction is NOT fiction.
- R. J. Buckley,
I’ve been chuckling about that Oslo — I mean also — but when I imagine the coffee it tastes 10 times better than US coffee usually does!
- Jill,
I just love his writing … so full of intrigue and suspense … each novel a page-turner. It is so sad that he is not to realize the extent of his literary success. So sad! I would imagine that anything he’d write would be a best-seller. AND his subject matter has prompted me to go further and find out more about him and his causes. For I feel, as most writers would, that a lot of his so-called fiction is NOT fiction.
- R. J. Buckley,
I’ve been chuckling about that Oslo — I mean also — but when I imagine the coffee it tastes 10 times better than US coffee usually does!
- Jill
A phenomenal author who we unfortunately no longer can enjoy. The Swedish films make the book justice and carry the intrigue and suspense one finds in the books as well. Loved it! These films should be subtitled in various languages so as to give audiences around the world, the actual Swedish feel it gives. They are such good books and films too. I have read the books twice and seen the films. Just read it and watch it. It’s a must.
- Barbro Andersson,
A phenomenal author who we unfortunately no longer can enjoy. The Swedish films make the book justice and carry the intrigue and suspense one finds in the books as well. Loved it! These films should be subtitled in various languages so as to give audiences around the world, the actual Swedish feel it gives. They are such good books and films too. I have read the books twice and seen the films. Just read it and watch it. It’s a must.
- Barbro Andersson,
All three novels were fun to read. I believe that this characterization, of a book being fun, is something to be considered when evaluating a novel’s worth. I hadn’t looked forward to the release of a book as much, as I did, while waiting for The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest. It was a blast to read. The movie, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, was well done, and, I agree, was true to the writing. This morning, in my Sunday Times, I saw an advertisement for the movie, The Girl Who Played With Fire. This movie opens this coming Friday. I look forward to some more fun.
- Alex Fernandez,
Mr. Larsson’s novels are both extremely well wriiten and entertaining. Having seen the first movie I am quite gratified that the studio chose to follow the books storyline closely and not give in to the temptation all too prevelant in Hollywood of making the story “better” with rewrites that ruin the authors take on the plot. I highly recommend the books and the movie to anyone who wishes to enjoy a taut thriller with delightful twists and turns!
- A. Fan,
I noticed that too. Sandwiches also. All they do is drink coffee and eat sandwiches, haha….but I still love it.
- Lucas,
By the way, the first novel is a movie available to rent through NETFLIX.COM . The other two are not available at the moment, but they are listed there also.
- R. J. Buckley,
All three novels were fun to read. I believe that this characterization, of a book being fun, is something to be considered when evaluating a novel’s worth. I hadn’t looked forward to the release of a book as much, as I did, while waiting for The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest. It was a blast to read. The movie, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, was well done, and, I agree, was true to the writing. This morning, in my Sunday Times, I saw an advertisement for the movie, The Girl Who Played With Fire. This movie opens this coming Friday. I look forward to some more fun.
- Alex Fernandez,
Mr. Larsson’s novels are both extremely well wriiten and entertaining. Having seen the first movie I am quite gratified that the studio chose to follow the books storyline closely and not give in to the temptation all too prevelant in Hollywood of making the story “better” with rewrites that ruin the authors take on the plot. I highly recommend the books and the movie to anyone who wishes to enjoy a taut thriller with delightful twists and turns!
- A. Fan,
I noticed that too. Sandwiches also. All they do is drink coffee and eat sandwiches, haha….but I still love it.
- Lucas
By the way, the first novel is a movie available to rent through NETFLIX.COM . The other two are not available at the moment, but they are listed there also.
- R. J. Buckley
The best books ever! So sorry we won’t have more!!
- Irma Dewey,
The best books ever! So sorry we won’t have more!!
- Irma Dewey,
I just started reading his books but with the second one with the second book “The Girl who played With Fire” and found out from the preface that he had Died…………What a shame!!!!!!!!!!!! He is such a gifted writer.
