I didn't have a strong reaction to the book. I thought it was o.k. though meandering. Some of it was unbelievable. I agree with you about Michael being a fantasy character.

I watched the movie last night and if you hated the book you will hate the movie. As usual, the scenes which were added weren't good. The love life of MB in the book was left out, which was good. Some background info about Lisbeth is inserted, maybe from the second book.

I am not sure why the books have become such an international success.