In discussing the Stieg Larsson’s novel, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, with a friend yesterday, I was reminded about why I like reading this book so much. She mentioned the author’s mingling of social commentary with his story. I’ve always regarded Sweden as this sexually liberal country that was so far ahead of many others in its open acceptance of different lifestyles. So, like my friend, we were both surprised to read about the strong Nazi element there during World War II and also the high percentage of sexually assaulted women in their culture. From what I gather, the women do not feel safe in reporting sexual abuse. Not knowing much about their justice system, if what I read is true, even though it’s fiction (and all fiction is based on some truth), it’s startling to think that there are all these women there who believe they would not get a fair hearing. Stunning!