- Geri K.,
Just beginning to read …girl who kicked…..as I was reading these comments I was struck by what an international success he was. A truly gifted writer and a great loss to the literary world.
- Jill P.,
Great books,great writer great loss to literature.I had never really thought much about what went on in Sweden in WW11 or now come to that but these books have broadened my ideas1
- Kate Gee,
I just finished book 3. All the books in the trilogy were well written and difficult to put down until I was finished. I’m saddened that he is no longer here to give us more entertaining reading.
- Georgia Mus,
I just started reading his books but with the second one with the second book “The Girl who played With Fire” and found out from the preface that he had Died…………What a shame!!!!!!!!!!!! He is such a gifted writer.
- Geri K.,
Just beginning to read …girl who kicked…..as I was reading these comments I was struck by what an international success he was. A truly gifted writer and a great loss to the literary world.
- Jill P.,
Great books,great writer great loss to literature.I had never really thought much about what went on in Sweden in WW11 or now come to that but these books have broadened my ideas1
- Kate Gee,
I just finished book 3. All the books in the trilogy were well written and difficult to put down until I was finished. I’m saddened that he is no longer here to give us more entertaining reading.
- Georgia Mus,
I have just finished reading the first book and looking forward to watch the movie. Absolutely love it! but not satisfied enough with murder ending. I thought there should be more explanation on the bible verses and the forbidden canon. I want to know the psychology of the murderer. That would have been cool..
I wonder if some writer will continue the unfinish 4th book. It’s really a shame that he’s gone.
- D Johan,
i just finished watching the girl with the dragon tattoo … great movie. knowing the book is usually better i plan on getting a hold of the next of the 3 in print and give it a go. what saddens me the most is that he lived his last 15 years in hiding.
it always hits me in the gut when i hear that someone affected by the atrocities of Hitler’s mania dies. when everyone forgets, that’s when it will happen again. i hate to sound like a zealot but as a child i had a reoccurring nightmare of being chased by Nazis with dogs and sticks through a dimly lit forest.
well, i guess the movie got to me more than i thought … enjoy!
- L smiley,
I have just finished reading the first book and looking forward to watch the movie. Absolutely love it! but not satisfied enough with murder ending. I thought there should be more explanation on the bible verses and the forbidden canon. I want to know the psychology of the murderer. That would have been cool..
I wonder if some writer will continue the unfinish 4th book. It’s really a shame that he’s gone.
- D Johan,
i just finished watching the girl with the dragon tattoo … great movie. knowing the book is usually better i plan on getting a hold of the next of the 3 in print and give it a go. what saddens me the most is that he lived his last 15 years in hiding.
it always hits me in the gut when i hear that someone affected by the atrocities of Hitler’s mania dies. when everyone forgets, that’s when it will happen again. i hate to sound like a zealot but as a child i had a reoccurring nightmare of being chased by Nazis with dogs and sticks through a dimly lit forest.
well, i guess the movie got to me more than i thought … enjoy!
- L smiley,
stieg the writer who died to soon! What a wonderful reading experience…a south africa fan forever … i can not bear the thought that there will not be any Salander adventures ever again
- ,
Lisbeth is certainly an interesting fictional character, but a great role model she is NOT!
- Brian,
The first book is “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”. Very important to start here and a fabulous read!
- Stieg fan,
I was hoping someone could tell me what book to read first? I bought The Girl Who Played With Fire, but I am not sure if this is the first one of the trilogy or not? Please someone help!
- rockerchicbev,
Indeed, it is mysterious to say the least. I hope that the family can see their way clear to making an agreement with Eva so that we can all enjoy the 4th novel. I was completely obsessed with this trilogy and read the 2nd and 3rd book over the course of only 1 week, losing sleep and letting my apartment get really messy. The characters of Mikael and Lisbeth are very inspiring and make me want to expose abusers and fight injustice everywhere. Lisbeth Salander is a great role model, I will undoubtedly get the movies and watch them with my 14 year old daughter.
