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The Namesake : A Novel by Jhumpa Lahiri

A spellbinding amalgam of murder mystery, family saga, love story, and financial intrigue.

It’s about the disappearance forty years ago of Harriet Vanger, a young scion of one of the wealthiest families in Sweden . . . and about her octogenarian uncle, determined to know the truth about what he believes was her murder.

It’s about Mikael Blomkvist, a crusading journalist recently at the wrong end of a libel case, hired to get to the bottom of Harriet’s disappearance . . . and about Lisbeth Salander, a twenty-four-year-old pierced and tattooed genius hacker possessed of the hard-earned wisdom of someone twice her age—and a terrifying capacity for ruthlessness to go with it—who assists Blomkvist with the investigation. This unlikely team discovers a vein of nearly unfathomable iniquity running through the Vanger family, astonishing corruption in the highest echelons of Swedish industrialism—and an unexpected connection between themselves.

It’s a contagiously exciting, stunningly intelligent novel about society at its most hidden, and about the intimate lives of a brilliantly realized cast of characters, all of them forced to face the darker aspects of their world and of their own lives.

A Friday in November

It happened every year, was almost a ritual. And this was his eighty-second birthday. When, as usual, the flower was delivered, he took off the wrapping paper and then picked up the telephone to call Detective Superintendent Morell who, when he retired, had moved to Lake Siljan in Dalarna. They were not only the same age, they had been born on the same day–which was something of an irony under the circumstances. The old policeman was sitting with his coffee, waiting, expecting the call. ...view entire excerpt...

1. Who do you consider the novel's protagonist, Lisbeth or Mikael? Why?

2. What point was Larsson trying to make with the themes running through this novel? How do issues such as man's brutality to women, journalistic integrity, and more general notions of trust tie in with each other throughout the book?

3. What function do the sex-crime statistics on each section's title page serve?

4. Re-read the passage from Mikael's book on page 84. What is its significance, in terms of the plot?

5. On page 126, Henrik tells Mikael, "If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s never engage in a fight you're sure to lose. On the other hand, never let anyone who has insulted you get away with it. Bide your time and strike back when you're in a position of strength—even if you no longer need to strike back." Over the course of the novel, who puts this advice to the best use? How, and why?

6. How does the involvement of several Vanger brothers with Swedish fascist groups cloud Mikael's investigation into Harriet’s disappearance? What role does Harald play?
7. Why does Henrik become an investor in Millennium? Does his plan succeed?

8. Discuss the character of Lisbeth. Some think she is a "perfect victim" (page 324), others find her intimidating, and Mikael wonders if she has Asperger's, but the reader is allowed to see exactly how her mind works. How do you see her? How do you think she sees herself?

9. What do you think about the way Lisbeth turns the tables on Bjurman? Is it admirable, or a sign that she's unstable?

10. On page 202, Lisbeth says her new tattoo is "a reminder." Of what?

11. Several times in the novel, Mikae'’s journalistic ethics are challenged. Do you consider him to be ethical? In your opinion, is anyone in the novel truly honorable? Who, and why?

12. After reserving judgment for most of his investigation, on page 238 Mikael determines that Harriet was, in fact, murdered and that he's hunting for a killer. What prompts this decision? How does this affect the rest of his investigation?

13. Discuss the role of parents in the novel. Who is a good parent, and why? How might Harriet's story have changed if her mother had behaved differently? What about Lisbeth's? Is Mikael a good father?

14. Blackmail is used several times in the novel, for different ends. Who uses it most effectively, and why?

15. On page 400, Mikael tells Lisbeth that to him, friendship requires mutual respect and trust. By those standards, who in this novel is a good friend? Is Mikael? What about Anita?

16. Discuss Henrik's request that Mikael never publish the Vanger story. Is it a reasonable request? Does Mikael's acquiescence change your opinion of him? Do Lisbeth's demands mitigate his ethical breach?

17. What ultimately drives Lisbeth to take action against Wennerström on her own? Does she go too far?

18. Re-read Mikael's statement about the media's responsibility at the top of page 454. Can you think of a situation in the American media that is analogous to the Wennerström affair?

19. Discuss the ending. Was it satisfying to you? Why or why not?

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"The story starts out slow, with too many characters to keep track of."
by mundoreader (see profile) 03/12/09
Although The translation of this Swedish novel is a bit difficult to follow at first. Terminology and places made it difficult to visualize what was actually happening to the main character. the The author... (read more)

"Fargoish cold desolation with intrigue and hereditary insanity and quirks. outside of the box reading."
by bdcalv (see profile) 03/12/09
Interesting book translated from the original swedish. Loses a little steam at the end. U.S. Marketers must have know right away that the original title wouldn't work here, but upon reflection, it describes... (read more)

"Besides the mystery of a missing person, it includes the subject of abuse to women."
by cgolden (see profile) 03/15/09
It took about 40 pages into the book before I decided I was going to like it. Enjoyed the search for the missing person, but felt the author could have cut out about 100 pages and still meet the desired... (read more)

"The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo"
by kathyp28 (see profile) 07/22/09
This was one of my favorite books! The character development was wonderful! Quite a thriller! It is the first book in a series. The next one is, The Girl Who Played With Fire. I've purchased it.

