Notes from our 2.7.12 Book Club Meeting. . .

- The group would like to continue the book club with reading “The Girl Who Played With Fire” next.

-The film screening of the Swedish version will be screened on 2/28 at 6pm in Mariaschi. Followed by a discussion lead by USF faculty. All are welcome!

-Is the violence gratuitous? The theme of retribution is in question. What is just and fair? Lisbeth agreed to hide the evidence and make a financial donation instead of going to the police.

-Is this really a feminist text? In the end Salander didn’t end up with Blomkvist. Lisbeth is functioning on “getting through” not a place of social empowerment. What are Lisbeth’s motivations?

-One member researched more about Larsson which brings up the question on how Larsson’s life experience lead him to an anti-violence stance? What is the connection between anti-facism and feminism for Larsson?

-If a female author had written the book how would the reader’s experience been different? Discussion ensued about whether the male author makes the text feel voyeuristic. How would it be different if a male had been sexually assaulted in the book?

- Does the graphic nature of the book contribute to the success of the book? Does it minimize the violence?

-Why does Martin continue the cycle of assault and not Harriet? The cycle of violence is depicted here. Lisbeth frequently has “feminist moments” where she notes that violence is not okay.

- How do we reconcile Henrik Vanger’s inability to see what was happening to Harriett? Perhaps he was so close to the problem he could not see it.

-Let’s look at the role of 1) parents and 2) religion. A parallel can be drawn between Henrik and Harriett’s relationship and Blomkvist and his daughter. Religion has an unbalanced theme in the book. Blomkvist had the realization that he should be more involved with his daughter and she is vulnerable. How does the role of mothers in the book show the patriarchal nature of the book?

Next meetings (Megan will organize dates):

*Meet week after 2/28 movie screening to discuss movie vs. book
* Meet after spring break to go over the first 100 pages of “The Girl Who Played With Fire.”
*Meet late April for final discussion of “The Girl Who Played With Fire.”

Please contribute to this blog with your thoughts and reactions!