The legacy
Controversy surrounding the legacy
Stieg Larsson spent 32 years of his life with the architect Eva Gabrielsson. However, they never married, maybe due to Stieg’s dangerous work at the Expo-foundation. They did not have any children, and Stieg left no written will, so according to Swedish law, Stieg’s estate was inherited by his father and brother. This sparked a dispute between Eva Gabrielsson and Stieg’s relatives. She claims that they “were never a part of our lives” and that they are not the right persons handling Stieg’s estate.
A fact complicating the matter is that Eva has the laptop with the partly finished script for the 
fourth book in the Millenium series. And she will not publish the script unless she is given the full rights to manage the novels in the Millenium series, the novels which she and Stieg worked with together. However, Stieg’s father and brother has not been willing to meet this amend, and this has resulted in a stalemate which has lasted the five years since Stieg’s death.
The most recent event took place when Stieg’s father and brother in an interview with a newspaper offered Eva a final settlement of € 2 million. She rejected the offer, saying that it is not the money she is after, but the legal rights to administrate the literary property of Stieg.
So the stalemate continues, and the final words have not been said.
778 comments on “The legacy”
I really hope the Larsson family comes to their senses and gives the rights to Eva….
- Trina,
Can not believe that 32 years with someone, counts for nothing. Why don’t they take a book each and split the 4th one 3 ways?
Am going through similar problems with my father’s estate. If this is a lesson to anyone, it’s that you are never too young or too old to write a will!
- Lilladyvinyl,
I am amazed that Larsson’s father and brother have been allowed to “take over” as they have done. His partner of 32 years, who was part of the writing process, should be the one who inherits. It is positively pre-historic that the rights of a life partner can be disregarded in this way.
There is little doubt in my mind that the only thing that the father and brother are concerned about is the money. If the books had not been best sellers, they would not have bothered to lay any claim on them. The Swedish legal system needs to drag itself into the 21st Century and do the right thing.
- Dorothy Wodrich,
How can two fairly sane grown-ups not know, or care to find out, what the law says? Nobody is immortal. If you neglect to write a will, then your relatives will suffer the consequences.
- D.N.,
YES!!!!!
- D Eltherington,
I don’t see how you can claim that Sweden has done more for women’s rights than any country in the world, if they don’t even accept common law marriage… and for 32 years. How appalling.
- M. Duryea, Atlanta, GA,
I agree
- TD Melbourne Australia,
And men are greedy! They look at women like cows. It is a society like Belgium one where women are second class; so the law will not make her any good by being a women.
- L Barcenas, 12 November 2011
I thought in this day and age, whatever country you lived in, the long time partner was the benificiary after death, whether or not there was a will. Saying that, after reading the trilogy Sweden does seem to have some very strange laws.
- diane, England,
I totally agree, it’s a great shame that Steig and his partner, Eva didn’t legalize their union. It’s just a quick piece of paper! As smart as these two professionals were why didn’t they at least write out wills? How stupid! As busy as he was it doesn’t sound like he had much time for her. However, I do feel sorry for Eva. I think perhaps the Swedish legal system does protect women in regards to inheritance. A marriage certificate is proof of the union. A woman can inherit. All these other comments of people whining about why Eva doesn’t get the royalties and rights from her lover’s books is just silly. They were smart people that neglected to do something smart and easy. This teaches everyone a lesson. After all how do we really know that Eva and Steig were together for 32 years. Do we just rely on what their friends say. How do we know if they were faithful to each other. Perhaps they had lots of other lovers, like some of the characters in Steig’s books. Well, I do hope Eva continues to fight for her claim, though not legal, but perhaps moral. I would support her if I knew she was the true partner of Steig.
- Jasmin,
Sounds like Stieg’s family has more than a little Vanger in them.
- Hugh in Canada,
If the father and the brother have any respect and love for Stieg, they should allow Eva to take charge.
- Pranjal, New Delhi,
I think you will find that in the UK (as in most countries), you need to make a will to ensure that partners inherit it that is what you wish to happen. It always pays to make a will.
- Mary, Cornwall,
Stiegs Father and Brother should bow their heads in shame and allow the love and deep caring Eva provided by giving her all rights to publish and finish this talented mans books. He was a genius and wished I had known them both, forget all the coffee his characters drank, I want to toast them with a bottle of wine. Call me anytime Eva, my book club would love you to visit. 312-446-4406 Wendy Cobrin Chicago, Illinois USA
Where is Stieg’s mother? What happened to her?
I think this comment summarizes my feelings very well. If WStieg’s family have any respect for him ( and they should be very grateful to him for all the money he has made them ) they should do their best to make peace with Eva. Granted, 2 million pounds sounds like a start. But both sides should come together and put aside their differences.And if they can’t, then Eva, write that last book and control that one. You deserve something for being with him all that time.
- Mike R., Columbus Ohio,
Hold out Eva – I am amazed that in what I thought was a liberated country, Sweden is still operating such antiquated inheritance laws. If the brilliantly talented author spent his life with you, I am sure he intended you to have the major portion of his estate.
