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Afterword: Stieg Larsson: Four Essays and an Exchange of Emails
Published as a part of a Stieg Larsson boxed set along with the Millennium Trilogy - this volume includes essays on Stieg Larsson by Jonas Sundberg, Eva Gedin, John-Henri Holmberg and Svante Weyler as well as the text of emails to & from Larsson.
CONTENTS:
Stieg / Jonas Sundberg
Working with Stieg Larsson / Eva Gedin
The Larsson-Norstedts e-mail exchange
Stieg Larsson: the Un-Swedish Author / John-Henri Holmberg
The Stieg Larsson Phenomenon / Svante Weyler
CONTENTS:
Stieg / Jonas Sundberg
Working with Stieg Larsson / Eva Gedin
The Larsson-Norstedts e-mail exchange
Stieg Larsson: the Un-Swedish Author / John-Henri Holmberg
The Stieg Larsson Phenomenon / Svante Weyler
85 pages, Hardcover
First published November 26, 2010
5 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Stieg Larsson
95 books16.5k followersStieg Larsson (born as Karl Stig-Erland Larsson) was a Swedish journalist and writer who passed away in 2004.
As a journalist and editor of the magazine Expo , Larsson was active in documenting and exposing Swedish extreme right and racist organisations. When he died at the age of 50, Larsson left three unpublished thrillers and unfinished manuscripts for more. The first three books ( The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo , The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest ) have since been printed as the Millenium series. These books are all bestsellers in Sweden and in several other countries, including the United States and Canada.
Witnessed a rape when he was 15, and was helpless to stop it. This event haunted him for the rest of his life. The girl being raped was named Lisbeth, which he later used as the name of the heroine on his Millenium trilogy. Sexual violence against women is also a recurring theme in his work.
Personal quote:
To exact revenge for yourself or your friends is not only a right, it's an absolute duty.
As a journalist and editor of the magazine Expo , Larsson was active in documenting and exposing Swedish extreme right and racist organisations. When he died at the age of 50, Larsson left three unpublished thrillers and unfinished manuscripts for more. The first three books ( The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo , The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest ) have since been printed as the Millenium series. These books are all bestsellers in Sweden and in several other countries, including the United States and Canada.
Witnessed a rape when he was 15, and was helpless to stop it. This event haunted him for the rest of his life. The girl being raped was named Lisbeth, which he later used as the name of the heroine on his Millenium trilogy. Sexual violence against women is also a recurring theme in his work.
Personal quote:
To exact revenge for yourself or your friends is not only a right, it's an absolute duty.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 23, 2012
This book is an excellent companion for anyone who has read the Millennium trilogy. On Stieg Larsson provides insight into the author himself and into his motives behind writing the books, as well as what he hoped to accomplish with them.
The book is relatively short, only 85 pages, and features A few essays and some email correspondence between Stieg Larsson and the publisher of his books. These materials help the reader to gain a better image of what Stieg Larsson was like and why it would be so much better if he were still around to keep writing more books. There are some especially interesting parts where John-Henri Holmberg, a friend of Larsson's, talks about Larsson's motives behind the book and the ideologies that he is challenging with the series. One of my more favorite quotes is: " Much has been made of the fact that Salander refuses to be a victim. To that extent, she reflects the consensus view of Swedish feminism: women are almost inevitably victimized, but must refuse to succumb ; the feminist tenet is that women must organize to empower each other and to reject victimization." It goes on to discuss more about Lisbeth's refusal to be a victim as well as to be part of a collective.
Final Judgement: If you've read the Millennium books, you should absolutely read this if you can get your hands on it. It is insightful in so many ways, and it helps you to realize how truly unfortunate the world is to have lost Stieg Larsson.
The book is relatively short, only 85 pages, and features A few essays and some email correspondence between Stieg Larsson and the publisher of his books. These materials help the reader to gain a better image of what Stieg Larsson was like and why it would be so much better if he were still around to keep writing more books. There are some especially interesting parts where John-Henri Holmberg, a friend of Larsson's, talks about Larsson's motives behind the book and the ideologies that he is challenging with the series. One of my more favorite quotes is: " Much has been made of the fact that Salander refuses to be a victim. To that extent, she reflects the consensus view of Swedish feminism: women are almost inevitably victimized, but must refuse to succumb ; the feminist tenet is that women must organize to empower each other and to reject victimization." It goes on to discuss more about Lisbeth's refusal to be a victim as well as to be part of a collective.