- Maya de Silva Chafe,
I finished the trilogy about two minutes ago. Not that I hadn’t known the ending much earlier–I couldn’t bear the suspense and so read the ending of each book first. It did not diminish the experience. I would sometimes find myself shaking with adrenaline at the action or the tension or the revelations.
To me Stieg Larsson will always be Mikael Blomkvist. And Mikael Blomkvist will always be my champion.
- Anita in Montana,
What a fabulous writer with an incredible imagination. This must have been
a brilliant man who we should have known more about. It will be difficult
to find “what to read next”. Deepest sympathy to his Eva on her loss of
a fine gentleman.
- l.Naro,
I love Stieg’s books and after reading his bio he sounds a truely remarkable man – so young to die with so much more to give. My heart grieves for Eva to lose your soul mate and friend after so many years of sharing.
Thank you Stieg Larsson for your wonderful books.
- V.Hopkins,
stieg the writer who died to soon! What a wonderful reading experience…a south africa fan forever … i can not bear the thought that there will not be any Salander adventures ever again
Lisbeth is certainly an interesting fictional character, but a great role model she is NOT!
- Brian
The first book is “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”. Very important to start here and a fabulous read!
- Stieg fan
I was hoping someone could tell me what book to read first? I bought The Girl Who Played With Fire, but I am not sure if this is the first one of the trilogy or not? Please someone help!
- rockerchicbev,
Indeed, it is mysterious to say the least. I hope that the family can see their way clear to making an agreement with Eva so that we can all enjoy the 4th novel. I was completely obsessed with this trilogy and read the 2nd and 3rd book over the course of only 1 week, losing sleep and letting my apartment get really messy. The characters of Mikael and Lisbeth are very inspiring and make me want to expose abusers and fight injustice everywhere. Lisbeth Salander is a great role model, I will undoubtedly get the movies and watch them with my 14 year old daughter.
- Maya de Silva Chafe
I finished the trilogy about two minutes ago. Not that I hadn’t known the ending much earlier–I couldn’t bear the suspense and so read the ending of each book first. It did not diminish the experience. I would sometimes find myself shaking with adrenaline at the action or the tension or the revelations.
To me Stieg Larsson will always be Mikael Blomkvist. And Mikael Blomkvist will always be my champion.
- Anita in Montana,
What a fabulous writer with an incredible imagination. This must have been
a brilliant man who we should have known more about. It will be difficult
to find “what to read next”. Deepest sympathy to his Eva on her loss of
a fine gentleman.
- l.Naro,
I love Stieg’s books and after reading his bio he sounds a truely remarkable man – so young to die with so much more to give. My heart grieves for Eva to lose your soul mate and friend after so many years of sharing.
Thank you Stieg Larsson for your wonderful books.
- V.Hopkins,
I just finished “The Girl Who Played with Fire” and will begin the final in the trilogy, “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.” As if I couldn’t get enough, I rented the “Dragon Tatoo’ movie and was so happy that it followed Larsson’s book closely. It saddens me to think he died so young and of a heart attack. But I couldn’t help but note his photos often have him holding a cigarette. What a waste of a talent.
- MG in the USA,
I bought the Girl with a dragon tatoo over a year ago and decided to pick it up to read last week, I could not put it down I finshed it and ran out to buy the other two sequels, I am on the last book of the trilogy…WOW. I decided to find out more about the author mainly to find out if he has written anything else since etc, I googled him and found out he was dead. What a crying shame and what a loss, he is undoubtedly one of the best crime thriller writers of all time!.
- Adel,
I discovered Stieg Larsson by accident I read his first book in 48 hours couldn’t put it down, went and purchased the other 2 just started The Girl Who Played With Fire. I read a great deal and I am sorry there wont be anymore books by this author. Not only do I like his writing but agree with hid politics my Mother is a survivor of Nazi generosity and noble thinking and to the president of iran yes such atrocities did happened and they were not fiction.