- Penny Waterfall,
What happened to Stieg’s mother?
- judit fried,
Such stupidity and small thinking! The brother and father need to realize that all interests are best served – theirs, Eva’s and most importantly the worldwide fan base of the books – by all parties coming together. Empirically speaking, more money is to be made by both sides if they get past their perceived differences.
- Ray Norberto/NYC,
What the hell is going on with Swedish law? Are they still in the 17th century? My girlfriend is Swedish and I have always thought the country to be fairly progressive but their stance on common-law partnerships (Steig and Eva were together most of their adult lives) blows this opinion out of the water! Shame on Sweden and shame on the greedy, grasping Larssons….
- Rev Ben, Spain,
Stieg’s email to his brother 20 days before he died showed that he was on good terms with his family.And in the email, he takes sole credit for writing the books and talks about all the money he is going to make.The reality is that whatever is on the laptop about the fourth book does not belong to Eva. But Eva sounds so angry that you should worry that she’ll destroy it out of spite.
- Bob,
Oh, give him a break! He is much better than my attempts at Swedish would be!
- Me,
What the hell is going on with Swedish law? Are they still in the 17th century? My girlfriend is Swedish and I have always thought the country to be fairly progressive but their stance on common-law partnerships (Steig and Eva were together most of their adult lives) blows this opinion out of the water! Shame on Sweden and shame on the greedy, grasping Larssons….
- Rev Ben, Spain,
I agree with Mike. It is easy to judge without having the necessary factual knowledge. I hope that it all will work out in a righteous way and that the fourth volume will be soon on the shelves.
- Henk Jansen,
Nowhere is it ever stated that she co
-authored anything.
- mike goins,
Swedish Law needs serious amendment if a partner of 32 years is not recognized – how absurd.
I agree with Eva, it is certainly not right. It surprises me that an otherwise enlightened country could be so conservative with unmarried partnerships.
- Paul, Australia,
Swedish Law needs serious amendment if a partner of 32 years is not recognized – how absurd.
I agree with Eva, it is certainly not right. It surprises me that an otherwise enlightened country could be so conservative with unmarried partnerships.
- Paul, Australia,
I really hope they sort out their differences so the fourth book can be finished and published!
- Catherine D, Vancouver, Canada,
I really hope they sort out their differences so the fourth book can be finished and published!
- Catherine D, Vancouver, Canada,
Nice material for yet another book?…..
Hope Eva can write as good as Stieg!
- Wouter,
Nice material for yet another book?…..
Hope Eva can write as good as Stieg!
- Wouter,
Go Eva – good to see someone with principles. For all you posters out there – it seemed patently obvious that Sweden pays a lot of lip service to equal rights but in reality it’s still all about men. There were quite a few statistics quoted in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo not to mention the whole story line revolves around injustices for women.
- Mozzi,
Go Eva – good to see someone with principles. For all you posters out there – it seemed patently obvious that Sweden pays a lot of lip service to equal rights but in reality it’s still all about men. There were quite a few statistics quoted in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo not to mention the whole story line revolves around injustices for women.
- Mozzi,
For such a talented guy,,, why didn’t he make out a will ?
- Bob,,Canada,
For such a talented guy,,, why didn’t he make out a will ?
- Bob,,Canada,
Where is Common Law in Sweden? My goodness! After so many years, Eva is clearly entitled to the fruits of their shared lives.
- Karey,
I fully agree with Rev Ben – shame on the Larssons get your greeedy hands off what is rightly Eva’sDick , Ireland
- ,
Where is Common Law in Sweden? My goodness! After so many years, Eva is clearly entitled to the fruits of their shared lives.
- Karey,
I fully agree with Rev Ben – shame on the Larssons get your greeedy hands off what is rightly Eva’sDick , Ireland
,
I would like to know how Larsson died.
- RBSF,
I would like to know how Larsson died.
- RBSF,
Art should triumph over monetary considerations by the members of Stieg’s family, which have no rights to the unpublished book! A life-partner always shares more and so should also have legal right!
- Hannelore Ring,
The brother and father should defer to the life partner and they know it!! This man’s work is not a part of the father and brother’s lives, but an integral part of the life partner’s life. And if she has the fourth novel in any form, she should complete it once she has the sole rights sewn up.
- victoria thomas,
Good on you Eva girl!!
- P Levy,
The brother and father should defer to the life partner and they know it!! This man’s work is not a part of the father and brother’s lives, but an integral part of the life partner’s life. And if she has the fourth novel in any form, she should complete it once she has the sole rights sewn up.
- victoria thomas,
Good on you Eva girl!!
- P Levy,
let’s hope they will find a reasonable solution so that the audience of Larsson’s work will read his final words, someday soon!
- art.em.is.free@gmail.com,
Considering the 32 years of a devoted relationship, it seems that Eva should be ther one with control of the work, and the family should be the ones given the two million euros. For a country so forward-looking in many ways, this aspect of Swedish law seems medieval.