Final Judgement: If you've read the Millennium books, you should absolutely read this if you can get your hands on it. It is insightful in so many ways, and it helps you to realize how truly unfortunate the world is to have lost Stieg Larsson.
August 28, 2015
Great little book packed with insights into Stieg Larsson's life, career, and ideas behind his much beloved Millennium series from the people who knew him best.
"Much has been made of the fact that Salander refuses to be a victim. To that extent, she reflects the consensus view of Swedish feminism: women are almost inevitably victimized, but must refuse to succumb; the feminist tenet is that women must organize to empower each other and to reject victimization. However, the point in Stieg Larsson's novels is that Lisbeth Salander refuses not only to be a victim, but also to seek fulfillment in a collective stand or seek redress through institutionalized means. When wronged, she will avenge herself. She has no interest in being nurturing, and rejects the notion that this is a role natural to women. She has no interest in analysing or "working on" her relationships and rejects the notion that this is how women are supposed to be. She distrusts the authorities, refuses to complain and instead acts on her own to gain and guard her rights. She rejects the consensus doctrine and trusts only in her own judgment and morality. She rejects the notion that women should dress and act to please men and instead dresses and acts to please herself. She rejects both the heterosexual norm and the idea of lesbian exclusivity, and seeks erotic fulfillment with those individuals she is attracted to, regardless of gender. She is, in short, the nightmare of all doctrines, all consensus thinkers, all moralists and all politicians; the individual complete unto herself, with neither need of nor respect for authority, traditions, public opinion, established morality or accepted behaviour.
... And in that sense, and as she is also resourceful, strong, intelligent and willing to act, she is a heroine."
"Much has been made of the fact that Salander refuses to be a victim. To that extent, she reflects the consensus view of Swedish feminism: women are almost inevitably victimized, but must refuse to succumb; the feminist tenet is that women must organize to empower each other and to reject victimization. However, the point in Stieg Larsson's novels is that Lisbeth Salander refuses not only to be a victim, but also to seek fulfillment in a collective stand or seek redress through institutionalized means. When wronged, she will avenge herself. She has no interest in being nurturing, and rejects the notion that this is a role natural to women. She has no interest in analysing or "working on" her relationships and rejects the notion that this is how women are supposed to be. She distrusts the authorities, refuses to complain and instead acts on her own to gain and guard her rights. She rejects the consensus doctrine and trusts only in her own judgment and morality. She rejects the notion that women should dress and act to please men and instead dresses and acts to please herself. She rejects both the heterosexual norm and the idea of lesbian exclusivity, and seeks erotic fulfillment with those individuals she is attracted to, regardless of gender. She is, in short, the nightmare of all doctrines, all consensus thinkers, all moralists and all politicians; the individual complete unto herself, with neither need of nor respect for authority, traditions, public opinion, established morality or accepted behaviour.
... And in that sense, and as she is also resourceful, strong, intelligent and willing to act, she is a heroine."
September 13, 2011
A short collection of essays about Larsson (and some email correspondence between him and his publisher)and about the process by which these books came to be published. What a fascinating person he was and what an untimely death. Larsson actually died before any of the books were published, but he did express that the first three were conceived of as a trilogy and delivered them basically all at the same time.
It was really interesting to read about Larsson's background and gain some insight into the creation of his characters. He describes Lisbeth Salander as basically a grown-up Pippi Longstocking after thinking about what Pippi might be like as an adult and what the world would think about her. Would they think she was a sociopath? Or just an outcast?
I also liked hearing about Larsson's political leanings and activism. It sounds like he had a really low tolerance for bullshit and didn't put up with racism or sexism of any kind. He was also a critic of Swedish society and these essays also shed some light on the problems of the welfare state that are highlighted by Larsson in the books.
More than anything, it made him very human. Seems like Larsson was a pretty amazing guy doing good things in the world. It's unfortunate that his life ended so abruptly.
It was really interesting to read about Larsson's background and gain some insight into the creation of his characters. He describes Lisbeth Salander as basically a grown-up Pippi Longstocking after thinking about what Pippi might be like as an adult and what the world would think about her. Would they think she was a sociopath? Or just an outcast?