"Slow at first but picks up fast!"
by MrsFlutterby (see profile) 08/22/09
Many of our group enjoyed this book and it provided for a lively discussion. The subject matter of child abuse provided a lot of heated discussion. We also discussed how all the characters seemed to "cross... (read more)

"the girl with the dragon tattoo"
by audreyknee (see profile) 08/29/09
Wonderful characters, good mystery, keeps you guessing. Excellent read.

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
by rosalie (see profile) 08/31/09

"Page Turning Mystery"
by dchase21 (see profile) 09/03/09
Our book club rarely does a mystery that is as fast paced as this one. I read the book in one sitting. The characters were well developed, the history informative, the story addictive. I pride myself... (read more)

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
by ajohnson023 (see profile) 09/18/09
Starts a little slow, the meat of the book is fantastic. will be reading the rest of the series.

"Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
by janeeyre1989 (see profile) 09/19/09
Although we found it slow to get into, we all agreed that the author held us enough to want to finish and read the other two.

"Requires some patience"
by Kathy E. (see profile) 09/25/09
The plot was slow moving and at times confusing, due to the termanology not modified for english readers. For example in terms of money there is never a reference as to what that is in $$ or even Euros.... (read more)

"The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo"
by Dutchlvr1 (see profile) 10/01/09
I loved this book. I had started the book once and put it down because of the family history, and all of the family names involved. I decided to try reading it again while on vacation, I am so glad that... (read more)

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
by RJohnson (see profile) 10/02/09
Although the book is very slow to start, once you get about 100 pages in, the story really picks up and becomes quite an enjoyable read. The book has elements of family drama, financial intrigue and murder... (read more)

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
by kdr4xmom (see profile) 10/02/09

"Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
by Misfits (see profile) 10/22/09
It was hard to get into this book. Several members of the book club debated not finishing it. The book did pick up about halfway through it, but then it seemed like the book was in a rush to finish.

"Difficult, but worthwhile"
by kamj3 (see profile) 10/24/09
The book started very slowly and had a lot of back story, but after the first 100 pages or so it really picked up. The story is so complex and elaborate that it's a little hard to follow at times, but... (read more)

"slow start but great book"
by emmajohnston23 (see profile) 10/30/09
The start was really slow we all agreed but once it got started it got really interesting. I couldn't put it down. There were plenty of twists and turns as soon as you think one thing it wrapped up you... (read more)

"You'll be captured!"
by AZannie (see profile) 11/02/09
Riveting plot, superb descriptions, and a zany sense of humor work to create this intricate mystery.

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
by barbra (see profile) 11/02/09
I am the facilitator of our Kona Library Book Club. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I have a little hesitation about recommending it to my club. My husband and daughter liked it, too. Perhaps a little graphic... (read more)

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
by rachelsbooks (see profile) 11/02/09

"The girl with the dragon tattoo"
by audshugo (see profile) 11/03/09
The main character's lives inter-twine in the most intriguing and unexpected ways, making for suspense-filled reading to the end.A great read which has one longing to read the sequel.

"A page-turner!"
by donnadeleon (see profile) 11/04/09

"Murder Mystery in Sweden"
by kathymixon (see profile) 11/07/09
A disgraced Swedish journalist is hired to solve a murder that occurred 40 years in the past. His investigation is fascinating but in the process he uncovers some unsavory characters - to say the least... (read more)

"Well-written, yet a bit disturbing"
by drobinson (see profile) 11/10/09

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
by MaryW83 (see profile) 11/10/09
It was very well written and suspenseful, with new twists and turns that you didn't see coming. However, some of the content was disturbing, and personally, I don't care to read about such content.

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
by bbrower (see profile) 11/10/09
Although I did not like some of the things that happened in the book, the author kept me interested and reading. I had a desire to figure out what happened. Unfortunately, the book leaves some important... (read more)

"Girl with the dragon tatoo"
by ewmonteiro (see profile) 11/11/09

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
by pemberliegh (see profile) 11/13/09
This book explores corporate malfeasance, family dynamics and dysfunction, and violence against women wrapped in a higly complex, suspenseful mystery. It was a little slow to start, but I did not mind... (read more)

"Review of The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo"
by nlockwood (see profile) 11/15/09
The book started slow. At first, it was difficult to keep track of the many characters/potential suspects. However, the book eventually "picked up" and it was great fun watching this mystery unfold (the... (read more)

"Interesting & likable characters"
by JOEKATTOM (see profile) 11/16/09

"The girl with the dragon tattoo"
by danabond (see profile) 11/16/09
I was not able to really get into this book. The swedish language was hard to pronounce and understand. The book did not get interesting until mid ways.

"the middle of the book is awesome!"
by dani10019 (see profile) 11/17/09
beginning and end, however... were confusing and boring. still would recommend reading it.. good discussion for book club

"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
by jbizzell (see profile) 11/20/09
Larsson has woven a graphic and gripping story. The characters are uniquely flawed, but Michael and Lisbeth have their own redemptive qualities. I couldn't wait to see how it ended, and was sorry when... (read more)

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
by mhiemer (see profile) 11/20/09
Our club discussion of this book was quite good. Everyone seems to contribute and there were a lot of insights. It would be a book we would recommend.