- Brita Goldsmith,
I only stumbled upon the name of this remarkable author while listening to CNN during a stay recently in France. The commentary so so positive that I had to purchase the trilogy and am about 1/3 of the way through the first story. I can see and already confirm all the positive commentaries ! It’s wonderful reading ! This has led me to look just a bit into the story of the author and the facts seems so very unfortunate and unnecessary ! If it’s all tru, shame on the blood relatives and only the best of wishes to his life partner. She appears to be holding true to what is fair and honest. Yu would like to think (and hope and pray during this holiday season) that justice and righteousness will find there way to those that stand firm !
i still can’t find the cause of larsson’s death..it is not important except to complete his biography..
i am waiting patiently to read his last book due in may..i am just one of many fans amongst my friends..
- maxine peterson,
Exactly!
You go girl-hold on and hold out!!! The father and brother may have rights legally, but morally, they should do the right thing.
- Anon. CA,
Do they have common law marriage in Sweden? After 7 years in the US they would be considered married.
- Kelly USA,
If there is no will the father and brother should inherit. If Steig had thought otherwise he would have written a will expressing how he wished his estate to be split, Two million Euro is a generous offer by Steig’s immediate family.
- male in a long term relationship,
We all put things off, even when we’re not writing some of the best books ever written.
- Leslie Minnesota,
even the family doesn’t dispute their relationship ?????
- D Eltherington,
I was thinking that myself
- HH,
Hey Maxine, if you are in U.S. go to alibris.com Not necessary to wait unti May – unless you want to. “…Hornet’s Nest,” is 600 pages and I’m trying to stretch it out so the experience will last.
- ML,
Good, Eva — stick to your guns. It is the principle of the thing: Just becomes someone has a legal right doesn’t mean it is the “right” thing to do. It is not a given that someone will write a will if they have an intent – lots of people do not want to face their afterlife, and are in denial. They do not put their heart’s wishes into words. It happens all the time. Laws do not include values, ethics, morals, principles, and intents of the parties involved. What “is” does not always equate to what “should be”.
- Diedre Amoufhaz, Legal and Ethics education,
So SAD! Too bad headstrong disputes are the spurge of furthering such great literary talent. Cheers to Eva for doing what she knows to be correct.
- Judy, Wisconsin,
Yes, Eva, clearly you spent your lives together. That should indicate Mr. Larssson’s choice, will or no.
- Betsy
I came late to discover Steig, and was more amazed at the parallel between the novels and his life. It is clear who he trusted above all, and Eva honors his memory by her continued fight to execute his literary interest. One cannot choose one’s family, and if his read his work they would know how appalling their resistance is.
I think this case should clearly come down to morals, after all it is evident in the trilogy that the author thought more of that than blood ties! He would want Eva to continue i’m sure of it. Eva can you publish it as yours, the fourth book? Can it not primarily be yours with information from a protected source
- gemspotgem,
to Eva, from a small village on the British Columbia coast, I send you my good wishes and hope that you are recognized as the true inheritor of your partner Stieg Larsson’s life works. He sounded like a magnificent human being. From Virginia
- Virginia,
With best wishes to Eva. I sincerely hope you do succeed in administering Stieg Larsson’s books.
From I. Carmen, London. January 2010
So many people, like Stieg, neglect even the simplest will. So sad. Law is law (I am a lawyer), but the family should assess Eva’s contribution and accede to her request to be the administrator. A compensatio could be worked out. In a moral sense, it seems, from what one reads, that morally speaking she is a quasi-co-author.
From S. Okoshken, Paris 25 January
- ,
Its about time making a Will was law – everywhere… There is so much heartache when Wills are not made. Trouble is Stieg probably thought he was too young/indestructable, as do many of us.
- I will if you will,
The father and brother sound rather unreasonable. Surely if Stieg wrote most of a 4th book it would be his wish that it was published and they wouldn’t be able to finish it as he would have wished. They have enough of his fortune surely? Blood relatives should not automatically have rights over a life partner of 32 years – Swedish law needs to look at whether they meet the needs of the people in 21st century.
- margie,
I love the books and I want them to continue
- Ellen Burney,
check your grammar before you post something….
father and brother “has” not; HAVE not is correct.
Sorry about mistakenly naming your comment as prior to mine…my comments were made to the one before yours. Truly apologize!
- Patricia A. Fontaine,
It’s always about the money and never the right thing to do….
- S. Simmons,
Put Salander on them!
She knows how to treat men that ”are not nice”!
- Marleine Badenhorst; South Africa,
To Eva, go your hardest and get the rights to those books we need the fourth book to complete the series they are your books as well.
- Phil Sydney australia,
give them a break it is not about the grammar but about the man and the books
- phil t,
people become so selfish after someone dies. ive witnessed the same thing with people who were never involved in someones life feeling like they deserve something. its disgusting. stay strong eva youre amazing.
- Kota, CA,
ive been in the same situation with relatives getting self righteous after a family members death and thinking they deserve something when they were never even involved in that persons life. fuck them. people become so selfish when death is involved. stay strong eva youre amazing.
