Notes from 3/28/12 Book Club Meeting. . .

- How has Lisbeth’s character changed in the second book?

- She is okay with her role in the violence with the hotel guests.

- Theme of heroic behavior – she had reason to believe the husband was going to kill the wife

- Lisbeth has calculated behaviors to protect herself

- Why did Larsson choose to have Lisbeth alone for the introduction to this book? Perhaps for the reader to gain more insight into her character.

- In the first book she is “claustrophobic” by geography; in the second book she travels the world.

- As we move through the book we learn Blomkvist is sleeping w/Harriet. The idea that he “gets” any woman he comes into contact with.

- We see Lisbeth conforming to society. . .removing tattoos, etc.

- Was she traveling to reinvent herself or escape?

- Is this a metaphor for puberty with her getting breasts? Her development is out of sync.

- There is a hint of Aspergers in Lisbeth’s character i.e. inability to read social cues and meet developmental milestones.

- Blomkvist departs from his normal pattern by trying to contact Lisbeth ; he is preoccupied with contacting her.

- Hints that sex trafficking becomes will be a large theme in this book.

- Bjurman’s character in this book parallels with Martin’s character.

- Gender roles switched in this book. How much is cultural in this book? Blomkvist ‘s character is not that complex.

- It seemed okay that Lisbeth was having relationship with teenage boy (however, the gender reverse would have appeared more problematic). Brings up ideas of exploitation and sex tourism (she uses him and then leaves).

April Meeting - Tuesday, 4/17/12, from 12-1pm in UC 413
(finish the book - or as far as you can)

For the next meeting, please consider which movie would be best to screen for fall 2012. "The Girl w/Dragon Tattoo (American version)" or "The Girl Who Played with Fire (Swedish version)." Potential mid-September screening.

"The Girl Who Played with Fire" Spring Book Club Meetings

March Meeting: Wednesday, 3/28/12, from 12-1pm in UC 413

April Meeting: Tuesday, 4/17/12, from 12-1pm in UC 413

Light snacks will be served. If you have not started the book - that is fine. Join us!

3/7 Discussion Group: Reactions to the Movie

Some notes and thoughts from our meeting. . .

- Lisbeth’s character appears different in the Swedish film vs. the book

- Are the filmmakers disempowering females?

- Is Lisbeth’s character “eroticized” while being a “bad ass?”

- What effect did the sex scene have on our perceptions of Lisbeth and Blomkvist?

- Why did the film draw out her interactions with her guardian unlike the book?

- Noticeable in the Swedish version that Blomkvist wants Lisbeth to stay in his bed ? In the movie, her vulnerability is shown in the form of a kiss whereas the book was a gift.

- In the movie was she “more masculine” than the book?

- Who is Lisbeth supposed to be?

- In the movie, she visits her mother only once which is “more masculine” and in the book she visits several times.

- It would be interesting to see the gender of the film producers and script writers? How might the character’s portrayal be influenced?

- How was the strength of the characters depicted in the movie? The group believed the strength was limited in the movie given that the the book allows for more depth of the characters.

- How do we process the violence in the film? It is important to show people and get discussion. What if the film showed stats like the book?

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Would an American audience have viewed the film if it was called “Men who Hate Women?”

Ongoing question. . .why do we shy away from allowing women to use violence? Is all violence equal? What are we telling women about violence?

Start reading “The Girl Who Played With Fire.” 2 meetings will be scheduled 1) last week of March and 2) and 3^rd or 4^th week in April. Stay tuned!

Next Meeting

Please join us on Wednesday, March 7th from 12-1pm in at the Gender and Sexualities Center in UC 413 for a final discussion on The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and thoughts on the movie(s) vs. book.  

We'll also be making plans for next steps for the group - and you can pick up your free copy of The Girl Who Played With Fire.