Why did Libeth have a twin??

[M]

I was confused by that as well. I didn't quite understand the need to write in a sister character that isn't really developed. There is only one thing that comes to mind (and it is a weak idea at best). Her mother is the polar opposite of Zala and Lisbeth is just like her father, but with morals. In theory, Lisbeth would have some of her mom's personality too (not that we see too much of what her mom was like.) Twins is a simple way to split it. Lisbeth is essentially like her dad and her sister like her mom. It is a stretch though given the very little is said about the mom and the sister.

[M]

I must admit I was really hoping that the sister character would be developed in the last book.

[Rochelle]

Twins in literature are a common theme or conceit. Twins have special powers and special significance. they can be very close or polar opposites. The conceit of twins comes from mythology first and connotes mystery and super human power. Both Lizbeth and her brother have unusual powers and other worldly personalities. I think that Larsson was playing on this old literary tool.

[M]

Ok, that is interesting, I hadn't considered twins as a literary tool. The only thing is that Lisbeth's twin isn't her brother... I do think you may be on to something though.

[Leslie]

Rochelle wrote: "Twins in literature are a common theme or conceit. Twins have special powers and special significance. they can be very close or polar opposites. The conceit of twins comes from mythology first ..."

That's true. We might think of the twins Viola and Sebastian in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. I am currently reading Larsson's second novel The Girl Who Played with Fire, where the twin sister is mentioned. While my expectations for popular fiction are usually nothing more than escapism, this series really intrigues me - the characters have complexity and depth and toy with your imagination. My full review can be read at my blog.

Ex Lit Prof
www.the-reading-list.com

[Mimapdx]

I suspect Larsson planned on using Lisbeth's twin later on - since he originally wanted to do 10 books - but died before he had a chance to trully develop her character.

[M]

That is a good point. Has anyone watched the movies? I really enjoyed them!

[Carl]

I've seen the first film. While it was very good, as ever, the book is better.

[M]

Absolutely agree, but given the time constraints they did a great job with the movies. You should see the 2nd one. I must admit that I am irked that Hollywood has deemed it necessary to make their own version though...

[Carl]

M wrote: "Absolutely agree, but given the time constraints they did a great job with the movies. You should see the 2nd one. I must admit that I am irked that Hollywood has deemed it necessary to make their ..." the Second one isn't out in the UK until the end of the month. Will go see it for certain. Hollywood version with Daniel Craig worries me too, I think it will lack depth.

[M]

That is crazy that the movie is out here before it is out there... well, perhaps it is not. I am not well versed in the politics of movies. I just find it annoying that Hollywood seems to lack any original ideas (with a few exceptions). Why remake a movie that is already great? (They did it with Death at a Funeral too!)

[Alexa]

Leslie wrote: "Rochelle wrote: "Twins in literature are a common theme or conceit. Twins have special powers and special significance. they can be very close or polar opposites. The conceit of twins comes from..."
I think that too, and not just Camille but her half brothers and sisters