- dakota, CA,
Eva Gabrielson should have full rights over all of Stieg Larson’s writings. She was his life partner nd shared in his work. It is a moral issue not one of Swedish law which is imperfect on the issue of inheritance. I know – my sister has lived in Sweden for over 30 years! Good luck Eva!
- Brian Penney, Morecambe, England,
…..cant the European courts step in and have a say about Eva’s rites as Stieg Larsons common-law wife?
- Janine Easton, London,
Bring your laptop to England Eva!
- Janine Easton, London,
This is disgusting. In New Zealand this would not even be and issue. Of course Eva should have Stieg’s and her property – all of it – she is his common law wife. There would be no other outcome in New Zealand and I suspect a lot of other western countries.
Come on Sweden, for heaven’s sake get up to date with the rights of women in de facto relationships.
- Ellen Hinkley,
I hope all those of you reading these ‘posts’ take note of this. It would seem that Stieg is a very bright guy, but even he has made a mistake in not leaving a will. Its a shame coz his partner has suffered enough with his loss, without all this hassle. I would have thought that they should be able to reach a compromise.I’m sure all the readers would welcome the 4th book.
- Pah,
Good comments from readers. How strange and sadly ironic that he, a man who wrote so eloquently about the hidden story of women, as soldiers, as talented technicians etc and owners of their own lives, should leave a partner who faces her own form of “unpersonhood” via that old but ever reliable bulwark of male power and control, the “law”. Steig’s books make their own statements in that regard so its a very strange twist to see his partner caught within a similar circle of injustice as the character Lisbeth Salander. Very strange indeed.
- Nina,
Stieg’s Father and Brother should hang their heads in shame as should the Swedish law establishment, this is the 21st century and long term partners should have the same rights as maried couples. Eva is right it’s not about the money its about justice and what is right.
- Linda from Dunfermline Scotland,
I have loved the books (first two) and look forward to the third…and then the fourth, if Eva is allowed to finish it. It is a travesty that the estate should not automatically go to his companion of 32 years, although I realize that is Swedish law. I hope they can come to a settlement, and that Mr. Larssen’s readers will have the opportunity to read one more of these gripping mysteries.
- Elizabeth Shannon,
The novels make one think a little more carefully about the safety of visiting Sweden which I have long admired as one of the fairest countries on the planet. My illusion has been shattered by the illogical status that Sweden confers on the power of the state in documented marriage. Cohabitation is essentially a result of agreement of the partners. It is their business alone, not the business of the Swedish Government. Australia with all its flaws,has become more modern and fairer than Sweden! Unbelievable!
- Lawrence Baker,
check your english avoiding embarrassment
/ pelle
- / pelle,
shit i should have checked for typos! Jchip!!!
- Jchip,
Eva, as Stieg’s life partner, commonlaw wife, and co-author, fully deserves his estate and the right to admininster his literary property. Let there be justice under Swedish law!
We, Stieg’s readers and admirers, deserve the fourth book which Eva can give us. Let her rights be recognized. Joelle
I thought Swedish laws would have been more liberal on this matter than ours in the UK. Obviously not. I hope this lady gets justice.
- Stephanie,
go eva go grrrl!
- Kornelsen,
good for you eva
Looks like Swedish law is definitely lacking with regards to women’s rights – and even propagating the women hating attitudes on which these novels are based …..
Good luck Eva …. stay strong ….
- Emm, Australia,
I am now reading the Third Book. Would hope that this gets settled to allow the 4th book to be published.
- grswirs,
Looks like Swedish law is definitely lacking with regards to women’s rights – and even propagating the women hating attitudes on which these novels are based …..
Good luck Eva …. stay strong ….
- Emm, Australia,
I agree with Eva, it is her right as his life partner to have complete control of the entire estate, which would also give her the legal rights to the books. Where have the Father and Brother been over the past 32 years…?????
- M.GrayVictoria,Australia,
I agree with Eva, it is her right as his life partner to have complete control of the entire estate, which would also give her the legal rights to the books. Where have the Father and Brother been over the past 32 years…?????
- M.GrayVictoria,Australia,
Wouldn’t it be great if the parties could settle their differences and concentrate on the fantastic legacy he left. They need to follow Salander’s lead in the 3rd book and co-operate with each other!
- Tom, Leeds UK,
Wouldn’t it be great if the parties could settle their differences and concentrate on the fantastic legacy he left. They need to follow Salander’s lead in the 3rd book and co-operate with each other!
- Tom, Leeds UK,
Even if he left no will, wouldn’t they be considered married as common law? They lived together for 30 years, and she is right that she should have rights to administer his literary property — not the father or brother.
- Karen Borst-Rothe,
Even if he left no will, wouldn’t they be considered married as common law? They lived together for 30 years, and she is right that she should have rights to administer his literary property — not the father or brother.
- Karen Borst-Rothe,
change the laws in sweden how antiquated are they?
have just read all three books in the last week could’nt put them down !
what a tragic loss to first his partner and to the rest of the world .
- sussanna,
change the laws in sweden how antiquated are they?
have just read all three books in the last week could’nt put them down !
what a tragic loss to first his partner and to the rest of the world .
