Will of Life

            " Where there is  will, there is a way" - This proverb has been rightly shown in this exciting and a spectacular novel, relating to tragedy, crime and a host of other unfateful events cocooned around the life of the protagonist, "Lisbeth Salander".

         It happened every year, was almost a ritual. And it was his eighty second birthday. When as usual, the flower was delivered; he took off the wrapper and then picked up the telephone to call Detective Morell. They were not only of the same age, but also born in the same day. He was retired and sat with a coffee in his hand, near the receiver, expecting the call.

“It arrived.”

“What is it this year?”

“I don’t know what kind it is, I would have someone tell me what it is. It’s white.” 

“No letter I suppose.”

“Just the flower. The frame is the same kind as last year. One of those do it yourself ones.”

“Postmark?”

“Stockholm.” 

“Handwriting?” 

“Same as always, all in capitals. Upright, neat lettering.” 

And so begins the ingenious, heart touching and spectacular trilogy of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The strong, unusual, sympathetic and antisocial character of the protagonist “Lisbeth Salander” carried the story on her own. It kept me glued to the book till the end. A lone girl, skinny, anorexic, short, having pierced nose and eyebrows, short hair and a range of tattoos, stood up against some of the most powerful and aristocratic people who did not left any stone unturned to make her life a living hell, since the time she was born. And they did succeed in their attempt time and again. Her whole life had been a whirlwind of unfateful events, leading to tragedy, complete isolation, harassment and finally abomination from the society as a violent, antisocial and schizophrenic person. But in spite of all her weakness, she had something very powerful which only a very few people knew about. She was a dangerous and best hacker in Sweden and had a photographic memory. The plot is set in the backdrop of Swedish political and social atmosphere and teaches us the power of will. The character of Michael Blomkvist is also one to look after.

Some Facts: Stieg Larsson handed over three manuscripts to his publisher at his deathbed, just before he passed away.

Mind numbing part: In Book 1, the Vanger family history and the relationships of cousins, nephew, son’s, daughter and other members of the family.

“He that loves a book will never want a faithful friend, a wholesome counselor, a cheerful companion, an effectual comforter. By study, by reading, by thinking, one may innocently divert and pleasantly entertain himself, as in all weathers, as in all fortunes.”

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