Men who did not love women is a crime novel written by Stieg Larsson. It was published in 2005, a year after the author's death, and is the first book in the series Millennium. Its launch was a success, as it sold millions of copies in a short time.
The story introduces Michael Blomkvist (journalist) y a Lisbet Salander (hacker), who will come together to solve a case involving an important Swedish family. This first adventure was adapted to the cinema twice; the first, in 2009 through a production company in Sweden. Then, in 2011, the American version was released, where actor Daniel Craig and actress Rooney Mara formed the leading couple.
Men who did not love women
Men who did not love women is a Novelty that starts the trilogy Millennium. The history takes place in Sweden in 2002, and its theme revolves around the disappearance of the 16-year-old Harriet Vanger, which occurred almost four decades ago. To figure out what happened to the once-adolescent, the Vangers contacted the investigator and computer hacker Lisbet Salander and the journalist Mikael Blomkvist.
Synopsis
Mikael Blomkvist is a journalist and editor of the Swedish political magazine Millennium. The plot places him going through a bad time after losing a defamation lawsuit against industrialist Hans-Erik Wennerström. Blomkvist pointed out that the businessman was corrupt, however, the court found the evidence to be inconclusive and forced the journalist to serve three months in jail and pay a costly fine.
Later, Henrik Vanger —Former director of Vanger Corporation— contact Lisbet Salander to investigate Blomkvist. After the report is delivered, Vanger decides to hire the journalist to investigate about the disappearance of his great-niece Harriet, occurred 36 years ago. In exchange, he offers strong evidence against Wennerström; convinced of the reward, Blomkvist accepts.
The journalist travels to Hedeby Island, place inhabited by the Vanger and where the disappearance of Harriet occurred. There he will meet Martin —Brother of the missing girl— and other family members, as well as some associates of the company.
In the middle of the investigation, Blomkvist will have the support of Salander, who will help you put the pieces of the puzzle together until you reach the surprising outcome.
Disappearance
In 1966 the Vangers were gathered at a family farm located on Hedeby Island. What was a usual moment of harmony and relaxation, suddenly turned into something exasperating after the Harriet's disappearance.
The circumstances were very strange, the police teams searched tirelessly without finding any kind of trace. Over time, the case was closed, no evidence to confirm his death, kidnapping or unexpected escape.
Research
Upon reaching the island, Mikael Blomkvist interviews several of Harriet's relatives, including his mother and brother - who is the new director of the company. Within your research find clues that had gone unnoticed: two pictures of the young woman in high school y his diary. The latter contained five names and numbers, which are a mystery.
Pernilla (Blomkvist's daughter) is passing through the island and helps solve the enigma. The discovery leads the journalist to the murder of a secretary of the Vanger company, which occurred in 1949. Blomkvist contacted Henrik, made him aware of the situation and asked for his support. who intuits that he is a serial killer. Immediately, the businessman decides to send Lisbet Salander to do a double with Mikael and thus expedite the case.
Star couple
Once Lisbet joins Blomkvist's investigation, they finish solving the mystery immersed in Harriet's diary. That information led them to discover cases of several missing women; the numbers indicated verses of the bible where strong divine punishments were described. This confirms the journalist's theory: this is a serial killer.
Later they discover a terrible situation: Martin —Harriet's brother— is responsible for raping and killing many women. By confronting him, he confirms these heinous crimes and confesses that he learned everything from his father, Geoffrey Vanger. Despite having declared all those inhumane acts, Martin claims to know nothing about what happened to his sister.
Geoffrey Vanger —The head of the family— turned out to be the material author of the cases to which the riddle in the diary; In addition, another horrendous crime is revealed: he sexually abused his two children repeatedly.
Martin, after being discovered, corner Lisbet and Mikael to assassinate them, but they they achieve escape. From there, they begin to connect the dots and an incredible discovery is made that allows the case to be solved, finding Harriet's whereabouts.
About the Author
Karl Stig-Erland Larsson was Swedish writer and journalist born on August 15 from 1954 in the town of Skelleftea. His parents — Vivianne Boström and Erland Larsson — were very young and under-resourced when they conceived him; because of this, Stieg was raised by his grandparents in the country.
When he was 9 years old, his grandfather passed away, prompting him to return to Umeå with his parents. Three years later, received a typewriter and dedicated himself to writing every night, since from a very young age he suffered from insomnia. His relatives were affected by the noise of the device and sent him to the basement; This uncomfortable situation made Stieg decide to go independent.
Work done
Despite not having a university degree, Stieg worked for 22 consecutive years as a graphic designer at the news affiliate Tidningarnas Telegrambyrå (TT). Also He was a political activist and led several protests against the Vietnam War, racism and the extreme right. Thanks to this, he met Eva Gabrielsson, who was his partner for more than 30 years.
In 1995, was part of the creators of the Expo Foundation, established to investigate and document acts of discrimination and the anti-democratic guidelines of the community. Four years later directed the magazine Exhibition, there he did hard work as a journalist. Despite his struggle to keep the magazine in force, it finally closed because it did not receive the necessary support.
He produced several books based on journalistic inquiries on the presence of Nazis in the Swedish country and the connection with the current government. Due to this and their active presence in the protests, He was threatened with death several times. This was one of the main reasons why he avoided marrying Eva, to protect her integrity.
Death
Stieg Larsson died in Stockholm on November 9, 2004 of a heart attack. It is presumed that this was motivated by the fact that the Swedish writer was a chain smoker, night owl, and junk food lover.
Posthumous publication
Days before his unexpected death, the writer had completed the third part of the trilogy Millennium. At that time its editor was working on the first volume called Men who did not love women. This book was published a year after his death and became a resounding success. The publisher assures that this saga has sold more than 75 million copies.