- sussanna,
I feel for his wife — as she is in all but law — why should his parents deserve anything just for having reproduced? She is the one who knows what he wished for his work.
- Richard,
I feel for his wife — as she is in all but law — why should his parents deserve anything just for having reproduced? She is the one who knows what he wished for his work.
- Richard,
people who have been together that long shouldn’t see their lives dictated by a piece of paper. I’m very surprised that a country as evolved as Sweden does not recognise this. Even if his parents were in fact involved or not in his life (or his brother), she was his girlfriend, partner or wife, whatever you want to call it. Keep up the fight Eva! We love the books and they deserve to be managed by someone Stieg Larsson loved.
people who have been together that long shouldn’t see their lives dictated by a piece of paper. I’m very surprised that a country as evolved as Sweden does not recognise this. Even if his parents were in fact involved or not in his life (or his brother), she was his girlfriend, partner or wife, whatever you want to call it. Keep up the fight Eva! We love the books and they deserve to be managed by someone Stieg Larsson loved.
Seems like money or power brings out the best in some and worst in others. Even if they weren’t married, in many parts of the world, Stieg and Eva would have been considered husband and wife after 32 years. I am sure there was a reason they were not married, but I am surprised there were no other provisions for her, especially in Sweden. Even smart people do dumb things at times. Probably won’t see a fourth book for a while, if ever, what a shame.
- Loan Arranger Larry,
Seems like money or power brings out the best in some and worst in others. Even if they weren’t married, in many parts of the world, Stieg and Eva would have been considered husband and wife after 32 years. I am sure there was a reason they were not married, but I am surprised there were no other provisions for her, especially in Sweden. Even smart people do dumb things at times. Probably won’t see a fourth book for a while, if ever, what a shame.
- Loan Arranger Larry,
In Canada a couple is considered common law after living together for 6 months, Eva would be entitled to the same rights as a wife. Its a tragedy that book four wont be published because of stuburness, Steig Larsons books are among the best Ive read. Cudos to Eva, Id do the same no matter how much i desperately what to read his book! Ericas strentgh among men who are ignorant was definatly inspired by you.
- Kaitlynn S,
In Canada a couple is considered common law after living together for 6 months, Eva would be entitled to the same rights as a wife. Its a tragedy that book four wont be published because of stuburness, Steig Larsons books are among the best Ive read. Cudos to Eva, Id do the same no matter how much i desperately what to read his book! Ericas strentgh among men who are ignorant was definatly inspired by you.
- Kaitlynn S,
Hope it get’s sorted out soon. Come on folks, what would Stieg have wanted, answer that question and just do it.
- Heather Fairhead,
Hope it get’s sorted out soon. Come on folks, what would Stieg have wanted, answer that question and just do it.
- Heather Fairhead,
Good Luck EVA.
Keep fighting, or do what would Sal do?????.
- Alethea,
Eva and the publishers must get together and make an offer (monetary) to the family for the rights. Money is what they want. Keep it neat, sweet and very discrete – then the book will be published.
- Kay Oss,
Keep on fighting Eva, it is the right way you are going. I love the books of Stieg and I look forward that you come to the end, you desire and that we all desire.
- Thomas, Gemany,
I recently fell in love with the trilogy and I hope that you’ll get control of the estate and continue the legacy of Stieg Larsson
- Christine, Singapore, 2 April 2010
Sack your lawyers and start talking!
- Dick Engelen, Holland,
Keep fighting Eva. Steig’s readers are in full support of you. Give your opponents only the scorn they deserve.
- woodrd,
Why don’t the fans get together and assist Eva in buying the rights from the relatives? I am not familiar with Swedish law but it should be possible to establish some sort of entity for that purpose which can accept contributions.
- Jack A. Wilmot,
Come on “family”. Eva was with him for 32 years – how long was he with you – 18 years if my calculations are correct! Did you collaborate and support him in his work? Stop being so greedy and do what is right.
- Dee, Australia,
I think someone else had the same idea long before me. If you are a fan wanting to do something about it please check http://www.supporteva.com/uk/.
- Jack A. Wilmot,
How disappointed would Stieg have been – and how poetic that the fruits of all his hard work are trapped in limbo by the shortcomings of the Swedish legal system. Life imitating art…
Can’t believe how archaic Swedish laws are regarding relationships, always thought Sweden was a liberal, progressive, open, forward thinking country.How can thirty two years be discounted so readily? 2 million is chickenfeed, if nothing else they should spilt the estate 50/50 with Eva keeping all rights to Book 4, can’t wait to read it,
- Kim,
Families! The wife, be she common law or not, deserves everything. I hope that if there is any justice in Sweden, Eva wins. And I hope she can finish the fourth book and publich it.
- Susan,
I agree totally. Steig Larsson is the only person to blame for this situation. By not legally making his partner his heir he left everything to his father and brother and ignored his long time companion. Situations like this are very common and could be avoided by taking the time to draft a will.
- JJZim,
I think Eva is the rightful heir. I will be looking forward to that fourth book.
The brother and father are taking advantage of a mistake that Steig and Eva made.