- Sonja,
I just finished “The Girl Who Played with Fire” and will begin the final in the trilogy, “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.” As if I couldn’t get enough, I rented the “Dragon Tatoo’ movie and was so happy that it followed Larsson’s book closely. It saddens me to think he died so young and of a heart attack. But I couldn’t help but note his photos often have him holding a cigarette. What a waste of a talent.
- MG in the USA,
I bought the Girl with a dragon tatoo over a year ago and decided to pick it up to read last week, I could not put it down I finshed it and ran out to buy the other two sequels, I am on the last book of the trilogy…WOW. I decided to find out more about the author mainly to find out if he has written anything else since etc, I googled him and found out he was dead. What a crying shame and what a loss, he is undoubtedly one of the best crime thriller writers of all time!.
- Adel
I discovered Stieg Larsson by accident I read his first book in 48 hours couldn’t put it down, went and purchased the other 2 just started The Girl Who Played With Fire. I read a great deal and I am sorry there wont be anymore books by this author. Not only do I like his writing but agree with hid politics my Mother is a survivor of Nazi generosity and noble thinking and to the president of iran yes such atrocities did happened and they were not fiction.
- Sonja
Did he live to know that his books were best sellers and a movie too?
fast read, hard to put the ereader down! – am adicted! did his secretary publish the book he was working on his death?
- bssn,
i finished the last book in the trilogy last week.. …i got hooked on the books when i first saw the movie, the girl with the dragon tatoo.. im waiting anxiously for the 2nd movie to come to hawaii late july…the best writer!!!sad..mr. larsson is gone.
- spence,
Both my wife and I are of Norwegian descent, so we have heard our elders’ stories of the brutal Nazi occupation of Norway during WW2. It is disgusting and horrible that anyone could espouse those values after what transpired in Nazi Germany. I applaud Stieg Larsson and his valuable contribution to combating domestic violence and misogyny in contemporary society.
- Dr No,
Did he live to know that his books were best sellers and a movie too?
fast read, hard to put the ereader down! – am adicted! did his secretary publish the book he was working on his death?
- bssn,
i finished the last book in the trilogy last week.. …i got hooked on the books when i first saw the movie, the girl with the dragon tatoo.. im waiting anxiously for the 2nd movie to come to hawaii late july…the best writer!!!sad..mr. larsson is gone.
- spence,
Both my wife and I are of Norwegian descent, so we have heard our elders’ stories of the brutal Nazi occupation of Norway during WW2. It is disgusting and horrible that anyone could espouse those values after what transpired in Nazi Germany. I applaud Stieg Larsson and his valuable contribution to combating domestic violence and misogyny in contemporary society.
- Dr No,
Did someone else finish writing “The Hornets Nest”?
- mc,
The far left in the USA wants to suppress and distort the views of the right whereas the right believes in the freedoms given to them by their creator as written in the constitution. I see the neo
- Nazis tactics much like the far left in the USA…just much further advanced.
- GRS,
Actually, it has nothing to do with how many Americans have a knowledge of politics. I, for example, have a vast knowledge of our political system and the comment made by norski52 is accurate. I also found it interesting that our conservatives are labeled as right wing and our liberals as left wing. You should reply to the comment instead of just bashing Americans, all it does is make you look ignorant and prejudiced.
- ms95,
No, he did not.
- Must be uneducated,
Did someone else finish writing “The Hornets Nest”?
- mc,
The far left in the USA wants to suppress and distort the views of the right whereas the right believes in the freedoms given to them by their creator as written in the constitution. I see the neo
- Nazis tactics much like the far left in the USA…just much further advanced.
- GRS,
Actually, it has nothing to do with how many Americans have a knowledge of politics. I, for example, have a vast knowledge of our political system and the comment made by norski52 is accurate. I also found it interesting that our conservatives are labeled as right wing and our liberals as left wing. You should reply to the comment instead of just bashing Americans, all it does is make you look ignorant and prejudiced.
- ms95,
No, he did not.
- Must be uneducated,
What a great loss.
