The Girl Who Played With Fire

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Reflect on the reveal in Part 4 that exposes Lisbeth’s past. How did this information change your perception of Lisbeth and her actions?

2. How do Larsson’s themes relate to your own life? Have you encountered or heard about systemic injustices or flaws in the social systems of your own country? Could Lisbeth’s story happen in your town/city?

3. Lisbeth is a divisive character; some feel that her violence is not always justified, while others relish how she avenges her mother and other people who have experienced abuse. How did you judge Lisbeth’s morals and actions?

4. The novel takes place in Sweden, but the issues that Larsson examines are common around the world. What elements of the novel seem uniquely Swedish? Did any events stand out as being removed from your own community and culture?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. In addition to critiquing patriarchy and misogyny, Larsson makes a broader point about the many ways in which the media influences people’s opinions and actions. How did the novel impact your view of journalism’s impact on society?

2. The novel takes place in the early 2000s, when the Internet was just beginning to develop into the phenomenon that it is today. How does this distinct temporal setting influence the narrative’s relevance to modern-day readers?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Larsson creates many characters and narratives within the novel, often switching rapidly between them. How does the author use this tactic to heighten suspense? In which scenes does this structure intensify, and why?

2. Select one character who represents toxic masculinity and another who represents a more egalitarian approach to daily interactions and relationships. What is each character’s role in the novel, and how does Larsson use these figures to engage in a broader critique of the flaws of Swedish society?

3. A major motif in the novel involves side commentary from characters like Faste and Hedstrom, who deliver hurtful comments about women. How does this motif inform the issue of “men who hate women”? Is it effective in illustrating Larsson’s point, or is it gratuitous?