How sad and complicated. Relatives can be your worst enemies!
- Susan,
There is always a price for defying convention, but non-marital relationships are so common it seems weird not to recognize them even postmortem.
Still, Larsson was such a bright guy, how the hell did he fail to protect his life companion?
- Bill,
These books are fantastic. What I know, having lived in Sweden, often people do not marry but live together, have children together and it is different than US. This type of living arrangement has gone on much longer than when it was acceptable in the US. However, I am surprised that in Sweden. Therefore, I really feel that Eva should get the rights to the books.
That being said, there has to be so much money coming in from the books and movie that there is enough money for everyone. But still, she should have the legal rights.
Sometimes Swedes can be extraordinarily stubborn.
- Sandra Owen,
It’s absolutely disgusting that Stieg’s 2 distant, non participating relatives should have anything to do with his estate, that they would reap the benefits that belong to Eva. That Swedish law is so antidiluvian is shocking. One thinks of Sweden as being so modern and open. We Canadians won the common law fight in the 70's. Words can’t express my sadness for Eva, his woman/partner for all those years. I spit on his father and brother, taking what isn’t theirs.
- Cheryl Mustonen,
I agree with comments below I hope Eva wins and goes on to publish the fourth book. She was his life partner surely all those years together count.
- Ann,
- Kia,
Eva-
I have no doubt that as a three decade partner of Steig, you were, in fact his wife. You played a tremendous part in the first 3 books- even just by being there. There is no doubt of your entitlement to control the rights of those books, and i’m sure you would share in the royalties with his family.
There is hardly a feather of a doubt that the 4th book will be a monumental success, as well as being one of the most anticipated sequels in modern times.
May the family settle with you soon. The world is hungry for Stieg’s words!
- coutbird,
Sounds like a case of Berger meets Zalachenko and Niedermann, aka ‘The Section’ – and it ends with Bublanski, Modig , Giannini,Salander and Blomkivst risking their lives to save her and prove her innocence!!! THERE, CASE CLOSEED!!! UNTIL…..
Good luck Eva – You can do it girl and preserve the man’s legacy- YOU GO GIRL!!!! Inlaws being outlaws and all that…
- Jen.F,
Eva hope you can get your rights straighten up and fight for them because the right is yours, it makes me mad because the books also talk about how men abuse women and how moral can go to the garbage because of money, it was completely what he was trying to show the world in his first book at least which I am about to finish and is sad that his own family is repeating what was repugnant to him
Oh puhleasse. This was a highly educated man, no doubt familiar with the laws of inheritance in Sweden. If he and his life partner chose not to have wills, the estate should be allocated per the relevant law. It is a shame he did not write that one very important document, but to say he “intended” his estate to go to Eva in the absence of a will is much more of a stretch than the implication that he decided by intestacy to allow the family to inherit. You should all take note and write or revise per your real wishes, no one can read our minds.
- Rebecca Holguin,
I’m so sorry this is happening to you Eva. Fight on!
Everyone: when you own property, even when it’s not much, get a will made. It’ll save your loved ones a lot of trouble and will clarify your wishes. I have had a will since I was 30. If you don’t want to get it done for you, think of Eva and your loved ones and get one written up. Thanks!
- Pers,
I realise the law is law and every country has it’s own, however, in my mind it is completely irrelevent when a couple have lived together for such a long time, assets should automatically be the right of the surviving partner whether they are married or not, I am certain Eva contributed in many many ways not only emotionally but also financially in support of the man she loved, seems like something out of the dark ages to me. I admire this woman enormously for sticking to her principals when Stieg’s father and brother clearly have none, I cannot imagine doing such a thing to the long term partner of either of my children or my brother, but then let’s not forget, what goes around comes around!!! I have been with my partner for 29 years never married cause we never felt the need, have two wonderful children and if this were happening to me I would fight it all the way. Good luck Eva don’t ever give up.
- Andrea,
Who determines “the right thing”? Your opinion or a court of law in a respectable country? No will and the law reverts to written law period. Fault the author for lack of forsight on the money and Eva’s future.
She doesn’t want the money – she wants the right to control what happens with the 4th book.
- Zee Hyman,
We never think we are going to die! Eva should offer the greedy farther and brother 2 million euro for it’s all about the money with them. I think she is the co
-author on all his books and should be allowed to continue the series. These are great books!!!
- Irish TEXAS,
2 million euro is pennies compared to the amount that the brother and father will make off the back of these amazing books. After all those years together, and with Eva helping him with the stories, she clearly should have the recognition and rights to what was a joint piece of work. It is very unfortunate that Steig did not leave a will to make this clear, but why would anyone leave their life partner high and dry? I can’t believe he wanted things to work out the way they have.
- Bron UK,
Wow! At the very least, this sad tale ilustrates why it is so important to have a will esp. if you aren’t married and don’t wish for your next of kin to inherit all. I am really surprised Larsson did not have one given how he was a frequent target of far-right groups. Also, Eva is clearly an intelligent, educated woman. I wonder why she didn’t insist he have one esp. if the flat was only in his name.