Just read the first book and saw the movie.
………………and just ordered Girl Who Played with Fire
- Blanche Frank,
What a great loss.
Just read the first book and saw the movie.
………………and just ordered Girl Who Played with Fire
- Blanche Frank,
The man had the saddest eyes
- Sonja,
wow – what a distortion. Nazis and Neo Nazis are not left wing – they believe in one superior rase which in my mind makes them bigits thinking they are superior to others. Each persons has a right to believe as they choose but no one person or their beliefts is any more superior than the next persons. How you get socialism out of nazis amazes me but does not surprise me as it is not uncommon for the right wing to distort issues to fit their needs.
- DThomas,
Interesting comments. Both the far right and the far left tend to use the same tactics. Rather than describing the political spectrum as a line, a circle with the central moderates at the top and the extremists curving around to meet each other at the bottom works better.
- aero,
Based on the tactics of lies, misinformation, deceit, slander and libel employed by the far right in the USA, I would say that they are taking cues fromm the secret police in Russia or the SS of Nazi Germany. Either way it’s abhorrent.
- Rick,
US politics and it’s economic system embrace, unfortunately, more of bent toward a “national socialism” than a “democratic socialism” leaving us more concerned with Homeland Security and protection of wealth than anything else.
- Pilot,
politics(as well as religion) are weapons of mass destruction.
- beafraid,
so true! The so called “Experts” in the USA are mostly sucking up to the propoganda they promugate. The “rights” are VERY MUCH like the neo
-nazis. They hate anyone who does not believe as they try to pretend.
More lies from the right wing piggies! It’s not the left that suppresses and distorts but then, your comment prooves my point!
Enough about Nazis – what’s your opinion on Stieg Larsson?
- Milou,
A national socialist is left wing. There isn’t any debate about that. But when people say NAZI, the attach the racism to it and, shazaam!! right wing. The ideology comes from the left. Period.Remember, nazi is short for something. Look it up. Point out where Beck is wrong.
- Willis,
I just bought a Barnes and Noble Nook reader and downloaded The Girl who Played with Fire as I couldn’t find it in hard back either. You can also download their reader onto your computer for free, or if you have an iPhone, it is a free app there as well. I believe Droid has a Kindle reader app. Anyway the eBooks are great! And they are less expensive and I don’t have piles of them in cabinets, which is why I bought it in the first place. Love this author!
- Linda (Apple Valley, CA),
Excellent read! Just finished The Girl who Played with Fire a few minutes ago and cannot wait to start the final book. So far, I’ve been unable to find it in paperback here, but the hardcover copy is at local stores. Will pick it up tomorrow!
- Sharon (Atlantic Canada),
Sorry Glen Beck isnt fact checked, you cant tie Nazis to socialism just because he says so! Do some real research, you might grow a brain!
- Zach,
You got it all wrong. Nazis (and neo-Nazis) are a left-wing, not right-wing. They are socialists and statists, qualities that define them as left-wing.
- Mark Haskin,
I agree with mc that the last part of “The Hornets Nest” seemed different. Salander seemed changed and not as likeable. However, maybe it’s just that she was finally growing up and maturing. At least she was back in action at the end when she faced off with her brother.
- Trixie,
Why the abuse?it did seem to me that there was something different about the ending of the last book… certain things did not seem to fit… it was if the author ran out of energy…. I made exactly the same comment to someone the other day…. and it is just an opinion… the rest of the books were enthralling and I could not put them down, but something about the ending to the last left me flat…..
- ME,
Um, are you retarded?
- Must be uneducated,
The man had the saddest eyes
- Sonja,
wow – what a distortion. Nazis and Neo Nazis are not left wing – they believe in one superior rase which in my mind makes them bigits thinking they are superior to others. Each persons has a right to believe as they choose but no one person or their beliefts is any more superior than the next persons. How you get socialism out of nazis amazes me but does not surprise me as it is not uncommon for the right wing to distort issues to fit their needs.
