The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest

BOOK: The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest
AUTHOR: Stieg Larsson

GRADE: B

I should start off by saying that, unlike the trilogy’s second installment, I had some trouble getting into the story. I found “The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest” slow going all the way up to the last two hundred pages or so. In a completely uncharacteristic move on my part, I actually gave serious consideration to abandoning ship about half-way through. However, friends convinced me to see it through till the end. Overall, I am pleased that I pushed through and watched it conclude the series. The ending made the struggle worth it.

The thing that always gets me about the series in the sheer genius of Lisbeth Salander. Time after time, we watch her get into situations where escape seems absolutely inconceivable; only to watch in awe as she meticulously calculates freedom. This installment is where we see Lisbeth start joining the human race in terms of emotions and affections for other people. I rooted for her as she slowly sheds the icy barrier between her and the world and finds use and pleasure in friendships and camaraderie. Lisbeth’s arduous journey towards trusting others is inspiring – and realistic at the same time.

Larsson ties up the remaining loose ends with a series of fabulous and unpredictable twists. Just when I figured out what was going to happen next, he steers the plot line in an entirely different (and far more satisfying) direction. I walked away a grateful customer.

My recommendation would be to plow through the slow going beginning to experience the beauty of the ending. I highly doubt you will regret it.