I also liked hearing about Larsson's political leanings and activism. It sounds like he had a really low tolerance for bullshit and didn't put up with racism or sexism of any kind. He was also a critic of Swedish society and these essays also shed some light on the problems of the welfare state that are highlighted by Larsson in the books.
More than anything, it made him very human. Seems like Larsson was a pretty amazing guy doing good things in the world. It's unfortunate that his life ended so abruptly.
June 2, 2012
I only read the 1st 2 books and cant wait to read the third , but i had to read these before continuing . I have to say i was really bumped when i knew that Stieg died before his books where even published or even getting to enjoy any of the money the sure would have made him as rich as hell.
The thing that really saddened me was that he was planning to make 5 which after that decided to make them 10 .. which means that we wouldnt be able to enjoy more great novels by this great and unique writer .
The thing that really saddened me was that he was planning to make 5 which after that decided to make them 10 .. which means that we wouldnt be able to enjoy more great novels by this great and unique writer .
August 1, 2011
I enjoyed reading about Stieg Larsson and his interesting if shortened life. The development of his Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series and its relation to the adventures of his real life were very revealing. This is one case where understanding a bit more about the author amplified the reading of the novels.
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August 29, 2022this as a project— posthumous publication of private emails for profit on the part of the editors involved— felt exploitative.
August 31, 2024
3.5 stars. A short, but enlightening look at Larsson. The inclusion of email correspondence is quite cool.
January 8, 2011
This slim volume contains essays on Larsson plus some email correspondence betwee Larsson and his original editor; it accompanies the special Knopf boxed hardcover set of THE MILLENNIUJ TRILOGY. It is an excellent accompaniment to the novels. Larsson was a fascinating person, a tremendously talented writer, an intrepid journalist, and a principled crusader for human rights and equality. His untimely death was a tragedy for those who loved and cared about him as well as for the artistic community and for people internationally who care about human intolerance.
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August 5, 2012I'm glad I read this. I didn't know much about Stieg much less that he was male and deceased. I found it interesting that he had intended on expanding the trilogy. It's a shame that he won't be alive to continue the series.
March 20, 2012
very interesting and so sad!!!
May 19, 2012
This was a very interesting read on the life and death of Stieg Larsson. I am fascinated and very ready to dive into The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo.
June 17, 2012
This compilation gives a little insight into the writer who died too young. Who knows what he would've accomplished!
August 10, 2013
Interesting insight into the author's life and his own thoughts on his books, as well as commentary on the books and main characters.
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August 25, 2019It was an interesting read. I have to admit it’s not something I would have put my hands of if it wasn’t because it came with the box set, and I decided to read it just now that I finished the trilogy because there will be no better time than this.
Larsson was indeed a character, and you can see that in his books. A sense of melancholy keeps coming back, that was there when I was finishing the third book and now while reading this: the fact that he’s dead, how he missed all the success of his work, the injustice of his estate, and the forever “what could have been” if he hadn’t died and finished everything else he wanted to write.
I won’t read what’s next. As his partner said quite rightly, I don’t know how I feel about a ghost writer finishing a book based on a third of it. I think I loved these characters and Larsson’s style too much like to venture in what someone else has done with them, because I might not be able to remove the bad taste if there is one. I much rather to finish here and keep the good memories.
Larsson was indeed a character, and you can see that in his books. A sense of melancholy keeps coming back, that was there when I was finishing the third book and now while reading this: the fact that he’s dead, how he missed all the success of his work, the injustice of his estate, and the forever “what could have been” if he hadn’t died and finished everything else he wanted to write.
I won’t read what’s next. As his partner said quite rightly, I don’t know how I feel about a ghost writer finishing a book based on a third of it. I think I loved these characters and Larsson’s style too much like to venture in what someone else has done with them, because I might not be able to remove the bad taste if there is one. I much rather to finish here and keep the good memories.
December 28, 2021
"On Steig Larssson" by Steig Larsson in a collection of emails and articles he wrote along with others who knew him provided insight into the one of the best selling authors of modern times. He was the second-best-selling fiction author in the world for 2008, owing to the success of the English translation of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. The second and third novels in the Millennium trilogy were also massive best sellers, leading to 80 million copies sold worldwide. Alas, all this success came posthumously. Steig Larsson died of a heart attack on November 9th, 2004. The emails between himself, his publishers, colleagues and friends are very insightful. Although, his journalistic work covered socialist politics and he acted as an independent researcher of right-wing extremism, everyone in the emails knew these novels were going to change his life, they knew the series was going to be a massive seller. If you have read the Millennium trilogy, this book is a nice bonus. I just picked it up now and again but it was interesting.