- DThomas,
Interesting comments. Both the far right and the far left tend to use the same tactics. Rather than describing the political spectrum as a line, a circle with the central moderates at the top and the extremists curving around to meet each other at the bottom works better.
- aero,
Based on the tactics of lies, misinformation, deceit, slander and libel employed by the far right in the USA, I would say that they are taking cues fromm the secret police in Russia or the SS of Nazi Germany. Either way it’s abhorrent.
- Rick,
US politics and it’s economic system embrace, unfortunately, more of bent toward a “national socialism” than a “democratic socialism” leaving us more concerned with Homeland Security and protection of wealth than anything else.
- Pilot,
politics(as well as religion) are weapons of mass destruction.
- beafraid,
so true! The so called “Experts” in the USA are mostly sucking up to the propoganda they promugate. The “rights” are VERY MUCH like the neo
-nazis. They hate anyone who does not believe as they try to pretend.
More lies from the right wing piggies! It’s not the left that suppresses and distorts but then, your comment prooves my point!
Enough about Nazis – what’s your opinion on Stieg Larsson?
- Milou,
A national socialist is left wing. There isn’t any debate about that. But when people say NAZI, the attach the racism to it and, shazaam!! right wing. The ideology comes from the left. Period.Remember, nazi is short for something. Look it up. Point out where Beck is wrong.
- Willis,
I just bought a Barnes and Noble Nook reader and downloaded The Girl who Played with Fire as I couldn’t find it in hard back either. You can also download their reader onto your computer for free, or if you have an iPhone, it is a free app there as well. I believe Droid has a Kindle reader app. Anyway the eBooks are great! And they are less expensive and I don’t have piles of them in cabinets, which is why I bought it in the first place. Love this author!
- Linda (Apple Valley, CA),
Excellent read! Just finished The Girl who Played with Fire a few minutes ago and cannot wait to start the final book. So far, I’ve been unable to find it in paperback here, but the hardcover copy is at local stores. Will pick it up tomorrow!
- Sharon (Atlantic Canada),
Sorry Glen Beck isnt fact checked, you cant tie Nazis to socialism just because he says so! Do some real research, you might grow a brain!
- Zach,
You got it all wrong. Nazis (and neo-Nazis) are a left-wing, not right-wing. They are socialists and statists, qualities that define them as left-wing.
- Mark Haskin,
I agree with mc that the last part of “The Hornets Nest” seemed different. Salander seemed changed and not as likeable. However, maybe it’s just that she was finally growing up and maturing. At least she was back in action at the end when she faced off with her brother.
- Trixie,
Why the abuse?it did seem to me that there was something different about the ending of the last book… certain things did not seem to fit… it was if the author ran out of energy…. I made exactly the same comment to someone the other day…. and it is just an opinion… the rest of the books were enthralling and I could not put them down, but something about the ending to the last left me flat…..
- ME,
Um, are you retarded?
- Must be uneducated,
I was enthralled by “The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo” and “The Girl Who Played
with Fire.” I simply could not put either book down and read far into the night in
order to finish each novel. Each book spun fascinating plots and was replete with
surprises in every single chapter. Sadly, Steig Larrson is not alive anymore to
entertain his fans with more brilliantly written novels1
- M. Pearson,
I was enthralled by “The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo” and “The Girl Who Played
with Fire.” I simply could not put either book down and read far into the night in
order to finish each novel. Each book spun fascinating plots and was replete with
surprises in every single chapter. Sadly, Steig Larrson is not alive anymore to
entertain his fans with more brilliantly written novels1
- M. Pearson,
All three books are great reads as well as a way to learn about Swedish culture and life. Since I worked for a Swedish company for many years in the US, I felt at times like I was getting to know some old friends. Too bad, there will be no more books since Stieg passed away. It makes me sad to know that I will not get to enjoy more stories from him. He left us three good books to remember him by.
- sandrasss3,
All three books are great reads as well as a way to learn about Swedish culture and life. Since I worked for a Swedish company for many years in the US, I felt at times like I was getting to know some old friends. Too bad, there will be no more books since Stieg passed away. It makes me sad to know that I will not get to enjoy more stories from him. He left us three good books to remember him by.
- sandrasss3,
I just read The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo! He is a wonderful writer and was so amazing!
- Tammy Tarwater,
OMG, I have read The Girl with The Dragon Tatoo! Best book I’ve ever read! He was amazing!
- Tammy Tarwatger,
Some people just don’t read fast enough for some of us!
I just read The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo! He is a wonderful writer and was so amazing!
- Tammy Tarwater,
OMG, I have read The Girl with The Dragon Tatoo! Best book I’ve ever read! He was amazing!
- Tammy Tarwatger,
Some people just don’t read fast enough for some of us!
I just love his writting syle I am an author as well and about to publish a book . I am so impressed by him. How did his work come to be published after his death does anyone out there know
- JJ d2d,
That’s harsh. You would hav felt the same way about Stephen King if he had died after his first few books.
- cerbe,
It’s too bad that hacks live long lives and make lots of money (consider stephen king), while a writer with a real voice, and a true message die too soon.
This was a man who had the potential to change the world a bit. His genius will be sorely missed.
- LJohnson,
I am almost finished with it now and also can’t put it down – on vacation and can’t move from my spot – reluctantly I have to go out and have some “fun”.
- gemgem,
I just finished reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, can’t wait to start The Girl who Played with Fire
July 18 2010
- ,
If Mr. Larsson was truly concerned with ‘taking care’ of her he would have married her or put her in his will. Apparently that wasn’t of utmost importance to him. So why is his family, who has a legal right to his estate, the bad guys?
Yes it was a good and the second book is even better.Irma Chavez,
- Irma Chavez,
I just finished reading The Girl with Dragon Tattoo and it’s absolutely amazing!
Btw, did not like the film at all
- NG,
I just love his writting syle I am an author as well and about to publish a book . I am so impressed by him. How did his work come to be published after his death does anyone out there know
- JJ d2d,
That’s harsh. You would hav felt the same way about Stephen King if he had died after his first few books.
- cerbe
It’s too bad that hacks live long lives and make lots of money (consider stephen king), while a writer with a real voice, and a true message die too soon.
This was a man who had the potential to change the world a bit. His genius will be sorely missed.
- LJohnson,
I am almost finished with it now and also can’t put it down – on vacation and can’t move from my spot – reluctantly I have to go out and have some “fun”.
- gemgem
I just finished reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, can’t wait to start The Girl who Played with Fire
If Mr. Larsson was truly concerned with ‘taking care’ of her he would have married her or put her in his will. Apparently that wasn’t of utmost importance to him. So why is his family, who has a legal right to his estate, the bad guys?
Yes it was a good and the second book is even better.Irma Chavez
- Irma Chavez
I just finished reading The Girl with Dragon Tattoo and it’s absolutely amazing!
Btw, did not like the film at all
- NG,
I have recently discovered the writings of this genius writer and truly, deeply lament his early passing. This world will have one more void without him. My deepest sympathy to his beloved Eva Gabrielsson – however, you did have many wonderful years of his company. God Bless
- zita54@hotmail.com,
Not realizing that this was a trilogy, I read “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest” first. I couldn’t put it down, and then discovered the first and second novel. I devoured them, and am reading the third one again. I just learned that the author is dead and there will be no fourth, fifth, or sixth. What an incredible letdown! Mr. Larsson ranks as one of the best writers I have ever read. Such a tragedy to have lost his talent so young.
- Suzanne McCallum,
I have recently discovered the writings of this genius writer and truly, deeply lament his early passing. This world will have one more void without him. My deepest sympathy to his beloved Eva Gabrielsson – however, you did have many wonderful years of his company. God Bless
- zita54@hotmail.com,
Not realizing that this was a trilogy, I read “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest” first. I couldn’t put it down, and then discovered the first and second novel. I devoured them, and am reading the third one again. I just learned that the author is dead and there will be no fourth, fifth, or sixth. What an incredible letdown! Mr. Larsson ranks as one of the best writers I have ever read. Such a tragedy to have lost his talent so young.