- Kim, Virignia, USA,
Sorry, but I disagree. Unlike gay couples, this couple was NOT prevented from marriage, thereby guaranteeing Swedish law to transfer the estate to his WIFE. The fact the he also didn’t make a will may indicate that he actually wanted his estate to go to his family. They were together for 30 years and in all that time, no will?If you choose not to marry, then you also choose the lack of protections that marriage enjoys.
- Stephanie, USA,
She was in every way his wife and partner. The fact that his father and brother didn’t do the right thing and hand the entire estate over to her is abominable, selfish and greedy. It’s a terrible shame that he did not write his will. I’m sure the poor man would be turning in hs grave knowing the love of his life was left with nothing. The law in Sweden is backward in the extreme by not recognising her as his common-law wife. Such a tragedy. As I understand it there were very real reasons why they never married and it has to do with Swedish law and trying to keep Eva safe. Eva, stick to your principles and even if the world never sees his final work, please don’t hand it over to his family who have shown that they care more for profit than they did for their own son and brother.
- Ceejay, Australia,
His publisher was drawing one up, but due to some paperwork mishap, it didn’t happen in time.
- Zee Hyman,
stephanie must be a lawyer
- regor,
Swedish law toward women is just as in the book: rapacious!!!
- B A Pearson,
What a shame for Eva …and Stieg’s legacy. It is a shame that law does not always insure justice and does not honor moral law and common sense.
- Victoria Love,
I would pay to read it from the net! Tell Eva to set up a website.
- Millicent, Brisbane,
i would hate tolive somewhere that you have to marry just to protect you spouse (B/C that is what she was to him) from your sudden death. not every person in the world believes that they are goin to die in their 50's and for all we know he could have had plans to make his will the fallowing week and would have left everything to Eva. Marriage isn’t everything LOVE is!
- Victoria, ONT, Canada,
Sounds like time for life to meet art. Where is the real
-life Salander to lend a hacker hand to get Eva back some control? (and get that 4th novel leaked out to the net so the familiy can’t make any money out of it!)
- eminencegris,
Does Sweden not recognize the idea of a “common law marriage” whereby a couple that acts as though they are married are considered married under the law?
It’s a shame that such a forward looking country on many social aspects would be so backward on this issue
- Axel Norman,
Agreed Jay and Susan. The lesbo just needed to get in her stupid two cents. Angry dumb women.
- Amber Tinsloe,
Me too. Thanks
- Seth Sharpless,
I totally agree, also.
- ARKANSAS,
I soooo agree with this!!!
- Michigan,
Stephanie, they did not get married because as an investigative journalist whose subjects often performed hate crimes or were suspected of terrorism, getting married would have required a public record which would have endangered both of them. Do your research before you make sweeping judgments. In addition, he did make a will years ago (leaving his property to the Communist party of his hometown) but it was declared invalid; his publisher was in the process of getting a will drawn up for him but it did not happen by the date he died. People have other priorities in their life (such as exposing corruption, writing great novels) which may preclude their developing a will by the age of 52.
- Zee Hyman,
What a shame the partner is shut out by the author’s family. Blood relationship is not an automatic claim on one’s legacy, seems to me. Really not fair. too bad Mr. Larrson did not leave a will.
- Carolyn McElrath,
his father and brothers are just greedy a-holes
i finished book 3 yesterday, depressed because there will be no more from mr larsson
- regor,
The world deserves to see the rest of this fantastic series. Please settle your differences and publish the forth book in this series.
- Rick,
Unless there is some compelling reason Mr. Larsson’s life partner should not inherit, the relatives who are inheriting are morally corrupt, greedy and venal people taking advantage of unfair laws.
- Justine,
I’m slightly confused -how can Eva be holding the script for the 4th book when it is a trilogy?
- CS,
He droped dead at fifty after living 32 years with the woman you do the math). If you really think he had planned to die at such a young age and leave the woman he spend his entire adult life with pennyless : you are either profiting from this personnaly and being deceitfull or you are more than 2 standard deviations below average intelligence. This case should be used to challenge the law.
- Stephane Canada,
Common law marriage IS backward. They have eliminated it in most US states because it is unnecessary. This author had years to decide to marry. He had years to make a will. He chose neither. I don’t know anything about this guy, but these omissions may likely have been deliberate. Surely, a man as knowledgeable as he would know where his estate would go in the absence of both marriage and a will. I have sympathy for her, but again, perhaps he wanted his wealth and heritage to go to his legal family, not his live
-in lover and housemate.
- Stephanie, US,
CS, the “trilogy” was supposed to be a 10 book series, Stieg completed the first three novels, and most of the 4th novel and then past away.
- Nick,
Eva Gabrielsson is a very courageous woman and I would applaud her determination to keep the 4 th manuscrip till father and brother let go. She has 31 years with him and that should count for her fathefullness.
Father and brother never were in his life, why should they come into it now.
Well, we know why now $$$$$$$$ just GREED
- Monique McNitt,
You go Girl .. with the same determination of Lisbeth Salander! How tacky of relatives who had nothing to do with this life or work to expect to benefit now.
- Tina, Visalia, CA,
Seriously? 32 years of no legal commitment in marriage should get a person legal rights to an estate? That doesn’t seem right. Only Legal marriage provides for a person to make a legal claim to an estate otherwise the estate should go to any remaining family.
- Colleen Taylor, Florida,
Slightly confused?? He turned in 3 books, that’s a trilogy. If he hadn’t died he would have kept writing and it obviously wouldn’t have been called a trilogy. If the 4th book ever gets published, then it won’t be called a trilogy.
- DS,
Apparently there were outlines for a total of 10 books in the series.
If you are an intelligent human being and choose not to marry, you should have a will so your possessions and wealth can go where YOU want them to go, not where the law says they should go. Unfortunately, as wonderful a writer as he may have been, Mr. Larsson did not handle this fairly simple matter. Lesson to everyone – get a will made. No one expects to die from a sudden heart attack, car accident, illness, etc., but that doesnt’ mean it can’t happen! After all, if you truly love the person, why would you NOT protect them legally?
- Marilyn, U.S.,
i agree with you canada! if you live with someone for 32 yrs they are surely more then just a live in lover or housemate! it would mean that you truely love that person. which would posse the questin in death would you be happy knowing that you life long partner was left with nothing and fighting for something that you beleived in and wanted soo dearly to finish? i think probably not! she should be givin the rights to what ever she wants! thats the way it would be done where i live, b/c common law amrriage is NOT backwards and still stands up to the law in Canada b/c not everyone believes in marriage and just chooses to live their life with theone they love.
- Victoria, ONT, Canada,
i couldn’t agree more that eva gabrielsson really is a courageous woman… they spent their whole life together… she was the one who supported him in every misadventure and gave him the strength to carry on… of course she has every right to his legal estate… But that doesn’t mean that i don’t want this story to be settled as soon as possible so that we will be able to read the 4th book. I got so depressed when i finished the 3rd…
- Chrysanthi Loi, Greece,
i couldn’t agree more that eva gabrielsson really is a courageous woman… they spent their whole life together… she was the one who supported him in every misadventure and gave him the strength to carry on… of course she has every right to his legal estate… But that doesn’t mean that i don’t want this story to be settled as soon as possible so that we will be able to read the 4th book. I got so depressed when i finished the 3rd…
- Chrysanthi Loi, Greece,
money is evil…
- KS,
money is evil…
- KS,
The man who gets to greedy ends up eating himself
Hopefully, the 4th book will see the light of day; what an amazing trilogy; it’s too bad Stieg died young…I hope some kind of resolution can be found for the family here.
What a great writer, and what a lose. I could not put the books down and I hope one day to read the 4th. Eva. you stick to your principles. The greed of the father and brother will eventually get to them.
- Carol Wamser ,
The man who gets to greedy ends up eating himself
Hopefully, the 4th book will see the light of day; what an amazing trilogy; it’s too bad Stieg died young…I hope some kind of resolution can be found for the family here.
What a great writer, and what a lose. I could not put the books down and I hope one day to read the 4th. Eva. you stick to your principles. The greed of the father and brother will eventually get to them.
- Carol Wamser,
I do not like the image at the top of this web page! If she is suppose to represent the iconic Lisbeth Salander then she is a very bad choice! My ex-girlfriend fit her description almost exactly (minus the tattoos) and that is what I see when I read these books!
- Rick W.,
I think the rights to the books should stay with the family. Just my opinion. Colleen Taylor stated it best down below…What was she thinkning?
- Machel,
He was estranged from his family. Why should they dictate what happens with the fourth book? Who would know better than his partner of 32 years? Absolutely absurd to think that his family would “know best” in this case.
- Zee Hyman,
My favorite was the first one…I read it as fast as I could turn the pages. Cheers to fabulous writing in this universe.
I wish he could have enjoyed his success, while he was here on earth. His books are complex, riviting and too dark for most.
- Machel,
I do not like the image at the top of this web page! If she is suppose to represent the iconic Lisbeth Salander then she is a very bad choice! My ex-girlfriend fit her description almost exactly (minus the tattoos) and that is what I see when I read these books!
- Rick W.,
I think the rights to the books should stay with the family. Just my opinion. Colleen Taylor stated it best down below…What was she thinkning?
- Machel,
there are Many flaws in the system, this being one
- AdelaideMarie HuMan BEing,
My favorite was the first one…I read it as fast as I could turn the pages. Cheers to fabulous writing in this universe.
I wish he could have enjoyed his success, while he was here on earth. His books are complex, riviting and too dark for most.
- Machel,
Heart attack? Natural or chemicallly induced? Conspiracy? Murder? How close is real life to fiction? Seems strange to me. Family and Eva could settle the finances by agreeing what he would have wanted.
- V Krilla,
Heart attack? Natural or chemicallly induced? Conspiracy? Murder? How close is real life to fiction? Seems strange to me. Family and Eva could settle the finances by agreeing what he would have wanted.
- V Krilla,
Comments are closed.