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Summary: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

The book begins with Mikael Blomkvist, an investigative reporter with Millennium, being found guilty of libel against a powerful business mogul named Hans-Erik Wennerstrom. He is determined to clear his name, and after receiving a call from Henrik Vangers lawyer, he learns of the disappearance of Vangers grand-niece, Harriet Vanger. Blomkvist takes a temporary absence leave from Millennium and consents to Henrik Vangers business proposition and accepts the job. Blomkvist would investigate Harriets mystery disappearing and in return would get a handsome monetary compensation, in addition to proof of Wennerstroms crookedness (Larsson and Reg 14).

While Blomkvist gets involved with the Vanger family, Lisbeth Salander is introduced. She is a twenty four year old girl with a dragon tattoo and a photographic memory. Her troublesome childhood and her refusal to collaborate with mental health workers contributed to her being declared mentally incompetent and placed under a stateappointed lawyers guardianship (Larsson and Reg 45). Her stable life is threatened when her guardian, Palmgren, suffers a stroke, and she is left in the hands of Nils Bjurman, who rapes her. She regains control of her finances and her life after videotaping one of the ordeals and

Surname 2 blackmailing Bjurman with it. Salander is exceedingly intelligent and works as an investigative researcher. Blomkvist, through his dexterous wiles, earns Salanders trust, and they commence an investigation that uncovers a dark Vanger family history that ultimately endangers their lives.

Salander and Blomkvist grow their trust in each other and develop a romantic relationship. While working together, they discover and connect the death of Gottfried, Harriets deceased father, to Martin Vanger, his son. They also discover that Harriet was not murdered but fled to escape Martin who violently raped her just like her father. They confront Martin who turns to suicide. They also find Harriet and reunite her with Henrik Vanger (Bronson 68).

After solving the mystery, Blomkvist is disappointed that Henrik gives him 30 year old information on Wennerstrom, but Salander reveals to him that she Wennerstroms corrupt dealings on her server, which he acquired during her investigations on him. Blomkvist not only uses the information to write an article for his magazine, but also writes a book-length report on the corrupt dealings. Salander, on the other hand, studies Wennerstroms financial empire structure and siphons millions of dollars as her revenge (Larsson and Reg 141).

Blomkvist is interviewed by numerous media outlets due to the success of his investigation on Wennerstrom. Salander and Blomkvist go on a retreat and their sexual relationship persists. At Christmas, she goes to Blomkvists home with the intention of declaring her love for him but backs of on seeing him with his lover Erika Berger.

Surname 3 Review of Major Characters

Mikael Blomkvist

Blomkvist, who is the male protagonist, is an editor, reporter and a co-owner of Millennium, an investigative magazine. Due to his conviction on libel charges, he is not only motivated to clear his name, but also to expose the truth. He takes on an investigative challenge from Henrik Vanger, which restores his sense of purpose. Blomkvist is kind and charming, hence easily attracts women, but does not settle down.

Lisbeth Salander

Salander is the female protagonist and the girl who has the dragon tattoo. She is mysterious and was declared mentally incompetent while still a minor. She is placed under a guardian who has complete control over her, but she is fiercely stubborn, intelligent and independent. Her motivation comes from the desire to reveal peoples secrets and revenge for crimes particularly against women. She is a contract investigator with Milton Securities where they meet with Blomkvist. They develop a professional and close personal relationship that competes with her isolated past.

Erika Berger

Erika is Blomkvist friend, his occasional lover, editor and co-owner of Millennium magazine. She is professional and sophisticated and loves sparking media frenzy. She is also motivated by the desire to uncover corruption. She employs a direct approach in solving problems as they arise.

Surname 4 Henrik Vanger

He is a retired CEO of a family owned conglomerate called Vanger Corporation and hires Blomkvist to investigate his family which he finds reprehensible. He hires Blomkvist in order to find out who caused his nieces disappearance. Solving this mystery is his motivation and he employs his keen business sense in achieving the results he desires.

Conclusion

The book is extremely fast-paced with exceedingly well-drawn characters readers cannot help but root for, notably Salander who possesses a flawed but irresistible personality. Blomkvist relationship with Salander is moving but apprehensive, which contributes to the sexual intrigue. It captures the readers attentive and is a good read.

Surname 5 Works Cited

Bronson, Eric. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Philosophy: Everything Is Fire. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons, 2012.

Larsson, Stieg and Reg Keeland. Stieg Larsson's the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Trilogy. New York: Vintage Books, 2010.

Larsson, Stieg, and Reg Keeland. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. London: MacLehose Press, 2008. Print.