- Suzanne McCallum,
I have just finiished “Dragon Tattoo” and was devastated to read on the back cover that Mr. Larsson passed away in 2004. It is the best book I have read in many years and I had anticipated many years of reading more of his work…… What a blow! At least I have two more books to look forward to and will thank God that we have been privileged to know his talent.
- Peggy Woodward,
Very simple – he had signed a contract prior to his death for the three books. And had just completed the manuscripts for delivery. .
- MD,
I have just finiished “Dragon Tattoo” and was devastated to read on the back cover that Mr. Larsson passed away in 2004. It is the best book I have read in many years and I had anticipated many years of reading more of his work…… What a blow! At least I have two more books to look forward to and will thank God that we have been privileged to know his talent.
- Peggy Woodward ,
Very simple – he had signed a contract prior to his death for the three books. And had just completed the manuscripts for delivery. .
- MD
I saw the movie “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” and loved it. I’m hoping the other two books will be made into movies but I’m also looking forward to reading all three. I agree with the posted note of Mr. Larson’s death and am very saddened that such a talent will not be writing more wonderful books.
- Kathy Ersland,
I’m on holiday as well and have book 3 ready at the library when I get back. In the meantime I slowlllly read book 2 dragging it out – something is about to explode!!
- john,
I felt exactly the same way two weeks ago when I finished it. Luckily, my library had the second book in stock and my appetite has been temporaily sated.
- seyheyyahoo.com,
His writing style is seamless and it just flows. I have finished “dragon tattoo” and I am in the middle of “played with fire”. Great stories.
- jason,
Read all three books and have seen the Movie. Loved them all. Movie so true to book. I have just read that Hollywood is makingThe Girl With a Dragon Tattoo. How terrible. They will glamourise it and ruin a masterpiece. God help us. Steig R.I.P
- Melinda C ,
I saw the movie “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” and loved it. I’m hoping the other two books will be made into movies but I’m also looking forward to reading all three. I agree with the posted note of Mr. Larson’s death and am very saddened that such a talent will not be writing more wonderful books.
- Kathy Ersland,
I’m on holiday as well and have book 3 ready at the library when I get back. In the meantime I slowlllly read book 2 dragging it out – something is about to explode!!
- john
I felt exactly the same way two weeks ago when I finished it. Luckily, my library had the second book in stock and my appetite has been temporaily sated.
- seyheyyahoo.com
His writing style is seamless and it just flows. I have finished “dragon tattoo” and I am in the middle of “played with fire”. Great stories.
- jason,
Read all three books and have seen the Movie. Loved them all. Movie so true to book. I have just read that Hollywood is makingThe Girl With a Dragon Tattoo. How terrible. They will glamourise it and ruin a masterpiece. God help us. Steig R.I.P
- Melinda C 22/7/10,
I just finished reading the third book last night.. and gosh I wish there was a fourth book on the market. I miss Lisbeth and Mickel already. Based on the third book ending, I’d gather that Mr. Larson was planning on keeping Lisbeth and Michel alive for much more longer. What a writer… this is so sad to realise that Mr. Larson hasn’t got a chance to enjoy all his success. I am hoping his life partner does. Thank you!!!!
-Celine
- Therien,
In the middle of the Hornet’s Nest. I started the trilogy 10 days ago. I cannot put them down and have not had a full night’s sleep. They’re addictive! I’ll really miss Lisbeth! Mr. Larsson is one of the most captivating authors I’ve ever read.
- Barb,
Stieg created an original heroine who has super-normal abilities it seems but who has in fact endowed with human qualities rare and unique yet also so down to earth and basic calling a spade a spade that she has a universal appeal in a world bereft with bullshit subterfuge and corruption. The stories are complex; the characterization of Lizbeth Salander brilliant. What a great shame her creator died.
- John,