June 16, 2020
If you are a fan of the 'Girl in the Dragon Tattoo' series of books, this is a small but guilty little pleasure. Steig Larsson died, at only fifty years-old, before the books that would make him famous were released. There are, therefore, no YouTube clips, no authors' interviews and no news clips from anywhere. In this precious little companion to the three-part hardback set, we get to witness Larsson's email exchanges leading up to the publication of the first book. It makes for fascinating reading and great insight for fans.
October 2, 2019
Loved to read this book, It makes you appreciate even more, the millennium story and the characters development as well.
Larsson was definitely a brilliant mind and although, he didn't live long enough to see his creation come true, I'm sure that he will live among the pages of this fantastic story, forever!
Larsson was definitely a brilliant mind and although, he didn't live long enough to see his creation come true, I'm sure that he will live among the pages of this fantastic story, forever!
October 25, 2020
Truly interesting - what more to say? Stieg - the man, the author, the friend, the collaborator - in various roles and relationships. Many some insights into Swedish society as well as literary traditions. I learned things I didn't even know I wanted to learn. (Sorry if that sounds silly.) So glad I read it.
September 2, 2020
Not really my cup of tea. Mostly biographical if you are interested in Larsson.
December 21, 2020
A very interesting read not only on Steig but on Sweden. Explored some solids themes within crime books and history as well. I really enjoyed it. Also a beautiful coffee table book!
December 7, 2025
Short and disjointed on account of being a collection of essays and emails rather than a coherent story. Still very interesting for anybody who liked the Millennium trilogy.
February 9, 2017
When I received the Millennium Trilogy a few years ago for Christmas this small book of essays was part of the box set. I set it aside and always planned to read it but never got to it until now. It is a collection of essays from those who knew Stieg Larsson, mostly the essays are about his writing process for his famous series, but some are about his political activism and journalism starting in the 1970s and going all the way through til his death in 2004.
I never knew much about Larsson besides the fact that he wrote the trilogy but did not live to see them published. This book gives a small glimpse into the life of Larsson and I learned quite a bit about him as well as the state of Sweden. It was a very informative read, though probably not a very balanced one as all of the essay writers are self-professed friends of Larsson. Its a good read and I recommend it to those wanting to learn more about him.
I never knew much about Larsson besides the fact that he wrote the trilogy but did not live to see them published. This book gives a small glimpse into the life of Larsson and I learned quite a bit about him as well as the state of Sweden. It was a very informative read, though probably not a very balanced one as all of the essay writers are self-professed friends of Larsson. Its a good read and I recommend it to those wanting to learn more about him.
May 4, 2016
Livro interessante para colocar o “legado” de Stieg Larsson em perspectiva. Neste livro fica-se a saber um pouco mais sobre o autor, sobre a interacção dele com a editora, a recepção dos livros, e um pouco de contextualização do autor no panorama da literatura sueca (dentro do género de policial). A análise de Holmberg é particularmente relevante, pois faz uma crítica multifacetada de Stieg, e sobre como o autor e a sua obra devem ser entendidos (de acordo com as circunstâncias e com o contexto biográfico). Como é claro, o livro acaba por ser mais uma glorificação ao autor do que propriamente uma crítica imparcial.
January 28, 2012
This book was a great insight into the author of the Millennium trilogy. I read it after reading the trilogy and it actually made me like the series more, especially to hear, well read what the author wrote while working on it. It's sad to have him pass away so young at 50, especially because I think, well know after reading this book, that he had more great novels in him. Plus it's an easy quick read, only took me a little more than hour and that was stopping because of distractions.
May 12, 2015
Short and sweet. Provides just enough context to demonstrate the drive Larsson possessed, why he was so private, and the setting in which his death and the posthumous publication of his books took place.
August 19, 2016
Another book that Goodreads decided to remove from my shelves, along with my review of this book. Yay.
April 26, 2017
I knew that the Millennium books were published posthumously. I assumed that meant that he hadn't tried to publish them himself. Now I know that it was his decision, and that he died before the process could be completed. It's neat to see some insight into his mind, and his work on far-right extremism. It certainly informs his books!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews