The two unlikely heros encouraged much discussion, with Chris musing why Micheal Blokvist is such a popular guy. He revealed that Micheal's life follows the author's quite closely - Steig Larsson was a well known journalist and editor on a magazine much like Millennium, Micheal's publication in the story. Larsson spent much of his life researching Natzism and it was clear how much such research spawned the plot for GWDT with its racism and mysogeny. Sarah pointed out that the blurb about the author's death was left mysterious, seemingly to drive profits and Chris added that Larsson, a heavy drinker and smoker, actually died of a heart attack.
It was interesting to hear that the Swiss title of the book was Men who hate Women and the group wondered why the title had been changed so thoroughly for the English translation. Although we agreed we would be less likely to want to read a book with such a title! Jo said the translation was a little 'clunky' and certain phrases jarred somewhat. And Mary said she enjoyed reading the book in large chunks but wondered if it would maintain her attention if she'd consumed it in smaller readings.
We agreed it wasn't a brilliantly written book, lead mainly by narrative, but the plot and attention to detail was excellent. A great holiday read which drives its readers to seek out the next two parts of its trilogy (Chris mentioned that part 2 (The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest) covers Salander's life in it's gruesome detail and part 3 (The Girl who Played with Fire) brings it all to a fitting conclusion. If anyone wants the subsequent books I can probably get hold of a copy of each from Dee - let me know.
"This book is an extreme rarity. It is one that I cannot imagine ANYONE NOT enjoying. Strapping young precocious Fermor, bounced out of school and knocking about London with some chums awaiting, in Fermor's case, with many misgivings, the military rigours of Sandyhurst, decides to chuck it all and go gadding about Europe during the interwar years toward Constantinople at the age of eighteen (He turns nineteen about halfway through.). The result, culled from memories and diaries that survived, and penned decades later, is a bouncing picaresque jaunt through the heartland of Europe, all seen (save for the occasional aside) through the coruscating eyes of youth, is one I simply can't imagine anyone wanting to miss, especially given that this is a world now lost to us almost completely. Interlarded herein are disquisitions on literature, architecture, and history, history, history (a witches' brew of real and apocryphal). Add to this delightfully unguided rather than misguided quest a cast of characters ranging from the homeless seeking shelter to the aristocrat in his schloss whom the author chances upon the way and you have a simply irresistible and sui-generis narrative. You have this book which, regardless of how many grey hairs age has snowed upon your head, will make you feel young and in love with the world again.----5 lofty, swirling stars."
Our next meeting is Sunday 25th September but I hope to see you all on the 15th for the launch of Nantwich Big Cheese Film Club at the Crown Hotel (7.30pm) See you there!
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